In-Person and Virtual
I love talking with readers and aspiring writers! A former teacher and audiologist, I am comfortable working with children of all ages and abilities. For more details or to schedule an in-person or virtual presentation, please Contact me for availability.
Story Time
All grades
An interactive read-aloud with one of my picture books followed by a fun Q&A. Optional craft can be added. (20 minutes)
Let’s Find Ideas!
Grades PreK-2
Every great story begins with a great idea. But where do great ideas come from? I will talk about how to find ideas and what to do with them once they are found. Students will brainstorm together to come up with some great ideas. I will read Bess the Barn Stands Strong or Balloons for Papa. Optional crafts include making binoculars to help find ideas or thinking caps for brainstorming. (30-45 minutes)
Emotions Wanted
Grades PreK-3
Emotions are real. We all have them. But sometimes it’s hard to know how to deal with them. Travel with Arthur as he goes on a journey of emotions – from happy to sad to mad to glad. I will read Balloons for Papa and other picture books that talk about emotions in an age-appropriate way. Then, the students and I will act out different emotions and then talk about how to help someone in need. (30-45 minutes)
Diggin’ Dinosaurs
Grades PreK-3
Do you love dinosaurs? Come along with Diplodocus, Deinonychus, Triceratops, and T. rex as they roam through their day in the Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds. I will read one of the books my A Dinosaur Day series. Then, the students and I will learn more about dinosaurs and paleontology by doing some dinosaur digging of our own. (30-45 minutes)
Celebrate the Seasons (and Weather) with Bess
Grades K-3
Bess the Barn loves to celebrate every season! We will first chat about the four seasons – winter, spring, summer, and fall. I will read Bess the Barn Stands Strong. Then, the students will divide into four “season” groups to brainstorm about the elements of their season, what they enjoy doing in that season, and the weather phenomenons that might happen during that season. We will gather back together to share our findings. An optional science experiment can be added. (45 minutes to 1 hour)
Story Barn: Building a strong story from the ground up
Grades 3-6
Just like Bess, a story has to be strong to stand the test of time. I will explore with the students what it takes to make a strong story. Concepts covered during this workshop are character, setting, main events, problem, and solution. I will read Bess the Barn Stands Strong. The group will work together to construct a strong story barn using all of the story arc concepts. (45 minutes to 1 hour)
Research and Writing Nonfiction: Let’s Dig In!
Grades 4-8
Students will dig into research and nonfiction writing as they learn to hunt for interesting facts and map out which facts are important to their story or paper. Then, they will learn how to turn boring nonfiction into nonfiction that is exciting and comes ALIVE on the page. (1 hour)
Writing Workshop
Grades 4-8
Customized writing workshop where students will work to create their own stories. Students will learn about the elements of a story, how to give an effective critique, and the revision process all in a positive and supportive environment. This workshop is most ideal if it is provided in two sessions. (1 hour to 2 hours)
Other Options
All grades
I am always happy to customize any presentation (virtual or in-person) to fit the needs of your classroom or group.
In-Person School Visits*
STORY TIME: $100
SINGLE PRESENTATION/WORKSHOP and CRAFT: $200
FULL DAY VISIT (includes 3 presentations and book signing)
Local – within 60 miles of Des Moines, Iowa: $500
Somewhat Local – 61-250 miles of Des Moines, Iowa: $700
And Beyond – More than 251 miles from Des Moines, Iowa: please contact
Virtual Visits*
Story Time for 20 minutes $50
Presentation for 30 minute to 45 minutes $150
Presentation for 45 minutes to 1 hour $200
Workshop for 1 hour to 2 hours $250-$350
*Discount available when scheduling multiple story times and/or presentations within one school or school district. Please contact me for more details.
