Thanks for your interest in my author presentations to schools and libraries. The basic talk is called "Fangs and Stingers." My presentation works best in a 1-hour format. The talk includes information about my non-fiction writing strategies. It concludes with a short slide show based on two of my Early Bird Nature Books, Scorpions and Tarantulas. Young students love to learn about creepy crawlers, especially critters native to Arizona. I try to leave time for questions from the audience. Since 1994, I’ve done author presentations and writing workshops at more than 500 schools for more than a half million students. I've presented to students in kindergarten through 8th grade, and to audiences of teachers and other adults. The slide show presentation is very effective for 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders who are studying the creatures and plants found in desert habitats.

I also do animated readings with puppets for younger children - pre-school, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders. Allow at least 50 minutes for this presentation. Readings can include my picture books: Desert Night Shift (A Pack Rat Story), Life in the Slow Lane (A Desert Tortoise Tale), Don't EVER Cross That Road! (An Armadillo Story), Don't Call Me Pig! (A Javelina Story), or Lizards for Lunch (A Roadrunner's Tale). For older students or for in-service teacher seminars, my 1-hour mini-workshop focuses on the craft of writing non-fiction for young readers, complete with writing exercises for all participants.

Effective July 1, 2006, my fee schedule is as follows:

[Add $100 for travel expense if your school is located outside of Maricopa County]

My presentations work best in a library setting. Three or four classes maximum (75-125 students) allows for better interaction with the children. However, I have presented to entire schools (K-8) in an auditorium setting.

If you are interested in having books available for sale the day of my visit, please contact Laura Eng of Adventures in Literature at (480) 497-8572. She can help to arrange a pre-sale and make my visit to your school a successful and rewarding experience. As part of my visit I will donate several signed books to your school's library.