Mara
Rockliff
children's
author
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School Visits
Bring an
author to your school! A visit typically includes 2 or 3 assemblies (up to an hour each--mix and match the programs described below), plus autographing time for discounted preordered books.
The Secret Life of a Writer
Writer reveals all! Find out what editors are really thinking when they send a polite letter of rejection (hint: it involves a toilet and a toad). Experience the dreaded Attack of the Polka-Dotted Underpants. Discover the shocking truth about writers, hairbrushes, and pajamas--and more. Between laughs, students learn all about writing and publishing, from the importance of revision to the fact that children's authors are real people who love to hear from kids.Grade level: K-2 or 3-5
Presentation length: 20-30 minutes
Equipment and materials needed: Powerpoint projector and screen
Be My Illustrator!
In this hands-on activity, children learn about the parts of a book and the people involved in putting a book together. What do authors and illustrators do? How do readers decide whether or not to pick up a book? Can you judge a book by its cover? I read aloud my picture book The Busiest Street in Town (forthcoming from Knopf), and the group brainstorms ideas for illustrations. Then each child gets a "book cover" coloring sheet to design, share, and bring home.Grade level: preK-2
Presentation length: 30-45 minutes
Equipment and materials needed: photocopier (1 page/child); crayons, markers, or colored pencils
Pieces of Another World
A lively, interactive reading of my picture book Pieces of Another World, the story of a girl named Jody whose father wakes her up and takes her on a mysterious nighttime journey ending in her first meteor shower. Can be followed by Q&A or combined with any of the other presentations.Grade level: preK-2 or 3-5
Presentation length: 15-20 minutes
Equipment and materials needed: small groups--none; assemblies--Powerpoint projector and screen
The Meteor and Me
Where do authors get their ideas? In this entertaining slide show, students see how stories from our own lives can be transformed into fiction and hear about the meteors in my life, including the famous Peekskill meteorite that crashed into the trunk of a teenage girl's car in 1992.Grade level: 2-4
Presentation length: 15-20 minutes (follows Pieces of Another World reading)
Equipment and materials needed: Powerpoint projector and screen
Selling autographed books is an easy fundraiser for your school, library, or other nonprofit organization, and it gets kids and parents excited about an upcoming author visit. To find out how to order Pieces of Another World at a substantial discount, call Sylvan Dell Publishing toll-free at 877-958-2600 or email info@SylvanDellPublishing.com.
Are you in Virginia? The Virginia Commission for the Arts will pay up to 50% of my fee. See their website for guidelines and a brief application.
School year 2007-2008
My schedule is full--sorry! Please
consider inviting one of these talented Virginia children's authors to
your school:
Moira Rose Donohue
Jennifer Elvgren
Alison Hart
Barbara Kanninen
Kathy May
Kim Norman
Or try one of these great online resources:
America Writes for Kids!
The Children's Book Council
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Virginia State Reading Association
Moira Rose Donohue
Jennifer Elvgren
Alison Hart
Barbara Kanninen
Kathy May
Kim Norman
Or try one of these great online resources:
America Writes for Kids!
The Children's Book Council
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Virginia State Reading Association
"Thank you so much for coming to A.G. Richardson to give such a fantastic presentation to our students. It was a pleasure for students and teachers alike to share in your wonderful story and life as an author. You inspired the students not only to enjoy reading but to become talented writers."
Michelle Allaire,
Culpeper, VA
Culpeper, VA
". . . everyone was enthralled and delighted to have you at the preschool Wednesday reading your book. And since I’ve brought it home, I’ve read it to my children at least 10 times--they can’t get enough."
Jennifer McCune,
Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Author Visit Links
Toni Buzzeo's tips for a successful author visit
Cynthia Leitich Smith and Jennifer Ward on how to get a grant for an author visit
Jim Magdanz answers author visit FAQs
Looking for a local author? America Writes for Kids! gives links to author websites by state.
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© 2007 Mara Rockliff. All rights reserved.