Have Mary Ann Castagnetta Visit Your School

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Presentations

My  presentations last 30 to 45 minutes for each group, depending on age of  each audience. I usually give between 3 to 5 presentations during my  one-day visit.

Presentations  include reading my book to each group, having a discussion and sharing  ideas and thoughts about the story, and a Question & Answer Session.  With the older children, I also discuss how they too can become an  Author. I take them through how I create a book, from the inception of  the idea, to hiring and working with an Illustrator, to how I  self-published the books.

My  vision and hope is not only to entertain the children, but to get the  children to speak about their dreams, and show the students the fun of  reading and writing.

I  like to inspire them to follow and write about their own unique visions  and dreams, so with the teacher’s approval, I encourage them to write a  story of their own, or draw a picture, again depending on the age of  the group, and to share it with their class. You can see some examples  of these on my Photo Page.

It  is best if you can arrange a classroom or assembly room for me to do  the presentation. In this way, I am stationery and each group can come  into wherever space you have chosen. I bring an easel and a beautiful  blow-up of my book, which the children love to see.

Planning Ahead

After  choosing a date and time of my visit, it is a good idea to discuss the  number of presentations you would like me to give, the length of each  session, the age groups I will be addressing, and the size of each  audience. I do not charge for travel costs as other Authors do. However I  do require an honorarium, taking into consideration your school’s  budget. This can be discussed when we speak.

Pre-ordering books for the day of the event
Upon  choosing a date for my visit, I will email you a flyer/order form to be  sent home with the children prior to my visit. Since I personalize,  autograph and date each book, it is most helpful if this is done a few  weeks in advance. As the orders are received, your school representative  can email me the first names of each child, and I can have all  pre-orders signed in advance. By doing this, I do not take any time away  from my presentation by having to sign a large number of books while  there. Of course, if there is anyone who did not pre-order and would  like to order the day of my visit, I will be happy to personalize and  sign those books as well.

"We  were so pleased to have you at our school! My kids and teachers loved  your visit with us. I went in yesterday morning and cataloged the books  so students could check them out. I gave the one copy to the boy I  promised it to and the others were all checked out by the end of the  day. Students came in and asked for them.  They were thrilled to get  them. I don't think I have had such a great response to an author's book  in 22 years. And, my first class came in today... 4th grade..... asking  for your books. All gone! Disappointment all around. They want the  Haunted Vacation book. I will have to make a trip down to you to Cape  May to buy a few copies. See you again in Cape May!"

Betty Carhart

Librarian

Lanoka Harbor School

Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734