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Arts
Creative adventure with a plain piece of paper
We’ll get creative with papers: Crumple, fold, cut, tear, paint and glue. Our imagination will lead us on this fun journey all the way to a surprising artwork
30 Minute Program
Time to get creative! Storytime with drawing workshop
Storytime: Penny and the Plain Piece of Paper followed by easy step-by-step drawing lesson and presentation about the book’s creative process. Bring some papers and colors and join the fun!
45 Minute Program
$129
Careers
Going from Idea to Published Book
Ever think about writing a book? Do you have any idea what the process is in going from an idea in your head to holding a finished book in your hands? This educational and entertaining visit with a much-published author gives kids (and adults) an inside look at the world of writing and publishing.
30 Minute Program
SPARK: A Passion for Animals
In the Spark A Passion for Animals presentation (Grades 5-12) students will learn how their passion for animals can lead to a successful career as well as help save lives along the way.
45 Minute Program
$129
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
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
Read. Write. Repeat.
Calling all fans of middle grade fiction! Let's discuss books, writing tips, and exchange favorite story titles. For small, medium, and large groups.
45 Minute Program
$129
What's for Dinner? A Grrrreat Story!
In this workshop, I share Grizzly Mom’s favorite story recipe. Ten students maximum.
45 Minute Program
$300
Fiction
Knocking Out Great Creative Writing
Children will want to have paper and pencil handy for some entertaining impromptu exercises that will punch up their creative writing.
30 Minute Program
Princess Tea Party!
The only things you need to bring to this party is a smile...but it will be much more fun if you have some "tea" of your own and at least one stuffed animal friend!
45 Minute Program
$149
History
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
$169
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
The Jr. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
This program is limited to 12 participants. Adults are welcome to sit in.
45 Minute Program
$140
Meet the Creator
SPACE ROCKS!!!
Join British kid's author, poet and stand-up comic, IAN BILLINGS, on an intergalactic voyage full of fun, frolics and out-of-this-world poetry. Let's countdown to blast off and see what extraterrestrial poems we encounter on the way. It could be "The Tale of the Sad Black Hole" or "Light Sabre's Last Swish" or "Behold the Mighty Quongo" or many,…
30 Minute Program
$170
Ask the Author!
Want to know where authors get their ideas? How to get published? Best writing snacks?
This is the program for you!
30 Minute Program
$160
Cryptozoology for Kids!
Is your child interested in the search for legendary animals that might be real like Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster? Join Lija Fisher, children's book author and Bigfoot Conference speaker, as she shares tidbits about these mysterious creatures and how some animals of myth and legend have already been found!
30 Minute Program
$150
Nature & Animals
Serengeti Safari: lions and giraffe and hippos, oh my!
Grab your binoculars. We’re going on a safari, all from the comfort of your couch!
30 Minute Program
Nature Explorers: Nature Journaling Workshop
Participants should bring paper, a writing implement, and an interesting find from their own nature explorations.
Get to know nature while building curiosity, awe and wonder. You'll discover a whole new way of experiencing the natural world!
45 Minute Program
$250
Our Ocean and YOU
A writing workshop that shows you how to use your voice to help protect the ocean and its inhabitants
45 Minute Program
$300
Nonfiction
Be a Superlative Birder!
Let's meet our feathered friends! Join science poet Leslie Bulion for a poetic introduction to bird-watching, with tips for how to find birds right outside your own windows. A birding workshop tailored to your area for up to 8 attendees.
45 Minute Program
$160
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
People & Places
Struttin' With Some Barbecue: Make a rhythmic poem with the author
With the author, students will write a poem using a familiar rhythmic poem as a model. We'll explore rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and more; after hearing a brief lively reading of an early jazz poem. The students will go away with a fun assignment to listen to their favorite music, absorb the rhythm, and write along those lines.
45 Minute Program
$150
What's in your dream basket?
Education is a right in the US, but not so in other countries. Let's travel to a small town in Kenya to find out what school is like.
45 Minute Program
$300
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
Picture Books, Pre-K & Early Readers
Let's Make Hubbleville Lemonade!
Learn how to make the deliciously tart lemonade that everyone in Hubbleville loves!
30 Minute Program
$125
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
Science & Technology
That’s not a Beagle, a Silly Study of Attributes
The story of a neighborly extraterrestrial visitor in a search of a little boy’s lost beagle leads us to study attributes and grouping into sets. Because attributes are the characteristics that define everything, as the helpful alien learns what attributes make a beagle a beagle, children also learn to describe what a beagle is, what it is not, and…
45 Minute Program
$180
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
The Water Cycle and Never Giving Up
What do the water cycle and persistence have in common? Find out in this interactive program which includes a read aloud of THE RAINDROP WHO COULDN'T FALL, fun facts about the water cycle, and a discussion about persistence and how to ask for help when we need it.
30 Minute Program
Self & Relationships
Gratitude Poems
The picture book, BEFORE I SLEEP:I SAY THANK YOU, will be shared along with writing tips and then the audience will write gratitude poems.
45 Minute Program
$150
The Write Stuff: Discovering the Hero in SUPER JAKE... and in You
Everybody loves heroes, and we need them now more than ever. Luckily, there are plenty of heroes in SUPER JAKE & THE KING OF CHAOS - if you know how to find them. And after we talk about what makes a hero, you might even find one in your own mirror.
45 Minute Program
$129
Skills, Hobbies & Interests
What Would Your Character Do?
Let's think like your character! Participants will want a notebook and a pen or pencil. Family members are welcome to participate.
45 Minute Program
$150
You can create and design characters!
I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to draw and design your own characters.
It’s easy and fun, everyone can succeed!
45 Minute Program
$149
Saddle Up!
If you love horses this session is for you! I'll share stories of real-life horse heroes, we'll work together on a horse themed writing activity, and at the end of our time together, you'll create your very own leather bookmark or bracelet.
45 Minute Program
$150
Social Themes
Telling Stories About COVID-19
Participants write and share about the challenges of COVID-19
45 Minute Program
$129
Meet the Author, Hear the Story, Draw the ROBOT!
All you need is pencil and paper for drawing.
30 Minute Program
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
World & Culture
Let's Have Fun in Paris!
Marielle is a mouse with moxie! She may be small but her ideas are big. Marielle is a fashion designer in Paris and when she is given a commission to create nine fancy dresses, she travels around the city for inspiration. But later, when, a big wind scatters her unique creations, Marielle must overcome her fear of heights to fly high above Paris on…
45 Minute Program
$135
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
$129
$129
Writing & Illustrating
Writing: What’s Your Story? The Route to writing “Personal Narrative”
Maryann will share her book based on her own childhood experiences. She’ll encourage young writers and storytellers to find their own stories.
45 Minute Program
$150
School Visit Program: The Story Behind The Story
Bring Author-Illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler into your classroom or homeschooling group. She'll share her process of writing and illustrating a book, from idea, to sketches to finished art, while encouraging students to write and illustrate their own stories.
45 Minute Program
$300
Look Around You - Your Five Senses and Writing
Students will need a glass of something to drink – touch the glass; see the glass; taste the beverage; hear the sound it makes when you’re drinking or setting it down; smell the beverage
30 Minute Program
$120