Lisa's Presentations
Schools
I MET AN AUTHOR TODAY! (Preschool--Kindergarten)
Half-hour program that includes songs, hand-plays, reading of two or more books with coordinating activities.
A VISIT WITH THE AUTHOR (Grades 1-2)
This forty-five minutes program introduces kids to several aspects of the writing life. They will learn what three things every story in the world needs. They will experience what a writer keeps in her invisible toolbox. And they will find out, through Lisa’s puppet friend Cushion the porcupine, why she likes being an author. Program includes the reading of at least two books.
MAMMOTHS AND DINOS AND RESEARCH, OH MY! (Grades 2 and up)
In this one hour presentation, Lisa shares her passion for woolly mammoths and the research involved in writing her non-fiction title, Mammoths On The Move. This two-part program also shows how research can also be necessary when writing fiction, as Lisa shares her popular title, Dino Hockey.
IN THE MOO-D FOR BOOKS! (Grades 3-4)
Lisa loves animals. Especially those who walk, talk, and star in their very own books. The author shares bits and pieces of funny facts she has picked up while researching the stars of her books. Includes a reading of at least one book and the story behind the story.
THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD (Grades 4-6)
Lisa loves being an author and enjoys sharing the ins and outs of how a book gets published, complete with show-and-tell of her books in different stages of completion. She gives kids information on the tools necessary to make a niche in the world of books. Question and answer period to follow.
Schools can contact Lisa directly through the Contact button above.
For Teachers and Writers
ALIEN AUTOPSY: DISSECTING PICTURE BOOKS FOR STORY AND SUBSTANCE
A good picture book is a great way to teach elementary students about the classic elements of any story. In this fun, informative session, Lisa will dissect picture books and uncover their heart, soul, and other important innards. Using lecture, handouts, overheads, and real books, Ms. Wheeler will show teachers how to help children pick apart the elements of great books and apply these tools to their own creative writing.
Handout included.
COWS, SHEEP, & OTHER RELATIVES: DO ANIMALS MAKE BETTER HUMANS?
Lisa loves talking animals! They are her favorite writing subjects. They are like family members. They are helping to put her children through college. Why wouldn't she love them?!
In this presentation, Lisa shares humorous insights on the 'who's, when's, and why's to anthropomorphi-size!' Using her anthropomorphic picture books, as well as overheads, and handouts, she will lead participants to explore the answers to deep, burning questions such as "Why does Arthur wear clothes while Clifford goes naked?"
Lisa has spent many hours with anthropomorphic animals in all stages of evolution. She has even created an evolutionary chart using favorite anthropomorphic storybook characters, which she will share with your group as they explore the humanness of picture book animals.
Handouts include:
RHYME WITH REASON
Lisa often hears writer lament over editors who do not publish rhyme, yet more than half of her published books are rhyming.
Lisa believes that editors do not publish 'bad' rhyme, and in this session she lays out the Dos and Don'ts of rhyming picture books, as well as good reasons for a book to be in rhyme.
Handouts include:
WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM?
An informal talk about my unscientific theory on ideas and where they come from. Includes the lowdown on several of my books and a peek into how they were born. (No messy birthing videos involved!) I'll also read one of the funnier books (time permitted) so the audience can see what those baby ideas amounted to.
Does your school want have an author visit but funds are low. Look below for a link to grants and other info:
http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2004/08/grants-for-school-visits.html
CONTACT LISA FOR FEES AND FURTHER INFORMATION
© Frank Ansley 2001
"One night her leap went far and deep
into the galaxy.
She flew away and now is known
as Auntie Gravity."
Home About the Author Calendar Contact
Humor Me: For Children's Writers Links Linda Smith Page