I will visit your school to help your students become better writers, artists and thinkers — and it will be fun.

My humorous, interactive, picture-packed presentation (in PowerPoint) shows how a kid who likes to read, write and draw can become a published author/illustrator, and how a published author/illustrator creates a picture book, step-by-step.

Students will be raising their hands every minute as they see their own schoolwork in the challenges of making a published book. I speak with the children, rather than lecturing to them.

The presentation is intended to help children write and draw better, but since most kids will not grow up to be professional writers and artists, it is really about how to be successful in life. I demonstrate that authors and illustrators are not magicians, but people who are passionate about their ideas, who perceive the world around them, and who persevere in spite of many obstacles.

“Thomas Yezerski is a wonderful author presenter. He captivates the children with his stories and pictures, portraying his journey towards becoming an author and illustrator. He is truly motivating to young writers and artists!” — Jennifer A. Oranchak, 1st Grade Teacher, Wicoff Elementary School, Plainsboro, NJ

“Thomas F. Yezerski knows how to captivate children. He holds their attention, makes them laugh and teaches them about the book-making process all at the same time!” — Janeen Yacovelli, Library Media Specialist, E.H. Slaybaugh School, Egg Harbor Township, NJ

“Tom adapted his presentations to grade levels. He understood the subtle differences between K, Grade 1, and Grades 2-3. Tom engaged the students and he touched their hearts by sharing his loving feelings for his parents and siblings.” — Sara Isaacson, Librarian, Maurice Hawk School, Princeton Junction, NJ

“The visuals were really great. They helped the audience to focus and stay engaged.” — 3rd - 4th Grade Literacy Lab Teachers, Richmond Elementary School, Richmond, VT

“I like how he interacted with students, validating their responses.” — Jeanne Dumbleton, 4th Grade Teacher, Thomas Fleming School, Essex Junction, VT

“[Tom’s] sense of humor and love of his work permeates all his presentations to young and older students alike.” — Karen A. Olson, Principal, Crystal River Elementary School, Carbondale, CO

“In 33 years of working in education and related positions, Tom Yezerski gave the most inspiring, comprehensive, and understandable presentation that I have ever witnessed. I have worked with K-8 and experienced author visits at all levels; none has been as enjoyable, intriguing and engaging as Tom’s.” — Regina Hansen, Byram Lakes Elementary School, Stanhope, NJ

“After hosting around 15 different authors/illustrators over the last 15 years, many of them excellent presenters, I have never experienced such unanimous enthusiastic approval among our students and staff as your visit has produced. ‘The best yet’ is the way most of them expressed it.” — Jack McAvoy, Librarian, Longstreth Elementary School, Warminster, PA

My presentation is designed for 10 to 300 students, grades K to 6, from 40-60 minutes. The length of the presentation may be adjusted for your schedule. Kindergarten students are best grouped with another grade. If an afternoon or morning kindergarten class cannot be scheduled with another grade, I will speak with them briefly and read them a book aloud. Older students may also find the program entertaining and informative. I adjust the program slightly depending on the audience’s age, expected attention span and familiarity with the subject.

To begin the presentation, I ask children about their own reading, writing and drawing. I talk with them about a kid (myself) who used to like the same things they do, showing pictures of myself as a boy as well as drawing and writing from the early days.

Students will learn what one must do to become an author and illustrator, and they will see they are already on the way: using their senses, going to school, and practicing. Children love to see the sequence of drawings from kindergarten to college as I got better and better.

I then explain the process of writing, illustrating and publishing a picture book, going from having no idea what to do all the way to publicizing the finished book. Children will see my “story web,” “sloppy copies” and how a sketch is developed into a finished drawing. They will relive the drama of a year’s worth of publishers’ rejection letters and see that an editor has the same job as their teachers.

If time permits, a question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

When you request a visit, I will send a media kit including a photo of me, bios for younger and older kids, information about my books, guides for teachers to use my books in the classroom, worksheets, author visit guidelines, book ordering information, and a contract.

The visit should be planned well in advance; 3 months is best, but it may be possible to plan a last-minute visit in as little as a week. Many schools begin booking 6 months to a year in advance.

The school should provide a digital projector. If the group is very large or the room is noisy, a microphone should also be provided.

A book sale is a standard part of an author visit. After the presentation, students will be excited to read the books they recognize from the presentation. A personally signed copy is a tangible connection the child has with the author they have met. If you are planning to sell books, follow the book order guidelines included in my media kit. You may order from your local retailer or wholesaler for convenience, or order directly from the publishers to receive a discount. Books could take 6-8 weeks to arrive, so begin the ordering process early. The school is responsible for book orders. I do not bring books with me for sale.

The honorarium terms for the 2008-2009 school year are:

$1200 for a local full-day visit, including 4 presentations. A local visit is less than 80 miles from Hoboken, NJ, or 10 miles from South Whitehall, PA (where I have relatives I can visit). Farther than that, I prefer to stay in a hotel so I am at my best for talking to the kids!

$1500 for a non-local full-day visit. This fee includes all expenses except airfare.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please click here to fill out my author visit inquiry form.