School Visits
"Children need to see that books are written by real people," says author Susanna Reich, who is now booking school visits for 2012 and 2013.
A school visit with Susanna works best with a schedule of up to three small group presentations and a booksigning. Her lively 40-minute talks are fun, informative, and highly interactive.
"Meet Julia Child," for grades K-3, presents the story behind Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat. This acclaimed picture book is the perfect introduction to America's favorite chef and her life in Paris with her husband, Paul, and her first cat, Minette, who lapped up Julia's leftovers but preferred mice. Using colorful props and photos, Susanna explains how meeting Julia led to the creation of the book; discusses the research and writing process; and shares fun facts about Julia Child and her lifelong love of cats.
"Dancing With Words," for kids in grades K-3, centers on José! Born to Dance, a picture book which gives a child's-eye view of Mexico, explores the immigrant experience -- including the challenge of starting school in a new country without speaking any English -- and shows, through image, sound, and story, how José Limón discovered how to share his special gifts with the world.
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"How To Grow A Book," for kids in grades 3-7, focuses on Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso and the process of writing biography. Students see first drafts, edited manuscripts, and press sheets; hunt for typos in a book jacket; discuss how an author does research; and learn about Clara Schumann, a child prodigy who overcame great personal tragedy to become one of the most celebrated musicians of the 19th century and a woman who sustained an international career while raising seven children.
"Fact and Fiction," also for kids in grades 4-6, explores the art of writing historical fiction, using Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage as the starting point. Students learn how an author uses print, online, and visual resources to develop a deep understanding of a particular time and place -- in this case, San Francisco, California, in 1889 -- and then adds a big dose of creative imagination to create characters and a plot that will engage young readers.
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 Fifth graders at Somers Intermediate School enjoy a visit with author Susanna Reich.
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"Adventures in the Wild Frontier," for grades 5-8, is about researching and writing the action-packed biography, Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin. In his quest to paint the Indian tribes of North and South America, Catlin braved burning deserts, uncharted prairies, and high mountain passes from icy Alaska to the Amazon jungle. His "Indian Gallery" of art and artifacts created a sensation from New York to Paris, yet this real-life Indiana Jones of the 19th-century art world died penniless and nearly forgotten.
"We have received rave reviews from students, teachers & administrators regarding your work for StoryFest! Thank you for helping to make the program such a success." - Bedford School District, Bedford, NY
Click here for more information about bringing Susanna Reich to your school, including availability and fees.
