looking for A VIRTUAL VISIT?
Praise for my Virtual Visits!
December 12, 2020
Hey there Kelly!
I can't believe that it has been one week since you have virtually visited our classrooms at Grant! I wanted to express my gratitude for your visit. This by far was one of the best things we have done since starting virtual learning!
The students were engaged and not only learned about cryptids, like Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster, but you also taught our students how you think like a scientist when writing. You helped connect scientific thought processes to writing a book and explained how you use those processes. This experience helped students make connections with what they learn in the classroom to their life outside the classroom.
Not only was it amazing to see our students make connections between their scientific processes and writing but we also got to see and hear their hopes and dreams for themselves. Multiple students left our virtual meeting talking about how they are going to be an author when their grow up. They talked about the stories they write now and how awesome it would be for those stories to be in a book. One shared that while they didn't want to be an author they wanted to make video games with cryptids in it. Everyone walked away from this visit with a connection and excitement for learning.
Thank you for bringing that to our classrooms!
Warm Regards,
Cheri Escobar
Grant Elementary
4th Grade Teacher
I'm ready to help!
Covid-19 tossed a wrench into modern education a few years back. Fortunately, most schools are back in business, but the economy is still lagging. So I'd love to keep offering my Virtual Visits -- an affordable alternative to a live author visit. I normally charge $200 for each 45-60 minute event, but if that's beyond your budget let me know and we'll work something out.
I have a number of topics listed below, but I've been a professional writer/researcher for 30 years. So if there is a topic you'd like me to tackle in a fun, "weird" way to help engage your kids, let me know and I'll create something just for your classes!
TOPICS
I can do my standard WONDERS OF WEIRD presentations online. They explore my long career as a nonfiction writer and a weird old lady. Fun and educational. But I can also offer the following 45 minute to one hour presentations:
Albino Animals: Genetic Wonder of Pigmentation (3rd to 8th) BOOK OUT OF PRINT, BUT IN LIBRARIES.
When I met a young African American girl with Albinism, I knew what the condition was called, but I didn’t know what it meant. So I researched albinism – the absence of melanin, the pigmentation that creates color in hair, skin and eyes, and I wanted to know more. My book ALBINO ANIMALS was the end result. The book and this presentation examines animals without pigmentation, and how that impacts their lives. And as a bonus, we’ll explore MELANISTIC ANIMALS, too…animals with extra pigmentation. A beautiful way to celebrate the magic of diversity.
Aliens & UFOs: What is REALLY Possible (3rd to 8th) BOOK OUT OF PRINT BUT IN LIBRARIES.
After four years of research to write ALIEN INVESTIGATION, I collected a wealth of evidence for and against the existence of other worldly visitors to Earth. This presentation explores that evidence in a thoughtful, non-frightening way. Very popular presentation that could launch an interest in space and astronomy.
Cryptozoology: Eyewitness Evidence (3rd to 8th) TWO BOOKS AVAILABLE!
TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS and CRYPTID CREATURES: A FIELD GUIDE are my books on cryptozoology -- mysterious animals that may or may not be real. I've been researching the topic for 12 years now. This presentation will explore some of the world's favorite possibilities--including Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and chupacabras--in a presentation that encourages critical thinking and the evaluation of "evidence."
Death Eaters: Scavenger Clean Up Crew (3rd to 8th) BOOK AVAILABLE!
DEATH EATERS, my book on scavengers was inspired by Harry Potter, I confess. But there's no magic in this topic, unless you count the magic of recycling the dead to make room for the living. Once you get past the idea of live animals eating dead animals, it's actually pretty amazing. I'll show you why scavengers are clean up heroes, and why we need them, around the world.
Dinosaur Parade -- Comparative Zoology (K-4th) BOOK OUT OF PRINT, BUT IN LIBRARIES.
I've written six books about dinosaurs. A seventh is on the way. But this presentation for younger dinosaur fans was based on DINOSAUR PARADE. Don’t let that fool you. It explores dozens of popular dinosaurs, but it also lays the groundwork for comparative zoology by comparing ancient species to their modern counterparts in nature. A fun, informative paleo adventure.
In Search of Sasquatch: Science vs Legend (2nd to 8th) BOOKS AVAILABLE, IN LIMITED NUMBERS.
Inspired by the book of the same name, this presentation outlines the best credible evidence to support the existence of Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, Yowie, Skunk Ape and all bipedal apes that fall in the Bigfoot realm of possibility. Can I prove they are real? Not yet. But I can prove there is reason to take the study a lot further, based on physical evidence that does exist—evidence respected in paleontology and law enforcement. If you want your kids to learn critical thinking, this is a high interest way to encourage the evaluation of evidence
NEW!! Voices of Young Heroes – Kids of World War II (3rd to 8th) BOOK AVAILABLE
World War II was the ultimate battle of good versus evil. And while adults fought the actual war, kids had a great deal to contribute. We'll explore five of those courageous children of the war in this presentation. Proof that kids have power, too. Kids can make a real difference when it comes to right and wrong. Ideal for Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day, but relevant year-round.
NEW!! Voices of Ordinary Heroes – Adult Heroes of World War II BOOK AVAILABLE
Kids did heroic things, but so did grown-ups. We’ll dive into the stories of five amazing war heroes who fought against Adolf Hitler’s world view. And when the presentation is over, we’ll understand there is a heroic heart in most people, when they are faced with difficult choices. One person really can make a difference.
Mysteries of the Mummy Kids (3rd to 8th) BOOK OUT OF PRINT, BUT IN LIBRARIES.
As I kid, mummies scared me. So I wrote MYSTERIES OF THE MUMMY KIDS. This presentation explores global mummies preserved before they turned 18. Social studies and science combine to make this a memorable option.
Saving the Baghdad Zoo (3rd to 8th) BOOK AVAILABLE!
When I met United States Army officer William Sumner, he told me about the biggest zoo in the Middle East -- the Baghdad Zoo. When the United States bombed Baghdad, more than 600 animals were in danger. Some escaped. Some fed hungry Iraqi families after their markets were destroyed by "shock and awe." Some faced starvation, until William Sumner and a crew of United States Army volunteers stepped in to lend a hand. The war was hard in almost every way. But saving the animals helped to build a bridge between the U.S. and the Iraqi citizens. An amazing story everyone will love.
NEW! Titanic: Ship of Dreams & Nightmares (3rd to 8th)
What is the true story behind the RMS Titanic – the biggest, most luxurious ocean liner to attempt a crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 1912? What went into her construction? Who booked passage? Who lived? Who died? Could the disaster have been averted? And did the iceberg send her to the bottom of the sea, or was there more to the story? This presentation -- based on VERY deep research -- will examine all of the evidence collected, before and after the Titanic was lost and found.
OTHER TOPICS?
Other topics will be added as I write and publish more books. But I can also customize a presentation to fit your needs. If you are looking for a specific topic, talk to me! I'm a nonfiction author -- a research master. Almost anything is possible. Besides, I might be researching a book on the topic you want addressed.
Talk to me! Let me know what you need. My email address is [email protected].
BOOK SALES?
We can also offer book sales, if the librarians and teachers would like to offer their kids access to my books. The school can order the books from my publishers, have them shipped to me. I'll sign them and mail them back to the schools. Or I can sign bookplates for each kid that bought a book and mail those bookplates. It's certainly not required, but I'd be happy to participate, if your schools want to use the books as educational tools in a virtual age.
HOW MANY KIDS PER SESSION?
There is no limit to the number of kids who can attend each session. And the schools can record the sessions for kids unable to attend on our special days. If you post the recordings on YouTube, please let me know so I can link to them from social media.
ENRICHMENTS?
I can also send PDF files of the enrichments -- coloring sheets you can distribute to the kids via email before or after our Virtual Visit dates.
HOW MUCH?
I am charging $200 for each 45 to 60 minute presentation (including Q&A). But we can schedule a full day -- up to six presentations or topics -- for $1000.00. That said, no school should miss a Virtual Visit based on failing budgets, so if you can't afford $200 for a presentation, let me know what you can afford, even if that means you need a session without charge. We are in this together.
I hope you can book a session or two. Making a living will be hard for authors during Covid-19. Teaching online is just as hard. I'm hoping we can help each other.
Kelly
OTHER VIRTUAL VISITORS I KNOW ARE TERRIFIC!
Kenn Nesbitt -- Poet
https://www.poetry4kids.com/
Kevan Atteberry -- Picture Books
https://www.kevanatteberry.com/
Dana Sullivan -- Author/Illustrator Picture Books and Graphic Novels
http://www.danajsullivan.com/
Christine Taylor-Butler -- Nonfiction Picture Books and Fiction Novels
https://www.christinetaylorbutler.com/
Linda Garrison Ragsdale -- Illustrator, Inspirational Speaker for Kids
http://thepeacedragon.com/about/president-bio
Suzanne Kaufman -- Illustrator Picture Books
http://suzannekaufman.com/
Eric Ode -- Poet and Musician Picture Books
https://www.ericode.com/
Kim Norman -- Picture Books
https://www.kimnormanbooks.com/
Don Tate -- Author/Illustrator Picture Books
https://dontate.com/
Daniel Kirk -- Author/Illustrator Picture Books
http://danielkirk.com/
Beth Vrabel -- Author, Middle Grade Novels
https://www.bethvrabel.com/
Nikki Grimes -- Poet/Novelist Picture Books, Middle Grade and YA Novels
https://www.nikkigrimes.com/
Kate Messner -- Nonfiction Picture Books
https://www.katemessner.com
Dan Gutman -- Middle Grade Novels
https://dangutman.com/
Karen Romano Young -- Author/Illustrator, Nonfiction Picture Books, Middle Grade and YA Novels
https://www.karenromanoyoung.com/
Wendy Wahman -- Author/Illustrator Picture Books
https://www.wendywahman.com/
Candace Flemming -- Author, Nonfiction Picture Books and Chapter Books
https://www.candacefleming.com/
Ellen Hopkins -- Author YA Novels
http://www.ellenhopkinsbooks.com/
Chris Crutcher -- Author YA Novels
http://www.chriscrutcher.com ([email protected])
MT Anderson -- Author YA Novels
https://mt-anderson.com/
OTHERS TO COME!
TRADITIONAL SCHOOL VISITS (I hope they're back, eventually.)
Looking for an author visitor for your elementary or middle school? Hoping for a spirited speaker for your public library programming for the same age groups? I'd love to be on your short list of possibilities. I am a nonfiction author and lively presenter with a set of refined presentations and a willingness to customize them for your specific needs. Read more about my prices, presentation and past adventures here:
Pricing and Scheduling
Recommendations from Past Hosts
Presentation Enrichments
December 12, 2020
Hey there Kelly!
I can't believe that it has been one week since you have virtually visited our classrooms at Grant! I wanted to express my gratitude for your visit. This by far was one of the best things we have done since starting virtual learning!
The students were engaged and not only learned about cryptids, like Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster, but you also taught our students how you think like a scientist when writing. You helped connect scientific thought processes to writing a book and explained how you use those processes. This experience helped students make connections with what they learn in the classroom to their life outside the classroom.
Not only was it amazing to see our students make connections between their scientific processes and writing but we also got to see and hear their hopes and dreams for themselves. Multiple students left our virtual meeting talking about how they are going to be an author when their grow up. They talked about the stories they write now and how awesome it would be for those stories to be in a book. One shared that while they didn't want to be an author they wanted to make video games with cryptids in it. Everyone walked away from this visit with a connection and excitement for learning.
Thank you for bringing that to our classrooms!
Warm Regards,
Cheri Escobar
Grant Elementary
4th Grade Teacher
I'm ready to help!
Covid-19 tossed a wrench into modern education a few years back. Fortunately, most schools are back in business, but the economy is still lagging. So I'd love to keep offering my Virtual Visits -- an affordable alternative to a live author visit. I normally charge $200 for each 45-60 minute event, but if that's beyond your budget let me know and we'll work something out.
I have a number of topics listed below, but I've been a professional writer/researcher for 30 years. So if there is a topic you'd like me to tackle in a fun, "weird" way to help engage your kids, let me know and I'll create something just for your classes!
TOPICS
I can do my standard WONDERS OF WEIRD presentations online. They explore my long career as a nonfiction writer and a weird old lady. Fun and educational. But I can also offer the following 45 minute to one hour presentations:
Albino Animals: Genetic Wonder of Pigmentation (3rd to 8th) BOOK OUT OF PRINT, BUT IN LIBRARIES.
When I met a young African American girl with Albinism, I knew what the condition was called, but I didn’t know what it meant. So I researched albinism – the absence of melanin, the pigmentation that creates color in hair, skin and eyes, and I wanted to know more. My book ALBINO ANIMALS was the end result. The book and this presentation examines animals without pigmentation, and how that impacts their lives. And as a bonus, we’ll explore MELANISTIC ANIMALS, too…animals with extra pigmentation. A beautiful way to celebrate the magic of diversity.
Aliens & UFOs: What is REALLY Possible (3rd to 8th) BOOK OUT OF PRINT BUT IN LIBRARIES.
After four years of research to write ALIEN INVESTIGATION, I collected a wealth of evidence for and against the existence of other worldly visitors to Earth. This presentation explores that evidence in a thoughtful, non-frightening way. Very popular presentation that could launch an interest in space and astronomy.
Cryptozoology: Eyewitness Evidence (3rd to 8th) TWO BOOKS AVAILABLE!
TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS and CRYPTID CREATURES: A FIELD GUIDE are my books on cryptozoology -- mysterious animals that may or may not be real. I've been researching the topic for 12 years now. This presentation will explore some of the world's favorite possibilities--including Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and chupacabras--in a presentation that encourages critical thinking and the evaluation of "evidence."
Death Eaters: Scavenger Clean Up Crew (3rd to 8th) BOOK AVAILABLE!
DEATH EATERS, my book on scavengers was inspired by Harry Potter, I confess. But there's no magic in this topic, unless you count the magic of recycling the dead to make room for the living. Once you get past the idea of live animals eating dead animals, it's actually pretty amazing. I'll show you why scavengers are clean up heroes, and why we need them, around the world.
Dinosaur Parade -- Comparative Zoology (K-4th) BOOK OUT OF PRINT, BUT IN LIBRARIES.
I've written six books about dinosaurs. A seventh is on the way. But this presentation for younger dinosaur fans was based on DINOSAUR PARADE. Don’t let that fool you. It explores dozens of popular dinosaurs, but it also lays the groundwork for comparative zoology by comparing ancient species to their modern counterparts in nature. A fun, informative paleo adventure.
In Search of Sasquatch: Science vs Legend (2nd to 8th) BOOKS AVAILABLE, IN LIMITED NUMBERS.
Inspired by the book of the same name, this presentation outlines the best credible evidence to support the existence of Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, Yowie, Skunk Ape and all bipedal apes that fall in the Bigfoot realm of possibility. Can I prove they are real? Not yet. But I can prove there is reason to take the study a lot further, based on physical evidence that does exist—evidence respected in paleontology and law enforcement. If you want your kids to learn critical thinking, this is a high interest way to encourage the evaluation of evidence
NEW!! Voices of Young Heroes – Kids of World War II (3rd to 8th) BOOK AVAILABLE
World War II was the ultimate battle of good versus evil. And while adults fought the actual war, kids had a great deal to contribute. We'll explore five of those courageous children of the war in this presentation. Proof that kids have power, too. Kids can make a real difference when it comes to right and wrong. Ideal for Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day, but relevant year-round.
NEW!! Voices of Ordinary Heroes – Adult Heroes of World War II BOOK AVAILABLE
Kids did heroic things, but so did grown-ups. We’ll dive into the stories of five amazing war heroes who fought against Adolf Hitler’s world view. And when the presentation is over, we’ll understand there is a heroic heart in most people, when they are faced with difficult choices. One person really can make a difference.
Mysteries of the Mummy Kids (3rd to 8th) BOOK OUT OF PRINT, BUT IN LIBRARIES.
As I kid, mummies scared me. So I wrote MYSTERIES OF THE MUMMY KIDS. This presentation explores global mummies preserved before they turned 18. Social studies and science combine to make this a memorable option.
Saving the Baghdad Zoo (3rd to 8th) BOOK AVAILABLE!
When I met United States Army officer William Sumner, he told me about the biggest zoo in the Middle East -- the Baghdad Zoo. When the United States bombed Baghdad, more than 600 animals were in danger. Some escaped. Some fed hungry Iraqi families after their markets were destroyed by "shock and awe." Some faced starvation, until William Sumner and a crew of United States Army volunteers stepped in to lend a hand. The war was hard in almost every way. But saving the animals helped to build a bridge between the U.S. and the Iraqi citizens. An amazing story everyone will love.
NEW! Titanic: Ship of Dreams & Nightmares (3rd to 8th)
What is the true story behind the RMS Titanic – the biggest, most luxurious ocean liner to attempt a crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 1912? What went into her construction? Who booked passage? Who lived? Who died? Could the disaster have been averted? And did the iceberg send her to the bottom of the sea, or was there more to the story? This presentation -- based on VERY deep research -- will examine all of the evidence collected, before and after the Titanic was lost and found.
OTHER TOPICS?
Other topics will be added as I write and publish more books. But I can also customize a presentation to fit your needs. If you are looking for a specific topic, talk to me! I'm a nonfiction author -- a research master. Almost anything is possible. Besides, I might be researching a book on the topic you want addressed.
Talk to me! Let me know what you need. My email address is [email protected].
BOOK SALES?
We can also offer book sales, if the librarians and teachers would like to offer their kids access to my books. The school can order the books from my publishers, have them shipped to me. I'll sign them and mail them back to the schools. Or I can sign bookplates for each kid that bought a book and mail those bookplates. It's certainly not required, but I'd be happy to participate, if your schools want to use the books as educational tools in a virtual age.
HOW MANY KIDS PER SESSION?
There is no limit to the number of kids who can attend each session. And the schools can record the sessions for kids unable to attend on our special days. If you post the recordings on YouTube, please let me know so I can link to them from social media.
ENRICHMENTS?
I can also send PDF files of the enrichments -- coloring sheets you can distribute to the kids via email before or after our Virtual Visit dates.
HOW MUCH?
I am charging $200 for each 45 to 60 minute presentation (including Q&A). But we can schedule a full day -- up to six presentations or topics -- for $1000.00. That said, no school should miss a Virtual Visit based on failing budgets, so if you can't afford $200 for a presentation, let me know what you can afford, even if that means you need a session without charge. We are in this together.
I hope you can book a session or two. Making a living will be hard for authors during Covid-19. Teaching online is just as hard. I'm hoping we can help each other.
Kelly
OTHER VIRTUAL VISITORS I KNOW ARE TERRIFIC!
Kenn Nesbitt -- Poet
https://www.poetry4kids.com/
Kevan Atteberry -- Picture Books
https://www.kevanatteberry.com/
Dana Sullivan -- Author/Illustrator Picture Books and Graphic Novels
http://www.danajsullivan.com/
Christine Taylor-Butler -- Nonfiction Picture Books and Fiction Novels
https://www.christinetaylorbutler.com/
Linda Garrison Ragsdale -- Illustrator, Inspirational Speaker for Kids
http://thepeacedragon.com/about/president-bio
Suzanne Kaufman -- Illustrator Picture Books
http://suzannekaufman.com/
Eric Ode -- Poet and Musician Picture Books
https://www.ericode.com/
Kim Norman -- Picture Books
https://www.kimnormanbooks.com/
Don Tate -- Author/Illustrator Picture Books
https://dontate.com/
Daniel Kirk -- Author/Illustrator Picture Books
http://danielkirk.com/
Beth Vrabel -- Author, Middle Grade Novels
https://www.bethvrabel.com/
Nikki Grimes -- Poet/Novelist Picture Books, Middle Grade and YA Novels
https://www.nikkigrimes.com/
Kate Messner -- Nonfiction Picture Books
https://www.katemessner.com
Dan Gutman -- Middle Grade Novels
https://dangutman.com/
Karen Romano Young -- Author/Illustrator, Nonfiction Picture Books, Middle Grade and YA Novels
https://www.karenromanoyoung.com/
Wendy Wahman -- Author/Illustrator Picture Books
https://www.wendywahman.com/
Candace Flemming -- Author, Nonfiction Picture Books and Chapter Books
https://www.candacefleming.com/
Ellen Hopkins -- Author YA Novels
http://www.ellenhopkinsbooks.com/
Chris Crutcher -- Author YA Novels
http://www.chriscrutcher.com ([email protected])
MT Anderson -- Author YA Novels
https://mt-anderson.com/
OTHERS TO COME!
TRADITIONAL SCHOOL VISITS (I hope they're back, eventually.)
Looking for an author visitor for your elementary or middle school? Hoping for a spirited speaker for your public library programming for the same age groups? I'd love to be on your short list of possibilities. I am a nonfiction author and lively presenter with a set of refined presentations and a willingness to customize them for your specific needs. Read more about my prices, presentation and past adventures here:
Pricing and Scheduling
Recommendations from Past Hosts
Presentation Enrichments