Inspire young readers
Talkabook connects kids with real authors in interactive, virtual Visits. Browse hundreds of programs created by certified authors and illustrators for early readers through young adults. Schedule a Visit today.
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Check out our Programs
Arts
STEAM BUILDING: Using Recycled Materials to Design and Invent
Can we use the junk we see everyday to create amazing things? Using STEAM thinking, engineering, and problem solving we'll create an interactive hands-on Arts project together made entirely from recycled materials you already have around your home. Learn to be a maker! Reference Book: Junk Re-Thunk
45 Minute Program
$275
History Kids Care About
How do you go to the bathroom in a suit of armor? Were there dogs on the Mayflower? What's a fast-acting poison that can't be traced? What insect has caused the most misery in human history? When was underwear invented?
A lively, interactive discussion about the history that kids really want to know about.
45 Minute Program
$300
Ask the Author & Storytime - A CONVERSATION
Kevin answers questions you have about writing, publishing, and bringing books to life!
30 Minute Program
Careers
Birth of a Book
Just how does a book come into the world? A visual tour of the making of a book from idea generation to the finished product. You'll learn about many different jobs/people it takes to make a great book!
45 Minute Program
$130
Path to Publication: Minefield or Mentored
No matter where you are on the path to publication, you probably have questions - but getting honest answers is a challenge. I'll share strategies that worked for me, tips and techniques from my picture book writing toolbox, and a boatload of encouragement and inspiration.
45 Minute Program
$149
Extra! Extra! Make Your Own Newspaper Club!
Welcome to The Newspaper Club, cub reporters! As Nellie says, “What could more exciting than kicking off a brand new newspaper—one that we could create entirely on our own?”
The goal of most newspapers is to report the news and not be the news, but when it comes to a family or class newspaper, you and the other members are primary sources. This…
45 Minute Program
$250
Education
All Writing Is Good Writing!
What ways can writing fiction help you with writing for school, for work, and beyond? Um IN EVERY WAY! Learn about how your brain can't tell the difference between dragons and dissertations!
45 Minute Program
$129
Revision: It's more than correcting spelling errors!
Learn what revision really means, from beginning to end. Sandra will read the original version of THE GIANT HUG that was sent to a publisher, and share the editorial letter and follow students through revisions to the final book.
45 Minute Program
$199
Square Bear and his Friends Teach Us All about Polygons
Polygon. Sounds difficult. But it’s just one of those befuddling terms mathematicians use to mystify a simple concept. In the fairytale Square Bear the Polygon Princess is constructed of polygons. So are the handsome Triangle Prince and his faithful steed, Rectangle Horse. Square Bear is made of very special polygons. In this session, we read a…
45 Minute Program
$160
Fiction
Lions, Tigers, and Bears...oh my!!!
Have you ever been to a circus? Have you ever seen a clown or dressed up as one? Well, clowns are pretty special. Did you know that clowns go to school, too? Don't forget to bring your crayons or markers, and some blank drawing paper...
45 Minute Program
$129
THE PREHISTORIC GAMES – for Sports and Dinosaur Lovers!
In this 30-minute session, Janet will share the “story-behind-the-story” of THE PREHISTORIC GAMES, a rollicking, rhyming picture book about dinosaurs competing tooth and claw for medals in Olympic-like events. She will read the book and chat with kids about their favorite sports and dinosaurs.
30 Minute Program
$125
WINTERFROST Book Talk
Have you ever finished a book and thought, "Oh, I'd love to meet the author and ask her __________?" This program is for individuals or families who have finished reading WINTERFROST, a magical, wintry tale rooted in Scandinavian lore. Meet Michelle Houts, hear about how Klakke and Gammel and the Pedersen family came to be, and -- most importantly…
30 Minute Program
$125
History
Turning History Into Fantasy
Have you ever heard that there are two sides to every story? Well, that's not true. There are, in fact, THREE sides to every story! Learn about the three sides of history, and how to use this triangle of facts and fancy to write stellar historical fiction and fantasy!
30 Minute Program
The First Amendment: What Does It Mean?
Kids of all ages tell one another "I can say that -- it's a free country!" But what makes a country free? How does freedom of speech really work? Join me (a former lawyer) for a kid-friendly discussion of the First Amendment, using my book, "Free for You and Me: What Our First Amendment Means."
30 Minute Program
Who am I?
I will read my 4th book in The American HerStory Series, "Remembering Green" and we will talk about our Indigenous People and the discrimination and hardships they've endured since "being discovered" by early European settlers.
45 Minute Program
$149
Meet the Creator
Don't Ask a Dinosaur - Ask Matt!
Dinosaurs might not be able to put a birthday party together - but they're still pretty awesome! Children will learn about the process of how "Don't Ask a Dinosaur" came together, cool facts about the dinosaurs included (and some that didn't make the cut!), and how a 7-year-old child "saved" the book before it went to press!
45 Minute Program
$130
Dragons and Courage: Storytime and Ask an Author
Snuggle in for storytime and a chat with Lauren.
30 Minute Program
$110
Turtle in the Fast Lane: Meet Author Kathy MacMillan
Author Kathy MacMillan shares the story of her "overnight success" that took more than 20 years, and answers your questions about writing and publishing.
30 Minute Program
$150
Nature & Animals
Mustangs: Wild and Free
Wild horses still roam freely in some of the mountain and desert ranges of Wyoming. I'll share their stories with you. Together we'll write a mustang poem, and then you'll get to create your own leather bookmark or bracelet.
45 Minute Program
$150
Once Upon a Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros has a most beautiful horn, and Hippopotamus is so jealous! Join Rhino and Hippo on their story safari adventure, and find out what happens when Hippo tries to steal Rhino's horn!
30 Minute Program
$125
SAVE THE PLANET
The average person in the United States makes 1,642 pounds of garbage each year! But, did you know that much of that trash doesn't need to end up in the landfill? There are many things we can use again. Or we can use less. Or we can recycle... Let's talk about what we can all do to help our planet.
30 Minute Program
$112
Nonfiction
Dinosaurs!
DINOSAURS! Who doesn't love dinosaurs?!? In this fun session, which has been a favorite in schools and library settings, we will read a few rhyming poems about dinosaurs and talk about dinosaurs, how we learn about them, what's interesting about them, etc. Customizable. Available in English or Spanish.
30 Minute Program
$105
Solve This!
Engineers are the champions of problem-solving. You can be a champion, too! Expect to tackle kid-friendly engineering challenges and find out what engineers and authors have in common. Bring a paper, pencil, and eraser to this STEM-friendly get-together.
30 Minute Program
$149
All Writing Is Good Writing!
What ways can writing fiction help you with writing for school, for work, and beyond? Um IN EVERY WAY! Learn about how your brain can't tell the difference between dragons and dissertations!
45 Minute Program
$129
People & Places
Everyday Heroes Series-Dolores Huerta!
Join me for a reading, Q & A, and puppet making project. Can you be an everyday hero? Let’s find out!
30 Minute Program
$150
What's it like in Brazil?
Do you love to travel? Hear firsthand stories of a travel writer and her experiences in Brazil, in this fun and inspiring session.
45 Minute Program
$129
Growing up during the Dust Bowl
I will read the first book in my American HerStory Series, Dust Flowers and we will deep dive into life during the dustbowl.
45 Minute Program
$149
Picture Books, Pre-K & Early Readers
Is There a Babirusa in your Bathtub?
Have your kids ever bathed with a babirusa, tangled with a tangalung or met a matamata? No? Then they’re going to love this program!
Every year, scientists discover new animals and together, we’ll discover them too. We’ll learn about animals that most people have never ever heard of―animals that not only look really strange, but have really strange…
45 Minute Program
$130
From an idea to a story. I can help you make this happen.
From the germ of an idea to writing a meaningful story. I would like to help you develop your idea into the story you want to tell. Bring your idea/s, some paper, pencils or ipad and we will work together to make a great story!
45 Minute Program
$190
Beautiful Books: How a Children's Picture Book Is Made
In the Beautiful Books: How A Children's Picture Book is Made presentation (Grades K-8) students will get an in-depth look at how a children's book is made and see photos of the actual storyboards used in the making of Priceless Penny.
45 Minute Program
$129
Science & Technology
"Baby Loves" Storytime with Ruth Spiro!
Soar, sing and flap your wings - It's storytime and STEM fun for the littlest listeners! Ruth will read from a variety of her beloved board books, mixed with songs, rhymes and simple games.
30 Minute Program
$129
Inspire Little Scientists to Dream Big
Cozy up with award-winning author and educator Michelle Schaub and explore different scientists and the tools they use with her bedtime STEM book, DREAM BIG LITTLE SCIENTIST.
30 Minute Program
A PLACE FOR PLUTO: Finding Your Place in the Universe
Calling all space fans! Join Author Stef Wade for an out-of-this-world exploration of space and everyone's favorite dwarf planet, Pluto! You will enjoy a reading of Stef's award-winning A PLACE FOR PLUTO, as well as discover more about planets, the solar system, and following your dreams!
30 Minute Program
$200
Self & Relationships
You've Got This!
Get ready to learn about writing and learn strategies for living courageously. Participants will want paper and a pen or pencil. Family members are welcome to participate.
45 Minute Program
$150
Mining Your Life to Tell Stories
Have you ever been told you have a fascinating life? Do you like telling stories? Some of the best fiction actually comes from lived experience that an author molds into a compelling narrative that is often more interesting than what happened in real life. Author Nikki Barthelmess shares how she drew from her life to create her books and gives tips…
45 Minute Program
$129
Facing a Refugee Foster Child
Many families sponsor a displaced orphan or refugee, but how many can say they get to meet them?
This presentation involves the inspiration behind an award-winning book and a visual tour of the Afghan refugee camp it was based on.
45 Minute Program
$300
Skills, Hobbies & Interests
$129
True Life Adventures
Imagine yourself alone in the wilderness. How would you catch a fish without a line? Where would you sleep without a tent ? How would you stay warm at night?
45 Minute Program
$140
From a Love of Books to Writing Them
If you love writing and want to have a mentoring experience, join Shannon as she shares her writing journey with you.
45 Minute Program
$129
Social Themes
Writing To Cope: How a Former Foster Kid Found Healing and You Can Too
Most of us know that writing can be cathartic. As a former foster kid, I had a lot of emotions I didn’t know how to deal with or process. I want to share some tools that can help you or someone you love use writing to help process difficult feelings.
45 Minute Program
$129
Dig Deep! How to Find Facts and Reliable Sources
The past is what happened. History is the stories we choose to tell about the past. Now more than ever, new stories with varying perspectives are being discovered and shared. Sarah shows kids how to find facts and assess online sources to tell the best stories they can.
45 Minute Program
$300
Storytelling Session
You choose which of Camilla’s three books you want her to bring to life in her animated storytelling session. Followed by a short Q&A.
30 Minute Program
$100
World & Culture
Learn to read and write Korean in 45 minutes!
Can you write your name in Korean? Hangul may look hard, but it's actually easier than the ABCs! With just a few minutes and fun games, I can help you master it! Perfect for K-Pop fans, kid codebreakers, world travelers, or just anyone who wants to learn a neat new skill that will impress people for the rest of your life!
45 Minute Program
$129
Let's learn about Japan!
Curious to learn about Japanese culture? Discover traditions, customs, places, festivals and facts. In this session, you will hear firsthand accounts of the authors travel stories based in Japan.
45 Minute Program
$129
Telling Stories About Our Background
Create a poem about your own family background! Participants learn an exercise that Torran used to create a group poem with Norwegian students called, “You Bring Out the Norwegian in Me.”
45 Minute Program
$175
Writing & Illustrating
The Three P’s of Publishing – Passion, Perseverance and Perspiration
I’ll read one of my picture books (your choice) and share how passion, perseverance and perspiration helped bring my books from idea to publication. Often, people don't realize all that goes into creating a picture book so, I'll give a behind-the-scenes look.
45 Minute Program
$150
$150
How do ILLUSTRATIONS Match the Story? - A CONVERSATION
Discover how the smallest details can dramatically effect the feel of a story, and the decisions that go into matching illustrations with story text!
30 Minute Program