PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
My program usually runs from 50 minutes to an hour (shortened to about 30-40 minutes for Kindergartners). I usually do 4 presentations in a day but some schools schedule only 3.

Though my presentation might vary a bit each time, I typically spend about 20 minutes doing a Powerpoint presentation about my books, where I live, my favorite childhood books, my childhood art, college artwork, samples from my first job as an illustrator at Hallmark Cards and a sneak preview of what I'm working on at the moment (all shortened for the younger set). We do some interactive things from my books and I talk about my writing/illustrating process and what it's like to write a book and how they can become better writers. Then for about 12-15 minutes we all draw together. I show the kids how to draw a couple characters from my books and also a few cartooning tips. At the end we spend about 10 minutes doing Q&A.

AV/PROGRAM NEEDS
*computer/projector to show my Powerpoint presentation

*an easel and paper and a couple colored markers (nothing fancy)

*a cd player to play a song from a book I illustrated, Me and My Animal Friends. I know computers can play a cd but I use Powerpoint to flip through the pages of the book and can never flip from the cd mode on the computer back to Powerpoint in time to synchronize the words of the song with the slide so a separate cd player works best if possible.  

*a microphone (unless I'm in a library talking to a small group)

*And last but not least, please have the students bring paper/pencil and a hard surface (book, clipboard, etc) to use as a "table" so they can draw along with me. It always ends up being one of their favorite parts of my presentation and it really gets them thinking about character development. Even the Pre-K and Kindergartners do GREAT with this and they're always so proud of their drawings when they're done! 

IDEAL SCENARIO
I’m most comfortable speaking to elementary kids since my books are geared for that age group. 
If possible, I prefer to present in a library or similar setting rather than an auditorium or gymnasium. This way I have more interaction with the students because they’re not as spread out and the room isn’t so echo-y. BUT if an auditorium or gym is the only option that’s fine. If you're scheduling more than one grade per presentation please keep age-groups similar (i.e., K/1st, 2nd/3rd, 4th/5th).

On a side note, the more the teachers and/or librarians can do to familiarize the students with my books before my visit, THE BETTER!!!! If the kids have read some of my books before my visit they get much more engaged in my presentation, they always have more specific/insightful questions and it's just more fun for all of us! If you're interested you can go to my website and find activities to integrate some of my books into your classroom, too.

BOOK SALES
If you'd like to sell books I'd be happy to sign them (with a drawing in each one!). You can order them from your favorite local bookstore (which is always nice) or if you'd like to order them through my publisher, Henry Holt, they give schools a good discount. If you're interested please call the special sales department at 800-221-7945/ext.5370.

COST
For FEES and SCHEDULE please e-mail me at schoolvisit@lauriekeller.com.
Schools pay for travel and lodging.