What is the length and content of my program?

• 45 to 60 minutes: I make opening remarks that last about 2 minutes. During my slide presentation (20 min.) I discuss my introduction to the field of children’s books, the various projects I have illustrated, an art topic, how I do research, and the different stages of the children’s book process.

• I like to take questions for 10-15 minutes and end with a drawing demonstration or activity with student participation.

• The program usually lasts about 40 minutes for grades 1-2 and 45-60 minutes for grades 3-8.

• Four presentations a day is the limit. Please share a detailed schedule with me at least two weeks before my visit and plan to group students according to grade level for presentations. No taping of any kind without my express, written consent. Payment is due directly following the visit.

How much does a visit cost?

The 2024 rates below are basic rates for school visits/student audiences. Other configurations, programs, and fee schedules may be available. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions. If your school is a Title I school, you represent a non-profit organization, or your organization has a different budget, just contact me! I can usually find creative/flexible solutions to help you arrange a visit.

Local to DC, MD, Northern VA (within 20 - 30 miles of Silver Spring, MD):

• One session honorarium - 45-60 minutes - $300

• Half-day honorarium – max of two presentations – $500.00

• Full-day honorarium* – max of four presentations – $800.00

• *Note: Out-of-town full-day rates and travel/ lodging fees apply for visits requiring flights or more than 50 miles of round-trip ground travel.

Out of town

• Full-day honorarium – max of four presentations - $1200 for a full day + travel expenses, lodging, if required, and meals.

Virtual

• 50-60 minute online visit honorarium (school must provide online platform) - $250

• Full Day (max of three presentations): $500

The topics to choose from are below:

A - Read-Aloud, Illustration Process Walkthrough, Q&A, and Demonstration:

Read aloud of an excerpt from one of the books, an Illustrator's perspective of the picture book creation, a Q&A session, and a demonstration of how I begin a sketch.

[OR]

B - Illustration Process Walkthrough, Q&A, and a Drawing Activity followed by a Discussion About Picture Book Creation:

An Illustrator's perspective of the picture book creation, a Q&A session, and we’ll talk about the parts and elements of picture books. Then, students will illustrate their own picture book page (K-12).

[OR]

C - Illustration walkthrough followed by an Illustrator Talk and Q&A: Presentation about lessons learned in becoming an illustrator and Q&A about books. I will answer questions like: How long does it take to illustrate a book? How do projects get assigned? How does a book get into a bookstore? What is an agent's role? Who else is involved in the process? This workshop is for High School (9-12), college, and beyond.

I’m happy to tailor my program to your school’s needs, so please let me know what your students are interested in! All in-person visits will include a PowerPoint slide show using a Mac, I will bring an adaptor, plus do a tech test immediately (~15 minutes) preceding the visit. Virtual visits will include a tech test ~20 minutes before the visit.

All visits include a complimentary meet and greet/book signing after the presentation if desired.

Book signings

For all visits—virtual or in-person—we can do book signings if desired. There are several ways to do this. We can:

• Order books through my local bookstore. I will sign them and have them shipped to your school.

• Your class/school can order through a local bookstore near your school, and I can mail you signed bookplates if virtual, or when I arrive in in-person.