Author/Illustrator School Visit Program:

My program begins with a PowerPoint presentation (complete with sound effects) of The Viper, which is probably my best known and most fun book.

I will then show the various steps that go into making a book, from initial writing, rough sketches, editing, book dummies, layout, a bit about the printing process and the finished product.

I will also do a drawing lesson using basic shapes. What animals can you make with a circle and a triangle? Even the youngest students are very successful with this exercise.

Then there are always a lot of questions and answers.

Author Visit Fees:

My presentation is best suited to students in Kindergarten - 4th grade. I realize that many school budgets have been cut lately, so I have reduced my fee to $200 per session. I can do up to 4 sessions in a day. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes. Smaller groups work well for me. I would also need to be compensated for travel expenses. So if you would like to send me to Paris, I'll go!

Equipment Needed from the School:

I have the PowerPoint presentation on a flash drive. I need a computer from the school to run it, a projector to show it, and a little time (and, perhaps, help!) to set that up. The students will also need some paper, a pencil and a hard surface to draw on.

Preparation for Author Visits:

Author/Illustrator visits are very beneficial to students. There is usually a lot of excitement surrounding a visit, which can easily be translated into classroom projects. Things like preparing a welcome banner, counting down the days, a small geography lesson on where the author comes from are all valid curriculum activities.

Librarians have found that book circulation and enthusiasm for reading in general goes way up after an author visit. And for those children who are artistically inclined, it can validate their love of drawing, writing and possible thoughts about future careers.

Author visits work best if the students have been prepared. Please read some of my books beforehand so that the kids are familiar with me and are excited about my visiting the school. This makes it a lot more fun for everybody! It is also a good idea to prepare some questions in advance.

Author Visit Book Sales:

I do have copies of many of my books available for sale. Students should pre-order books so I know what to bring. I will give you a list when we make arrangements.

Benefits of an Author Visit:

Imagine! Your students engaged in questions and answers with a real-life children's author! The questions fill the room: "Why did you make it funny?" "Where do you get your ideas from?" "Is the main character based on someone you know?"

When an author reads from their own work, children get excited! Author visits are inspiring events that foster a love of reading and many educational opportunities. When authors speak to young people, students are motivated to read more, write more, and learn more. Even the most reluctant reader may want to pick up a book!

Even if the author is not "famous", there is something wonderful about meeting a published author. It brings to life the idea that authors and illustrators are real people and that children could grow up to be that too.

Biography:

Awards & Recognition:

Contact:

Please contact me directly to make arrangements. I'll work with you closely to ensure a successful visit, and I'll be happy to answer any questions which you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!

Contact Author/Illustrator Lisa Thiesing