How long is a presentation?

Audrey usually speaks for ten to fifteen minutes, leaving the remaining time for dialogue with the kids.

How will this relate to their schoolwork?

Writing skills include many of the values we want our children to bring to their work. A writer works toward the goal of a 'good grade,' the possibility that an editor will find their book deserving of publishing. And then the writer must be capable of taking criticism and working with the editor as a team, toward the goal of making the book the best that it can be.

Kids love to look through the pages of a manuscript! They love finding out they aren't the only ones who get critiqued. When shown a manuscript as it goes out to the editor (neat and clean) and the way it comes back (obviously well-thumbed and one edge tagged with hundreds of yellow sticky notes), one student raised her hand and asked, ÒAre you a good writer?Ó

What will help to make this school visit successful?

It is essential for kids, and their teacher, to be familiar with at least one of Audrey's books, and a read-aloud should be done prior to her visit. School visits are both engaging and educational only if the students have an emotional investment in the books they are hearing about.

Teachers should plan to be there during the entire presentation. The instructor's questions are invaluable to students who must relate the writing process to the work they have been doing.

What about signing books for the children?

Audrey would love to sign books. Book signings are best left for a time after the presentations.

It is helpful to ask the students who bought a book to turn to page fifty of each book and write their teacher's name next to the page number. This helps to ensure that books are returned to the right classroom, even if the order form is lost.

Teacher's should make a master list of which students made a purchase and the number of books if a student buys more than one.

If students are permitted to attend the book signing, they should be shown the title page to which they will open their books. Not only does this facilitate the signing when there are many students, but kids like to be 'in the know.Ó

What does the school need to provide?

An enthusiastic group of prepared students, i.e. students and teachers who have read the books.

It's helpful to choose a book that is in paperback for a read-aloud. That ensures that most students will be able to purchase the book for signing. Audrey will always mail a bookplate to students who cannot purchase a book the same day.

Email Audrey

Please E-mail Audrey Couloumbis at audreycouloumbis@yahoo.com