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Give a HOOT! The Story of Coal and SILENT SWOOP

Learn the true story of Coal, great-horned owl whose mother made in her nest in a most unusual place - a coal yard at a power plant! Using a realistic owl puppet (with blinking eyes!) and the book SILENT SWOOP, author Michelle Houts shares a most wonderful animal rescue tale that will inspire even the youngest readers and writers.

Michelle Houts

30 Minute Program

$125

This 30-minute meet-read-and-share will introduce young readers to not only an author, but to Coal, a great-horned owl who started his life in a risky situation but survived to live more than thirty years at the World Bird Sanctuary.

You'll be greeted by Michelle and her wonderfully realistic great-horned owl puppet. Then sit back and listen to Michelle read Coal's story while you see artist Deb Hoeffner's fabulous illustrations.

More owl talk will follow, including where Michelle got the idea to write the book and how she found out all the facts (that's research!) needed to tell Coal's story.

Next, Michelle wants to hear from you about the animals you love and if you know any animal rescue stories of your own. (Beware: you might be encouraged to write about them!)

We'll end with Q & A and we'll say goodbye by learning how to HOOT just like a great-horned owl.

About the Author

Michelle Houts is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books for young readers, ranging from colorful, engaging picture books to adventurous middle-grade novels. She loves to talk to young readers and writers about not only her work and process, but their own ideas and creations.

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Other Programs from Michelle Houts

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…

Michelle Houts

30 Minute Program

$125

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Nuts About Science: Inspiration, Investigation, Imagination

While Michelle Houts was writing the STEM-based chapter book series LUCY'S LAB, something hit her like an acorn falling from an oak tree: Writers and scientists use the same process! They both need ideas (inspiration), they have to do their research (investigation) and from there, the sky's the limit (imagination). Get ready for some…

Michelle Houts

45 Minute Program

$200

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How to Tell a Life - Writing About Real People

Author Michelle Houts remembers making a beeline to B section in her elementary and middle school libraries. B for Biographies. For the reader who loves to devour stories of real people and/or the young writer whose favorite assignments are reports about world-changers and the fascinatingly famous, this visit will be a fun look into what it's like…

Michelle Houts

45 Minute Program

$200

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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.

Susan Robinson

45 Minute Program

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The Story Glove

Learn about story elements by crafting your own story glove!

Susan Robinson

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Storytime with Poke the Hedgehog!

Storytime with the author, followed by discussion, song, dance, and a hands-on activity.

Susan Robinson

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THE VERY LAST LEAF: Leaves, Trees & Facing Your Fears

In this unbe-LEAF-able presentation by Author Stef Wade, you will learn about the life cycle of a leaf, enjoy a read aloud of THE VERY LAST LEAF, and learn how to face your fears, just like Lance Cottonwood. This is a great visit for the autumn season, for graduation time, or for any child who struggles with facing the unknown.

Stef Wade

30 Minute Program

$200

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