Looking for an author visit that gets kids excited?
I love to share my excitement for reading and writing with students!
I offer classroom story times, school assemblies, and everything in between.
Book me for an engaging read-aloud, half-day visit, or full day of activities. Contact me to arrange a custom visit for your school.
Options include:
Classroom Story Time
- Up to 30 minutes: Pre-K – 2nd Grade
- Book read-aloud
- Meet the author/behind the scenes of the story
- Q&A
- Coloring sheet for each child
- Book copy for classroom/school library
Let’s READ Workshop
- 25-minute assembly presentation
- Appropriate for elementary students and parents
- Ideal for school assemblies or parent engagement nights
- Lets READ! encourages literacy by getting the audience excited about reading.
- Presentation reveals how R.eading offers E.xcitement, A.dventure and D.iscovery
- Visual elements tied to Patch’s Igloo Adventure
Patch Pals
- 45-60 minutes: Pre-K – 2nd Grade
- Book read-aloud
- Interactive & educational activities – Patch Pals (Marine Animal Fun-Facts Game), and Zoom! Onomatopoeia
- Follow-up educational resources for teacher’s use in the classroom
- Book copy for classroom/school library
Young Authors – So You Want to Be a W.R.I.T.E.R.?
- 20-30 minutes: 3rd – 5th Grade
- Interactive presentation outlining the 6 steps to become a professional writer
- Q&A time
Storyboard Workshop
- 30 minutes: 3rd – 5th Grade
- Overview of how to write a children’s book
- Interactive practice session – each student leaves with their own completed storyboard
- Q&A time
How a Story Becomes a Book
- 30-minutes: 2nd – 5th Grade
- Interactive presentation explains the writing process and teaches vocabulary
- Behind-the-scenes at Nenn Pen, Ink: examples from brainstorming to publication
Krafting with Kerry
- 60 minutes: Pre-K – 2nd Grade
- Read-aloud of Patch’s Igloo Adventure
- Build-your-own-igloo
- Each student makes their own mini-marshmallow igloo – all supplies provided
Or - Read-aloud of Patch’s Pirate Adventure
- Make-your-own-pirate-hat
- Each student creates their own customized paper pirate hat – all supplies provided
Meet the Author
- 30 minutes: All ages
- Brief presentation of Kerry’s career as a writer
- Q&A session
- Coloring sheet for each child
Book Signings
- 60 minutes: All ages
- Author meet & greet
- Books available for purchase & signing
FAQ
Why schedule an author visit at my school?
Author visits can make a significant impact on young readers. It’s an opportunity for inspiration and encouragement. My sessions also offer engaging educational tools that can be integrated into classroom learning – ELA, science, math, and art!
Do you offer visits for different age groups?
Yes! I offer a variety of events and activities suitable for Pre-K-2nd Grade, 3rd-5th Grade, and Pre-K-5th grade, including student-parent engagement assemblies.
What books do you offer for story times and other sessions?
My book options include: Patch’s Igloo Adventure, Patch’s Pirate Adventure, T-Rex In My Closet
How long are your sessions?
I work with schools to provide sessions that adapt to their schedules. Options range from 20 to 60 minutes, and I can combine various sessions to create a half-day or full-day visit if desired.
What tech do you need?
For classroom visits, I do not require any tech. For assemblies, I need a microphone and connection to a media system that allows me to share my laptop screen in a large format.
How can I fund an author visit for my school?
If you’re facing a tight budget, don’t miss out on the benefits of author visits! Here are some fun and engaging ways to raise funds:
Read-a-thon or Write-a-thon: Set aside a day for students to do nothing but read or write – and send out pledge forms to raise funds for author visits.
In-school field trip: No buses needed! Give students the unique opportunity to meet an author and engage in literacy activities, all from the convenience of your own school! A per-student cost of $3-$5 can help cover costs of the author visit.
Wish list: Add a sponsorship for an author visit to your school’s wish list on your website.
Local business sponsorship: Businesses often have funds earmarked for community events, and they may be willing to sponsor your author visit in return for promoting their business to parents.
PTO assistance: Request the funds from your PTO/PTA. These volunteers may also be willing to help arrange the author visit.
Title 1 funds: Your school may be eligible to apply some of these funds to an author visit, which can provide additional academic support and enrichment for students.
BONUS!
Free Resources for Educators
PLUS…Open Patch’s Lunch Box
for even more:
Activities & Games
Animal Fun Facts
Coloring sheets
Monthly surprises from Patch!
Author Visit Rates
Sessions up to one hour, for up to 30 students: $150
School assemblies (includes pre-visit for AV dry run): $250
Half-Day Visit (three sessions, up to 30 students each): $400
Full-Day Visit (six sessions, up to 30 students each): $750
*For Krafting with Kerry sessions, +$2 per student for craft supplies
Rates are flexible to work with school budgets.
Reduced rates available if school provides materials/copies or establishes an agreement for a set number of book sales.
Please contact me to arrange an author visit customized to your needs and budget.