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Meeting an illustrator in person can be a life changing experience for a child.
Since 1999 I’ve been visiting classrooms and inspiring kids to write their own
stories, draw their own characters, and create their own books. One of my
favorite parts about making picture books is getting a chance to show kids
how I do it, and how they can too!

Programs
I have three programs and one workshop that cover grades K-8.
They can be structured to suit the students' regular schedules.
Each presentation can be for an individual class, an entire grade, or a combination of grades.
Please do not combine grades K-1 with older students.
Each workshop is limited to approximately 35 students so that
I can provide the greatest possible attention to each student.

Grades Pre-K - 1 30 minutes I will read from one of my books and talk with the class about how the illustrations help to tell the story. We'll also talk a little about my process of making the paintings for books. I'll share my sketches and original art before I demonstrate how to draw one of my characters. Then students will have a chance to add their own characters to their drawings. We'll close with a brief show and tell of their work.
	Grades 2-6 45-60 minutes This program explains everything you've ever wanted to know about illustration. I'll discuss the processes I use to create both children's books and murals while presenting a step-by-step slide presentation. Students will see how original concepts develop into final painted artwork. They'll learn about the role of an editor and how authors and illustrators collaborate on a project. I'll also talk about my studio, my materials, and how modern technology affects my processes. Students will be encouraged to ask questions during the Q and A section, before we close with a sneak preview of my current and upcoming projects.
Grades 7-8 45-60 minutes My program for grades 7-8 includes all of the material from my grade 2-6 presentations plus information about creating images as a business as well as an art. I'll discuss my processes for finding new projects to work on, promoting my own projects to publishers, and a more in-depth look at how each project develops.

Drawing Workshops

grades 2-8
30 minutes - limited to approximately 35 students

My interactive drawing workshops are geared for smaller groups from grades 2-8 with a particular interest in drawing.
During the first half of the workshop, I demonstrate how to illustrate a character based on suggestions from participating students. Then, in the second half, students have the chance to create their own characters while I offer individual tips and suggestions. It's an exciting opportunity to work closely with an illustrator and experience the process first-hand.

Fees for 2008

Schools: $1000 per day. One day includes up to 4 hours of programs plus a book signing session at the end of the day.    A single day visit may be at one school or shared with another nearby school for a half day at each.

Travel expenses may be added for schools more than an hour drive from Northampton, MA.
For school visits requiring air travel, a two-day minimum visit is required.
The contact host will reserve and pay for the hotel as well as coordinate the schedule.
    I will arrange the air travel to be reimbursed by the school. Payment is due on the day of my visit.

    A single day of school visits may include any combination of presentations and workshops totaling up to four hours. Here are some examples of possible one-day visits:

    A single one-hour presentation for grades 2-6 plus six half-hour workshops.

    Three one-hour presentations for grades 3-5 plus two half-hour workshops.

    One half-hour presentation for K-1, two one-hour presentations for 2-5, three half-hour workshops.

    Etc…

Equipment

Here is a list of equipment that the school should provide for my visit:

    • A digital video projector that I can connect my laptop computer to
    • A screen or white wall to project my images onto
    • A room that can be darkened enough to view the projected images
    • A microphone for groups larger than 50
    • Crayons, paper, and drawing surfaces for students in grades K-1
    • Pencils, paper, and drawing surfaces for students in grades 2-8 participating in a workshop
    • A table for me to work at during workshops

Book Signings

Sometimes schools and PTAs organize book sales to help pay for my visit.

I will be glad to autograph any books that the school has ready before I leave at the end of the day. With each book to be signed, please include a slip with the name of the person to whom the book is to be personalized. Also, please provide a quiet place for me to sign the books. Please don't have kids wait in line for autographed books. It can take a long time to sign a large stack of books and kids sometimes get a little unruly if they have to wait. You know how it is!

Book Orders

To Order Books
From Simon and Schuster
Call 1-800-976-1726

To Order Books
From Harcourt
Call 1-800-543-1918

To Order Books
From Barnes And Noble
Click The Link On Each
Book's Web Page

Scheduling a Visit

If you would like to schedule a visit, or have additional questions about my programs, please click here to email me.
I generally start booking a year in advance, and requests are first come, first served. I look forward to hearing from you.

Bookmarks

If you would like to print out bookmarks with my signature for your students, please click here.