Programs for Children

My nonfiction programs for K-5 students offer an inside look at how I research, write and illustrate my nature-themed picture books. Each presentation is tailored to your audience and occasion. Hosts choose one or more titles to match their curriculum -- such as Bring On the Birds or Bird Show for a bird unit, Stripes of All Types for animal behavior and habitats, or Fantastic Flowers for plant life. Each session weaves together language arts, science, and visual arts in a dynamic and memorable way.

Through colorful visuals and an engaging PowerPoint, I share:

• what sparks my ideas and gets the creative process rolling;

• the behind-the-scenes journey:  notes, drafts, sketches, storyboards, dummies and final art;

• surprising science facts, from how animals carry their young to the importance of flower shapes to pollinators;

• why accuracy matters in nonfiction, highlighted by real errors I made (and how scientists helped fix them); 

• how to make writing shine with strong verbs, vivid adjectives, and playful alliteration;

• how children can become "picture detectives" by discerning changes between my sketches and final images, enhancing their visual literacy skills; 

• and how patience and persistence can turn dreams into reality, just as they did for me, becoming an author and illustrator. 

What Teachers and Students Say

"The teachers thought your presentation was fun, highly engaging and perfectly aligned with what they are doing in their classrooms. The students loved hearing your stories ...and thought that your writing/illustrating process was very interesting and helpful for their own work."
Jennifer Donnelly, All Saints' Episcopal Day School,         Phoenix, AZ

"Her presentation was thoughtfully crafted, engaging, and hit on so many of the points we try to raise with our readers and writers!" 
Deborah Hensley, Horace Mann Elementary School, Washington, DC

"Her freshness of approach, honesty and enthusiasm enchanted the children." 
Ann Edmonds, The Galloway School, Atlanta, GA

"A marvelous guest author/illustrator for any elementary school group of children."
Jeffrey Brewster, International School of Brussels, Belgium

"The part I loved was when you told us your mistakes and how you fixed them." 
Fourth grader, Harford Day School, Bel Air, MD

Click on this Testimonials tab for more comments.

Book Signing: I'm happy to sign books. Click the link up above for book order information and an order form that can be customized.

Tech Requirements: an LCD projector and screen; a microphone (preferably a lapel type); and a table for my props. I bring my own MAC laptop and adapter.

Programs for Adults

I enjoy presenting to adults -  educators, aspiring children's book authors and illustrators, and picture book enthusiasts. I’ve spoken at events ranging from the National Book Festival to the American Library Association’s Annual Conference. Click here for a list of other events where I've presented.

Programs for Educators

I show teachers and education students how to use my books in the classroom through hands-on activities in language arts, visual arts, science, social studies, math, and movement. I help them create powerful connections between my books and their students' lives.

“You were the highlight of our week. The students so enjoyed you.”
Dr. Carolyn Cook, Mount St. Mary’s University

Here are some sample classroom activities using my books:

Stripes of All Types

Stripes of All Types

Fabulous Fishes

Fantastic Flowers