about my author visits
One of the joys of working as an author and illustrator of books for children is the opportunity I have to visit young readers.
When I visit your school, I want each child to feel special.
We are children for only a short time. I hope I will have touched and expanded the world of the person this child will grow up to be.
when I visit your school
I always plan plenty of time for question and answer in all my presentations. Before my visit I will send booklists so that the students can read and discuss my books in class, and prepare the questions they want to ask me. Most of my books fit into curriculum requirements and class projects can be planned around them for added enrichment.
My program consists of three (one-hour) sessions in a school day. Depending on the size of groups, I will work in a classroom, or larger assembly space. I try to be as flexible as possible to meet your student population needs.
When I visit your school, I will need tables to display my presentation materials, and a wireless microphone that allows me to move freely among the students. For large audiences, I will need computer equipment for my visual presentation.
about my presentations
- Grades K - 2: "Making a picture book"
When I talk with younger students I keep things up close and personal. Using my original dummies, character sketches and finished illustrations, I demonstrate how I create a picture book. There is always a story behind the making of a book -- and some are pretty funny!
- Grades 3- 8: "Why do you write about people we never heard of?"
The subjects of my picture biographies are not the handful of "famous" people usually portrayed in children's books -- but each achieved amazing things in their lifetimes. I discuss how and why I choose my subjects and my process for turning dry facts into real people and living history. Using my original materials I explain how I research both text and pictures, and the importance of re-writing and editing to tell a meaningful story.
- All ages: "Inside my world"
Using a visual computer presentation, I share stories about my childhood, life and work, and what inspires me. I show how and where I work, how ideas become finished stories and how rough sketches grow into finished art.
Besides my Visiting Author programs for schools, I lecture to professional organizations of teachers, librarians, authors and illustrators, and give Teacher-in-Service workshops.
Please send an email to information@dkray.com for information on my fees and schedule.