How it works

For my presentation, I will read one of my books and explain the process of how a book is made. I will show original and edited manuscripts, character sketches, galleys, proofs, and original artwork so that students can see all the pieces that go into creating a book. I will discuss where ideas come from and I will talk about the writing process and the importance of rewriting and editing (because most people don’t get things exactly right the first time!) I will discuss how the author’s and the illustrator’s visions may be very much the same or very different, and will show examples of both from my work. (How much detail I go into, or whether I even discuss all of these topics, depends on the age and interest of the students.)

I have a Phyllis puppet, so Punxsutawney Phyllis is particularly suited to audience participation and entertainment. (Phyllis likes to sing and has made up her own song about Groundhog Day!) This makes an especially great visit around Groundhog Day, but kids enjoy it year round.

I have supplemental materials available including coloring pages and paper doll kits for the kids, and ideas teachers can use in conjunction with my books. Please click here for those resources.

Willing to Travel

Dutchess and surrounding counties in New York (up to 100 mile radius of the Millbrook/ Poughkeepsie area)
Western Connecticut
Perhaps other places. Please ask!

Preferred Audience

Nursery/ PreSchool
Kindergarten
Elementary Grades 1-3

Preferred Venue

Classroom or Library
Small groups
Medium groups

Curriculum Subject Areas

Animals and Nature
Careers
Family
Fiction
Groundhog Day
Seasons
Sequencing
Weather
Writing

Previous Visits

Astor Day, Wappingers Falls, NY
Beekman Elementary School, Poughquag, NY
Brendon Montessori, LaGrangeville, NY
Brick Church Nursery School, New York City
Chancellor Livingston Elementary School, Rhinebeck, NY
Christ Church Nursery School, Pawling, NY
Christ Church Nursery School, New York, NY
Collegiate School, New York, NY
Dutchess Day School, Millbrook, NY
Edward J. Russell Elementary School, Pine Bush, NY
Elm Drive Elementary School, Millbrook, NY
Funshine Nursery School, Red Hook, NY
Kinry Road Middle School, Poughkeepsie, NY
LaGrange Elementary School, LaGrangeville, NY
Lincoln Avenue Elementary School, Pearl River, NY
Livingston Manor Central School, Livingston Manor, NY
Methodist Play School, New Paltz, NY
Millbrook Community Preschool, Millbrook, NY
Mill Road Elementary School, Red Hook, NY
North Park Elementary School, Hyde Park, NY
Noxon Road Elementary School, Poughkeepsie, NY
Pakanasink Elementary School, Pine Bush, NY
Poughkeepsie Day School, Poughkeepsie, NY
Ralph R. Smith Elementary School, Hyde Park, NY
Sherman School, Sherman, CT
Stanford Nursery School, Stanfordville, NY
St. Bernards School, New York City
St. Joseph’s School, Millbrook, NY
Town Hill School, Lakeville, CT
Traver Road Elementary School, Pleasant Valley, NY
Vail Farm Elementary School, LaGrangeville, NY
Vassar Road Elementary School, Poughkeepsie, NY