01
The story comes alive
I do not stand still and quietly read at students. I perform the characters, play with timing and voices, and invite the room into the story with me.
SCHOOL AUTHOR VISITS
Big stories.
Really big reactions.
I perform original children’s books with the energy of a stage show—so elementary students laugh, participate and see themselves as readers, writers and creators.
About 40 minutes Built for elementary students Stories + participation
THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!
▶ Playing quietly on purpose“You become the book and you become the story.”
“The kids were engaged the entire time.”
“They remember you year to year.”
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ROOM
Not a quiet reading.
A shared adventure.
One educator said I got students as excited about literature as they are about a video game. That is the standard I am chasing: joy first, then the realization that stories and ideas belong to them, too.
02
Kids become part of it
Students laugh, answer, imagine, react and help move the experience forward. Even a big room should feel like we are making something together.
03
Creating feels possible
A simple live demonstration helps children see that books begin with ideas, questions and ordinary materials—not with being a mysterious grown-up genius.
04
They leave wanting more
There is time for questions, high-fives and signed-book excitement. The goal is for students to leave seeing reading and creating as something meant for them.
Performance is the invitation.
I spent years performing for families at Walt Disney World before touring schools as a children’s author. The voices, timing and physical comedy help capture attention—but the real purpose is to invite children into literature.
Possibility is the takeaway.
I want students to leave thinking, “Maybe I could make something, too.” They meet a working author, see a story become real and discover that creative work begins with questions, persistence and trying.
ALREADY ON THE CALENDAR?
Three easy ways to
get kids ready.
The visit works best when students already know something exciting is coming. These resources build anticipation and make signed-book ordering simple for families.
1REQUIRED
Play the hype video
Show it to every class several days to one week before the visit. It includes the prize activity and explains how students can get signed books.
Open the video 2REQUIREDSend home the flyer
Give every student the flyer—ideally on the same day as the video, and no later than the day before the visit.
Download the flyer 3OPTIONAL, BUT FUNMeet the stories early
Play an Author Timmy read-aloud before the visit if you want students to meet the characters and get even more excited.
Watch the read-alouds Simple plan: Play the video and send the flyer home on the same day, about a week before the visit.
A QUICK SETUP CHECK
Give me a mic.
I’ll bring the story.
- For 50+ students: a microphone so every child can hear.
- For the visuals: a smart board or projection screen with HDMI.
- For the demonstration: scissors, a stapler and about six sheets of paper.
- For the room: the library/media center or stage is ideal, but a multipurpose room, cafeteria or gym works, too.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Everything your school
needs to know.
Where should the presentation happen?+
My favorite setup is the media center or library, followed by a theater or stage, a large multipurpose room or classroom, the cafeteria, the gym, and then an outdoor space. The best room is the one where students can see, hear and participate comfortably.
What equipment and supplies do you need?+
For groups of 50 students or more, please provide a microphone, a smart board or projection screen, and an HDMI connection. I will also ask for a stapler, scissors and about six sheets of paper for a demonstration.
How long is a presentation?+
A typical elementary-school presentation is about 40 minutes. Schools can schedule one group or several groups with transition time between them, and we can shift the exact schedule around the school day.
When should we play the hype video and send the flyer?+
Play the video several days to one week before the visit—just not on the day of the visit. Send the flyer home no later than the day before. The simplest plan is to show the video and distribute the flyer on the same day.
What does the visit cost?+
My school speaker fee is $300. I waive that fee when the school agrees to play the hype video and send the take-home flyer to students before the visit, which gives families the opportunity to order signed books.
How do students receive signed books?+
Students receive their books at the visit. If an uncommon problem such as a shipping delay happens, I will alert the school ahead of time and make sure every student knows when the signed book will arrive by mail.
What should we do with returned flyers?+
Please hold the returned flyers in one place until I arrive. I will take it from there at the visit.
READY FOR A REALLY GOOD SCHOOL DAY?Let’s get your students
Ask about a school visit