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.
How It Works
Check out our Programs
Arts
Drawing party!
Let's draw! Award winning author and Illustrator Ryan Estrada has drawn Garfield, Popeye, Star Trek, Flash Gordon, and now he's going to draw with you! Grab some paper and pens! We'll play some illustration games and have a lot of fun!
30 Minute Program
Adventure Calls!
Join me for a reading of A Spectacular Birdie, Q & A, an action-packed exploration of story circles, and a bookmaking project.
45 Minute Program
$200
Laughs and surprises (and cartoons!) for little readers
Kevin reads two of his interactive pictures books - Gargantua Jr: Defender of Earth and Super-Duper Monster Viewer - then leads the kids in a simple cartooning 'class'.
30 Minute Program
$125
Careers
How Does an Idea Become a Book?
A reading of one of my books followed by a presentation about what happens on a book's journey to publication.
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
What's in a story?
With the help of Champ the canine engineer, learn all about the three components of a story—beginning, middle, and end.
45 Minute Program
$130
HOW TO NOT EAT YOUR GRANDMA WHILE WRITING PICTURE BOOKS
Did you know a tongue twister is an alliteration? Can you blurt one out faster than me? I challenge you! In this class, you'll learn all the tools to write a fabulous, fun, fascinating picture book. We'll talk about structure, characters, dialogue, rhythm, punctuation, and of course, how to not eat your grandma!
Psst! Students will get a free book…
45 Minute Program
$145
What Should I Read Next?
As a former school librarian, Abby knows and loves books! Come hear about what she's been reading lately, then get personalized book recommendations for your age/interests.
30 Minute Program
Fiction
Read and Talk with James
I'll read an excerpt from whichever of my books you choose and then answer questions about stories, becoming an author, or flying top secret aircraft.
30 Minute Program
$100
5-Minute Poems
Can young children write poetry? Of course! Your child will learn how to write a poem in 5 minutes!
30 Minute Program
$150
King for a Day
Malik is a boy in Pakistan who has one day a year that he rules! Basunt! The day of the kite festival!
30 Minute Program
$100
History
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
English History- The Interesting Bits
Would you like to find out more about some of the most important events in English history? Ian wrote a popular children's non-fiction book on English history, so he's just the person to help. This session is a relaxed talk about key English eras. Find out the amazing, mysterious or downright gross aspects of history.
45 Minute Program
$129
Susanna's Midnight Ride: Historical Research Is Fun!
I have a highly interactive approach and would love to tailor my talk to your child's specific interests. My goal is to bring history to life and install an interest in history that will last throughout your child's life.
45 Minute Program
$129
Meet the Creator
Being an Author-Illustrator-Maker
What's it like to be an Author AND Illustrator? How long does it take to make a book? Where do ideas come from? If you've ever wanted a peek INSIDE the head of a Creator, here's your chance!
30 Minute Program
$150
The Making of a Story: From Idea to First Draft
How do you find ideas for your stories? Let's explore together! What happens next with a good idea? Crafting a story is a process where each step is important, but it could also be a bit tricky. Not to worry -- we can make each element of a good story fun and easy to follow!
45 Minute Program
$290
101 Ways to Bug an Author...with Questions!
Have you ever wondered what authors do in their spare time? How they create the names and personalities of their characters? What they do when they get rejection letters or Writer's Block?
Maybe you’re curious about their writing process...which of their books is their favorite (or least favorite!)...or perhaps you're simply dying to know the…
30 Minute Program
$140
Nature & Animals
Don't Just Read Aloud--Trigger Your Child's Creative Thinking
Parents, learn how to expand your child's creative thinking through their favorite picture books and related hands-on activities.
45 Minute Program
$200
True or False: Animal Fact Fun-xplosion!
Q) True or False: The world's fastest flyer is NOT the peregrine falcon. A) Your animal-lovers will tell you once they sort of the clues to find out the answer to this...while connecting animal anatomy to their own. Extra fun in this an expanded 45-minute visit.
45 Minute Program
$150
Get to Know Your Earthworm!
Bring an earthworm to your visit and learn all about your new friend! Together, we'll do some simple (and worm-safe) science experiments that will let us "dig in" to the science of earthworms. After the program, you can keep your worm overnight or return it to nature.
45 Minute Program
$129
Nonfiction
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
Dark Matters – Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution
Discover the amazing night life of turtles, bats, birds, and other species. Learn how animals and their ecosystems are negatively impacted by light—much of which is so unnecessary.
30 Minute Program
$149
Behind the Scenes with Biographies!
Do you love the popular ‘Who Was…?’ series? Are you curious how they, and other biographies and books, come to be? Author April Jones Prince shares secrets of the writing and bookmaking processes, with plenty of up-close visuals. You’ll never look at book quite the same way again—and you just might be inspired to write your own!
45 Minute Program
$139
People & Places
Everyday Heroes Series-Beyoncé!
Join me for a reading, Q & A, and an art project. Can you shine your light like Beyoncé? Let’s find out!
30 Minute Program
$150
Namaste, Great Gray
Great Gray and his friends are at it again, bringing hope and healing to their small Indian village.
This, the third and final addition to the Great Gray book series has our pachyderm and his friends on the road again.
In our first visits with Great Gray, we watched this little Indian elephant grow from a baby elephant born just a…
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
Dig Deep Explorers
We invite all explorers from Pre-K - Grade 2 to dive in with us! No supplies needed -- just bring your curiosity!
30 Minute Program
$120
Extraordinary Birds!
Did you know that some birds swim and dive instead of fly or that tailorbirds sew their nests together using spider webs? Enjoy some fowl fun as Sandra Horning reads and discusses her early readers BIZARRE BIRDS and CHICKS! Craft activity included.
30 Minute Program
$125
Walk Through My Stories about Patience, Community, and Inclusion
Celebrate a birthday or any special day with Marsha, Hedgehog, Badger, Bear, Raccoon, and more! Come meet an assortment of woodland creatures and learn about patience, community, and inclusion through their stories.
30 Minute Program
$135
Science & Technology
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
Maker Challenge with "Made by Maxine"
Author Ruth Spiro reads her STEM-themed picture book "Made by Maxine," then leads a creative Maker Challenge using items you already have on-hand.
45 Minute Program
$200
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
Self & Relationships
Writing with Grit
Beth will show how young writers can reimagine and relive their own experiences to write a story only they can share. Using clear steps, she'll showcase the steps to bring a story from concept to page. This presentation will inspire even reluctant young writers to harness their power to be the hero of their own stories.
45 Minute Program
$250
The Hero's Journey (for ages 10 and up)
Through storytelling, and readings from Andrea’s books, including her multi-award-winning young adult illustrated novel, The Great & the Small, students will learn to unlock the power of their own potential.
45 Minute Program
$225
Ask The Author!
A class, club, or library visit with middle grade and young adult author, Greg Howard.
30 Minute Program
Skills, Hobbies & Interests
Mystery Writing Workshop
Learn how to generate mystery ideas and write the first page of a Ballpark Mysteries-like story.
45 Minute Program
$250
Writing Sports and Action Scenes
Learn how to write gripping action and sports scenes!
45 Minute Program
$150
Characters or Plot?
Getting into a muddle with your stories? Join Camilla in this interactive workshop as she guides you through two different methods to shaping your stories.
45 Minute Program
$150
Social Themes
What Kind of Leader Are You?
Exploring the differences between being an advocate and an activist. We'll discuss what social injustices are and where they occur. Attendees will need paper and a pen or pencil.
45 Minute Program
$129
Do You Have Big Feelings?
Mister Rogers knew how important it was for children learn about feelings. In this program, Laura will share excerpts from her book FRED'S BIG FEELINGS: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MISTER ROGERS and engage participants in a interactive discussion about feelings, big and small.
30 Minute Program
$109
Happy Valentine's Day!
Want to make your Valentine's Day celebration extra special? Brenda Ferber will read aloud her hilarious picture book, The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever. Then she'll share the real life incident that inspired the story and show the kids how to make their own Valentine Man.
30 Minute Program
$125
World & Culture
Celebrating The Festival of Lights
Hanukkah is a celebration by Jewish people around the world. There are many interesting facts about Hanukkah that go back thousands of years. Dancing Dreidels is a fun story about four dreidels who are best friends. What's a dreidel, you ask? Well, I am sure that Neil Nun, Gail Gimmel, Harry Hey, and Sheila Shin can tell you all about it. Get ready…
45 Minute Program
$129
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Magic
What's the most fun part of writing a fantasy book? Why, the magic, of course! Come learn about the different types of magic in your favorite fantasy stories, and all the things you need to think about when you're getting ready to make your own!
45 Minute Program
$129
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
Writing & Illustrating
LIFE CYCLE OF A PICTURE BOOK - K-2 School Visit
This entertaining and educational school visit presentation for grades K–2 reinforces early literacy skills, touches on nonfiction and fiction writing, and inspires students’ imaginations. “Life Cycle of a Picture Book” shares the author’s writing process, childhood, and steps a story takes from idea to publication.
45 Minute Program
$250
AKK! IT'S A BLANK PAGE! WHAT DO I DO?
Staring at a blank page or not knowing how to revise the words you DO have can panic anyone. Yes, ANYONE! It's like staring into a dragon's mouth. But don't worry, we're going to have fun while we slay that dragon together.
45 Minute Program
$129
WORDPLAY PLAYGROUND! -- Writing Fun!
Melissa Stoller will read the picture book, READY, SET, GORILLA! and discuss using wordplay and puns in writing. Children will leave with several of their own word play words ready for use in their stories.
45 Minute Program
$129