Group of children and a teacher in a classroom wearing paper hats, some holding drawings, and smiling at the camera.

Let’s get together to make a difference

The goal of my author visits is to encourage creative expression, self-awareness, and an attitude of love. Themes can be customized to include topics most important to you and your students. In the end, the important thing is meaningful discussion that leads to meaningful action. These kids are our future! 

Children's books displayed on a classroom table with chairs and shelves in the background.

Working with the teacher and/or program coordinator, we'll choose a theme.

Classroom with teacher and students, discussion setup, desks and chairs, educational posters on walls.

Small or large groups - Time for reading AND discussing!

A group of children and an adult sitting at a table in a library, engaged in an activity with papers and colored markers. Bookshelves filled with books are visible in the background.

And a project to give everyone something to take with them! The goal is to keep the conversation and spark for reading & writing alive!

Visits For K-4

Schedule an In Person or Virtual Visit!

What does a K-4 Visit Look Like?

If your visit is virtual, we'll use your school or library's preferred platform. 

We'll start with introductions. Depending on the size of the class, we'll introduce ourselves by answering one or more questions either individually or by show of hands. The goal here is to set the tone for our overall theme/conversation.

Next, I'll talk about themes, and how I decide what I want a book to be about. I'll use excerpts from several of my manuscripts, giving the kids a taste of a few different ideas.

Next up is YOU KNOW HOW TO LOVE - a full reading of my debut picture book!

YOU KNOW HOW TO LOVE will lead us to a conversation about how we show love and compassion, and how our choices, even the very small ones, make this world a better place.

We'll finish with a project! Inspired by the paper hats from YOU KNOW HOW TO LOVE, students will learn to make their own paper hats/boats, and we'll share ideas on decorations, secret notes, and how to set them out into the world. 

For pricing on this 1 - 1 1/2 hour visit, email rachel@happywithabook.com 

Classroom with students seated at tables, a teacher standing and instructing. Bookshelves marked 'Fiction' line the walls, decorated with seasonal items. Students are engaged with papers and some wear paper hats. Bright red chairs and an overhead projector are visible.

Visits For 5 - 8

Schedule an In Person or Virtual Visit!

What does a 5-8 Visit Look Like? 

If your visit is virtual, we'll use your school or library's preferred platform.

We'll start with introductions. Depending on the size of the class, we'll introduce ourselves by answering one or more questions either individually or by show of hands.  The goal here is to set the tone for our overall theme/conversation.

Next, I'll talk about themes, and how I decide what I want a book to be about - what message I want the world to receive. I'll use excerpts from several of my  picture book AND chapter book  manuscripts, giving the kids a taste of a few different ideas.

Next up is YOU KNOW HOW TO LOVE - a full reading of my debut picture book! 

Focusing on creative writing, we'll discuss rhyme versus prose, and practice a bit with each. The kids will be encouraged to consider what message they want to give the world. I'll give them some examples of tools they can use right now to deliver that message!

We'll finish  with encouraging kids to start their own journal or sketch book. We'll plant the seeds that will grow into habits of self reflection and healthy communication. 

For pricing on this 1 - 1 1/2 hour visit, email rachel@happywithabook.com