I focus on the process of creating a book in multimedia, which chronicles the steps from my journal entries through initial sketches to the creation of the final artwork. I conclude with a "Reading Rainbow"-like presentation of the book that I have focused on, taking questions from the students. I believe that if children identify with both my struggle and accomplishments, they gain confidence in their own expression. They begin to see themselves as competent creative people.

Letters of Recommendation
• Bob Taft, Governor, State of Ohio
• Fayette County Board of Education, West Virginia
• Wickliffe Information Alternative Elementary School, Ohio
• Singapore American School
• More references available upon request. Just contact me.

On-Site Autographing
Some schools wish to order copies of my books, which I am happy to autograph. This can be done through a local bookstore or directly from the publishers at a discount. If you want me to autograph the books, please allow adequate time, about one to two minutes per book.

I do not sign scraps of paper, but will be glad to send a bookmark to you to be copied for the students, to give every child a souvenir of the day.

Want to have books for your class pre-signed and save up to 20%?
Skip the hassle of ordering books from various publishers. Try this idea!

If you're scheduling a classroom visit and would like me to sign copies of my books, why not take care of it ahead of time? This will free up my time while there so I can focus more on interacting with the class and less on burying my nose and pen in books. Your school will even get a discount (up to 20%) on the books.

Just call The Bookshelf, Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio, or The Blue Marble Children's Bookstore in Thomas, Kentucky, to find out more and to set things up. Then three weeks before I'm scheduled to visit, email the Bookshelf a final book list with the names you'd like to have inscribed. They'll take care of the rest and I'll show up with your class' books personalized with an autograph. Simple, huh! (Sorry, this is not available to schools that I'm not driving to.)

The Bookshelf, Inc.
7754 Camargo Road
Cincinnati, OH 45243-2661
(513)271-9141
bookshelf@fuse.net

The Blue Marble Children's Bookstore
1356 South Fort Thomas Avenue
Fort Thomas, Kentucky 41075
Phone: 859-781-0602   FAX: 859-781-0728

Facilities Needed for an Author Visit
I use a very bright LCD projector for my multimedia presentations. I like to bring my own because I know how it works. I prefer a large room that can easily fit all of the students comfortably. Note: the older the students, the bigger the space needed).

The image that I project will show up better if the room provided can be darkened. Shades will need to be pulled down as sunlight will need to be blocked as much as possible. Remember that this may create conditions with the the students present that could become a bit stuffy, so a quiet fan can be a big help. Once the room is set up, it best for me to stay in that room rather that moving about to various different rooms.

I will need the following equipment for presentations:

• A slide screen (9 x 6 feet is ideal). I've found projecting on walls is not as effective.
• Media table for the projector & extension cords if needed. Carpet or tape to cover the cords.
• Two folding tables for display, set on opposite sides of the screen.
• A lapel microphone, if you have one. If not, don't worry, I have a working microphone. If you have a microphone stand that would be helpful.

My Presentations
I have created multimedia presentations to help explain my process and books. Student see how I use my "idea journal". They will also witness how my rough sketches grow as I work. All authors, young and old, realize that there are forks in the road of the creative process. Students will see how I work though the tricky parts of book making and how I overcome the regular frustration of authorship. My audience will also see how I make the final artwork.

You will see where I work (at home). Where my ideas come from and how I turn them into stories and books. The group will enjoy a "READING RAINBOW"-like presentation of the story that I have focused on. I think that is the best way for them to put into context what I do as an author and illustrator (we all love a good story anyway!). I have made many different kinds of books for children and like to match up one of my books that fits their interest best. So each session may focus on a different book. I find that way I can go into much more depth about that particular book.

My goal is to leave my audience inspired and geared up to create their own work, and personally discover the great joy and passion for books and knowledge that has always been within them.

NOTE: For Kindergarten, I do use more than one title, to keep things moving along for them. For older students and adult audiences I go into a lot more detail about the process of writing, revising, submitting, and working with the editor and art director.

For primary grades, the presentation takes about 45 minutes, including questions. For older students and adult audiences I usually take closer to 60 minutes, including questions if time permits.

Accommodations & Expenses
If the location is further than fifty miles from my home expenses will include mileage (if I drive), fares, meals and lodging. Though I appreciate people's generosity in offering to share their homes, I have found that I need time to be alone and prefer that arrangements be made for a clean, quiet, non-smoking room. Elegance is not necessary.

Dinners with one or several teachers or librarians are fine, but I don't mind being left on my own either...as long as there is a convenient restaurant.

"Extras"
I am frequently asked to "just come in and meet" a class that doesn't get to hear my formal presentation and "maybe just read one of your books or say a few words" or, after an assembly, to go from classroom to classroom to answer questions. While I want to be cooperative and accessible to the students and teachers, please keep in mind that each time I am placed in front of a group and asked to speak, I will be repeating information and using my voice, so please try to be reasonable about such requests. If after a large assembly the question and answer session has been fairly short I do not mind, for example, meeting with one group for additional questions.

Touring the school and admiring displays of student work is another opportunity for low-key interaction, but please don't ask me to judge or evaluate.

Questions for Picture Book Discussion
Teachers preparing students for an author visit may want to consider these questions when discussing a picture book with their students:

• Is the story told clearly through word and picture?
• Are the characters unique?
• Is the ending of the story consistent with the beginning and middle of the story?
• Is the text divided up so that it flows naturally from page to page?
• Do the pictures accurately reflect the story? Are they connected well to each other?

Arranging an Author Visit
If you would like to arrange an author visit, please fill out and submit the contact form or write to:

Tish Gayle
Literary Events Agent
808 Lexington Ave.
Terrace Park, Ohio 45174
E-mail: tish@willhillenbrand.com