Programs

Opinion Writing: Keeping it short and simple

The art of Opinion Writing - keeping it short and simple

Sandhya Acharya

30 Minute Program

$150

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You’re a Story Magician!

Each of you have stories to tell or write or draw, so let’s get started! Through word games from Marsha’s popular “Funshops” we will get warmed up. Then Marsha will read one of her stories, provide story prompts for a magical story of your own, and share her much-loved Storymagician Chant.

Marsha Diane Arnold

45 Minute Program

$200

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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.

Ian C Douglas

45 Minute Program

$129

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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!

Kevin Fleming

30 Minute Program

$99

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Hugo Kringle's Coming to Town

Hugo Kringle, Santa Claus's younger brother, is a great holiday program. Unlike his famous brother who typically talks to one kid at a time, Hugo sings secular holiday songs and tells stories of growing up with the boy who will become Santa Claus. This program works best for the 8 and under crowd.

Mike Anderson

30 Minute Program

$175

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The Civil War Soldiers Musical Instruments

The Times of Abraham Lincoln is a 45- 60 minute, interactive celebration in music and story of the Civil War and the Commander-In-Chief of the North: Abraham Lincoln. Folk Singer, Storyteller, Musician and Music Historian, Mike Anderson brings the music of the American Civil War to life using Civil War era instruments of the men who fought the…

Mike Anderson

45 Minute Program

$150

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Inspiration to Book: Building Story with the Writing Process

Students will see the process of creating a book from the spark of inspiration to the final bound pages. They'll learn how author's purpose and point of view, characterization, setting, conflict, story arc, and more play out, as well as prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing.

Beth Anderson

45 Minute Program

$180

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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.

Abby Cooper

30 Minute Program

$99

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The Path to Publishing a Children's Book

Are you an aspiring Author or Illustrator of children's books? Maryann Cocca-Leffler has published over 60 books in her 35 year career as a self-agented Author/Illustrator. She will share what it takes to break into the competitive world of publishing.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

45 Minute Program

$200

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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.

Sandra Horning

45 Minute Program

$199

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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.

Janet Lawler

45 Minute Program

$250

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The Giant Hug Storytime

Send a giant hug to a child in your life whether they live near or far! Sandra will read her award-winning picture book, THE GIANT HUG, and share the inside scoop about this fun, heartwarming, and educational story. Virtual hugs included!

Sandra Horning

30 Minute Program

$129

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How to keep germs away!

In this online class for ages 5-8, we will be learning all about how to keep germs away! This is a live, small group online class - available on any device, and anywhere like the comfort of home! 🏡 Contact for details, to ask questions and book. The menu includes an online introduction to two of Life's Little Bug characters, Flu Bug and Tummy Bug …

Tina Stubbs

45 Minute Program

$150

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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.

Tina Shepardson

45 Minute Program

$129

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The Idea Generator

Where do we get ideas from? And how do we generate new ideas? In this workshop I'll walk kids through their interests and pasts and mine their memories for crafting amazing stories that are uniquely them. Workshop exercises include (as time permits) idea and character brainstorming for stories that kid will be clamoring to write. Please plan on…

P. J. (Tricia) Hoover

45 Minute Program

$300

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Peter Pattern Teaches Children to Recognize and Mimic Pattern

Peter Pattern takes children on a pattern seeking adventure finding threads that repeat in fabrics, notes that repeat in music, petals that repeat on flowers and numbers that ascend or descend in regular integrals: See that set of numbers shrinking in a way that gets you thinking—could there be a rule behind it? Is it there and can you find…

M. W. Penn

45 Minute Program

$160

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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…

M. W. Penn

45 Minute Program

$180

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YOU ARE AN AUTHOR!

We all have stories to tell. Children are authors too, and this program will give them the confidence to share their ideas and stories and to BELIEVE that their ideas count!

Ellen Leventhal

30 Minute Program

$99

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Let's talk about sea creatures and how we can protect them! Storytelling and Conservation Workshop

While forms are precise in a geometry book, In Nature, we must take a second good look. So step outside and open your eyes - The shapes you see could be quite a surprise. So let’s look together, just you and me. I wonder which shapes we’ll be able to see. Come on a magical journey and discover the shapes and creatures of the ocean in rhymes and…

Janina Rossiter

30 Minute Program

$300

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You're An Author Too!

From giving a giraffe a back scratch to dancing in toilet paper to revising, students come to learn that their writing process isn't much different from mine. We're ALL authors! (This program is intended for school groups.)

Sara Shacter

45 Minute Program

$129

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WordPlay for Teens

If you like the idea of writing but are not quite sure where to start, this session is for you. Let me help you tap into the ideas lurking just outside your reach.

Joan Marie Galat

45 Minute Program

$149

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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…

M. W. Penn

45 Minute Program

$160

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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.

Ellen Leventhal

45 Minute Program

$129

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Read a Story in Rhyme and Compare Numbers with Sidney the Silly Who Only Eats 6

Literature and number sense combine in this session, with children counting and comparing quantities as King Sidney will only eat groups of 6 and his chef, Brolly from Brixes, tires of making sixes. Children enjoy listening to a good story, entering an imaginary world created by great illustrations and hearing the pattern of a bouncing rhyme. But…

M. W. Penn

45 Minute Program

$150

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Solve Our Sleep From A to Zzzz (with Q & A)

Renowned Sleep Specialist, Dr. Whitney Roban, will use her award winning children's books to teach families about the importance of sleep.

Whitney Roban

45 Minute Program

$300

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Solve Our Sleep From A to Zzzz

Children and parents will learn about the importance of sleep.

Whitney Roban

30 Minute Program

$200

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Poetry Games to Free Your Wild Mind: Fun Games to Develop Creativity and Voice

Make poetry fun and engaging with these quick "wild mind" writing games that will help you develop creativity, get new ideas, and surprise yourself with your writing. Through these games, we'll explore poetic skills like voice, imagery, descriptive language, rhythm, and rhyme. All you need are paper, pen/pencil, and a willingness to let your mind…

Todd Mitchell

45 Minute Program

$149

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The Most Important Thing About Poetry

...is not how to write it. What am I talking about? Although it's true one needs to understand grammar, spelling, meter, and all that other "poetry stuff" they teach you in school, the MOST important thing about writing poetry has nothing to do with the craft of writing it. (Or does it?)

Matt Forrest Esenwine

45 Minute Program

$130

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School Visit Program: The Story Behind The Story

Bring Author-Illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler into your classroom or homeschooling group. She'll share her books and 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.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler

45 Minute Program

$300

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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.

James Hannibal

45 Minute Program

$130

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What is a Sonnet? Shall We Write One Together?

We will read examples of sonnets- both traditional and humorous and will attempt to write the form in iambic pentameter.

Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan

45 Minute Program

$150

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So You Want To Be a Poet?

I will use my latest book as a guide to introduce readers to poetic forms like sonnets, nonets and limericks, poetic stanzas of various lengths, and metered lines that demonstrate the beat and rhythm of rhymed and unrhymed poetry. We will then practice creating poems as well using word exercises.

Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan

45 Minute Program

$150

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Embracing Imagination with Rocks

From Classroom Teacher to Author, & Illustrator, I come to embrace imagination through storytelling. Embracing Imagination with Rocks * Diann shows her rocks painted to represent characters and places * Talks about each rock to stir the imagination * With the fun of talking about rocks the kids do not even realize they are learning about the…

Diann Floyd Boehm

30 Minute Program

$99

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My Day in Space or on the Moon!

From Classroom Teacher to Author, & Illustrator, I come to embrace imagination through storytelling. “Embracing imagination" is the name of the game for young writers. Diann shares an overview of the Moonlings in Tycho Town, characters and pets. Diann shows actual objects you might see while traveling to the moon.

Diann Floyd Boehm

30 Minute Program

$99

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Writing Poems

Are you curious about poems or do you know nothing about them? Whether you're intimidated or intrigued, I invite you to learn about some of the fun forms of poetry and try your hand at creating poems. It's easier than you think!

Christy Mihaly

30 Minute Program

$99

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Wild Card Q&A!

Ask Sofiya whatever burning questions you can come up with!

Sofiya Pasternack

30 Minute Program

$99

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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!

Sofiya Pasternack

45 Minute Program

$129

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How to Plot a Story (Without Totally Losing It!)

Do you want to write a story, but then you look at the GIGANTIC task of plotting out that whole thing, and you say, "Never mind!" Well, fear no more! Learn how plotting can be fun!

Sofiya Pasternack

45 Minute Program

$129

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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!

Sofiya Pasternack

30 Minute Program

$99

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Find Your Voice!

For serious authors working on the intangible and sought-after voice! What is voice, and how do we develop one? (Hint: lots of practice!)

Sofiya Pasternack

45 Minute Program

$129

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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!

Sofiya Pasternack

45 Minute Program

$129

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How Do I Learn?

A session on different abilities and preferences for learning.

Adam Ford

45 Minute Program

$135

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Author Presentation - Picture Books, Sheep Jokes, Sheep Math, Sheep Facts, and Sheep Crafts!

The program revolves around my bedtime counting picture book, TEN SHEEP TO SLEEP. We'll read the book, do math, answer riddles, learn how to write a picture book, and two activities (time permitting). The student(s) will require a pre-cut template, cotton, colors, glue, pencil, googly eyes (optional). Students will get an opportunity to feature…

Nidhi Kamra

30 Minute Program

$110

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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…

Nidhi Kamra

45 Minute Program

$145

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Writing with Your Five Senses

Let's explore tapping into our five senses for writing! Participants will want a notebook and a pen or pencil. Family members are welcome to participate.

Lauren Kerstein

45 Minute Program

$150

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Let's talk about plastic! Storytelling and Plastic Pollution Workshop

1, 2, 3, Who's Cleaning the Sea? The sea creatures are working hard to clean their living environment of ocean pollution. But why do they clean? What happened? Would you like to know more about plastic pollution and how YOU can help the sea creatures? We can find sustainable solutions together and protect our oceans!

Janina Rossiter

30 Minute Program

$300

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LEARNING ABOUT OPPOSITES!

Although the concept of “opposites” might not be easy for children to grasp with words, if we play the game "Up and Down and Up, " they will have lots of fun while learning. This session is based on the chapter "Opposites" from Connie's book, DANCE, TURN, HOP, LEARN! ENRICHING MOVEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS. During this playful and energetic…

Connie Bergstein Dow

30 Minute Program

$100

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The Nature of the Character (A Character Creation Workshop)

***COMING SOON***Ever wondered how authors create their characters? Want to learn what they don't teach you in school? Join British children's fantasy author and former teacher J. A Browne as she takes you on a journey of discover to create your own magical character using the power of nature and shares her own character creation secrets.

Jane Browne

45 Minute Program

$199

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What's for Dinner? A Grrrreat Story!

In this workshop, I share Grizzly Mom’s favorite story recipe. Ten students maximum.

Barbara Davis-Pyles

45 Minute Program

$299

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Grizzly Boy: From Brainstorm to Bookstore

How does one silly sentence become a story? From first draft to finished product, I’ll give you all the goods on the making of a picture book.

Barbara Davis-Pyles

45 Minute Program

$299

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Stubby the Fearless Squid: From Brainstorm to Bookstore

How does the spark of an idea become a story? From first draft to finished product, I’ll give you all the goods on the making of a picture book.

Barbara Davis-Pyles

45 Minute Program

$299

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Technology and STEM: HOW do you want to live when you grow up?

Ask yourself HOW you want to live while you grow up, not the old “WHAT do you want TO BE." Kids are being driven toward robot competitions and 'learning to code' when there are myriad careers available in tech beyond just the mythical rockstar coder and lead designer/inventor. Success takes teams, trials and time.

Jeff Dunnihoo

45 Minute Program

$275

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Read. Write. Repeat.

Calling all budding authors of middle grade fiction! In a one on one chat, let's discuss writing, tips of the trade, and exchange favorite story titles. This program can be modified for small groups.

Carolyn Armstrong

45 Minute Program

$129

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Have you herd? Elephants are amazing!

What is the purpose of an elephant's trunk? Is it true that elephants never forget? Join me as we do a deep dive into the wonderful world of elephants.

Carolyn Armstrong

30 Minute Program

$99

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Education

Opinion Writing: Keeping it short and simple

You’re a Story Magician!

English History- The Interesting Bits

How do ILLUSTRATIONS Match the Story? - A CONVERSATION

Hugo Kringle's Coming to Town

The Civil War Soldiers Musical Instruments

Inspiration to Book: Building Story with the Writing Process

What Should I Read Next?

The Path to Publishing a Children's Book

Revision: It's more than correcting spelling errors!

LIFE CYCLE OF A PICTURE BOOK - K-2 School Visit

The Giant Hug Storytime

How to keep germs away!

What Kind of Leader Are You?

The Idea Generator

Peter Pattern Teaches Children to Recognize and Mimic Pattern

That’s not a Beagle, a Silly Study of Attributes

YOU ARE AN AUTHOR!

Let's talk about sea creatures and how we can protect them! Storytelling and Conservation Workshop

You're An Author Too!

WordPlay for Teens

Square Bear and his Friends Teach Us All about Polygons

AKK! IT'S A BLANK PAGE! WHAT DO I DO?

Read a Story in Rhyme and Compare Numbers with Sidney the Silly Who Only Eats 6

Solve Our Sleep From A to Zzzz (with Q & A)

Solve Our Sleep From A to Zzzz

Poetry Games to Free Your Wild Mind: Fun Games to Develop Creativity and Voice

The Most Important Thing About Poetry

School Visit Program: The Story Behind The Story

What's in a story?

What is a Sonnet? Shall We Write One Together?

So You Want To Be a Poet?

Embracing Imagination with Rocks

My Day in Space or on the Moon!

Writing Poems

Wild Card Q&A!

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Magic

How to Plot a Story (Without Totally Losing It!)

Turning History Into Fantasy

Find Your Voice!

All Writing Is Good Writing!

How Do I Learn?

Author Presentation - Picture Books, Sheep Jokes, Sheep Math, Sheep Facts, and Sheep Crafts!

HOW TO NOT EAT YOUR GRANDMA WHILE WRITING PICTURE BOOKS

Writing with Your Five Senses

Let's talk about plastic! Storytelling and Plastic Pollution Workshop

LEARNING ABOUT OPPOSITES!

The Nature of the Character (A Character Creation Workshop)

What's for Dinner? A Grrrreat Story!

Grizzly Boy: From Brainstorm to Bookstore

Stubby the Fearless Squid: From Brainstorm to Bookstore

Technology and STEM: HOW do you want to live when you grow up?

Read. Write. Repeat.

Have you herd? Elephants are amazing!