My presentations last from 45 minutes to an hour. I think the kids always get more out of a longer presentation, because there are so many areas to explore! In an hour-long presentation I provide the following content, which varies in detail and focus depending on the age level of the audience:

1. A slide show documenting the creation of two of my recent books, from the idea and sketch phase through to the finished book. I show how to create characters and bring them to life in dramatic situations. I present different versions of the written text of my stories, and talk about the importance of rewriting. Then I read the finished book aloud!
2. Some information about my life as a working author and artist, sharing events from my childhood that shaped my future in the arts, details about my studio and my work routines.
3. I play guitar and sing a song or two, selected from my books that are packaged with a musical CD. I talk about song lyrics as a form of artistic expression, similar to the rhyming text of many picture books.
4. I lead the children in a drawing game, to help kids create characters that can inspire the development of their own stories.
5. I invite questions from children, parents and teachers.