Posts in School Visits
Anita Iaco, Children's Author and Guest Speaker

Anita Iaco owns a preschool in North Haledon, NJ, where her little students gift her with funny, sentimental, and inspirational story ideas almost daily. Iaco tries to teach them not only about letter and numbers, but how to share, take turns and respect each other. In her book, Let's Vote! A Fruitful Election Tale, Iaco attempts to capture those messages and feelings.

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Jennifer Kurani, Award-winning Children's Author

Jennifer Kurani was born and raised in New York, and spent her childhood always using her imagination. As an adult, she worked at Scholastic in children's publishing, edited creative writing essays, and developed web content for parents and students. She lives in New York City with her husband and two loving children, and believes in spreading the love.

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Victoria Devine, Children's Author

I am a teacher and an anti-bullying advocate. I helped launch our elementary school's Restorative Action Committee aimed and “restoring” behavior through mentoring. I travel to elementary schools helping children realize that hurtful words become embedded into a child's head and stays there through adulthood.

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Donna Sager Cowan, Children’s Middle-Grade Author, Speaker, Inspirer

As the youngest child in a large family, Donna Sager Cowan felt lost in the crowd. She entertained herself by making up stories and friends to play with. By age 5, Donna had taught herself to read, and that began her imaginative journey to dreamy castles with princes and fairy godmothers. Donna is a grandmother, random fact-finder, and encourager.t

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Peter Trimarco, Author, Illustrator, Publisher

Peter Trimarco started his professional doodling career as an editorial cartoonist before turning to commercial art and designing packaging for the music industry. While staying in the entertainment field, he published a trade magazine for the film industry and brought his creative juices to the printed page for youngsters. Peter is the illustrator of the critically acclaimed It’s Just So book series (Lizzy’s World) which he co-wrote with his wife, Brenda Faatz.

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Cathey Nickell, Children's Author and School Speaker

My upbeat presentation can be personalized for your school. I use my two books to spread an artsy message about writing, publishing, and creativity. I draw from my experience as a former newspaper reporter and public relations professional to bring an inspirational presentation full of personal stories, writing/publishing tips, and “insider information” about my books. A favorite moment is when I show examples of the hand-made books I created and wrote as a child. I still have dozens of them! My main talk is appropriate for Kindergarten through 5th grade. I can also read the book to younger pre-K children and discuss the story's playful ABC theme. I can present to 6th through 8th graders by focusing more on book publishing and writing skills. And finally, a small-group writer's workshop could be developed to suit your school's individual needs. I can bring the field trip to your school. Art car drivers are thrilled to join me at my author visits. Once a calendar date is set, I can ask an art car friend if he or she is available. Finding a real art car in Houston is fairly easy, and I have also had success scheduling them in other cities. Discuss this option with me, and let's see what we can create.

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Deborah Smith Ford, Children's author, former teacher, speaker, actor, impersonator

Allie's Adventures keeps readers on the edge of their seats. They discover new cultures, lifestyles, others' needs and desires and Allie's reaction to them.

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Simone Knego, Author, keynote motivational speaker

A former CPA, turned equestrian entrepreneur, turned teacher who’s the mother of 6—3 adopted from S. Korea and Ethiopia. Simone Knego has the uncanny ability to both motivate and inspire others to be the good in the world.

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Precious McKenzie, Children's Author, Creative Writing Instructor

Precious McKenzie has a Ph.D. in English from the University of South Florida. Her area of specialization is nineteenth-century British literature, so naturally, she loves those big, fat Victorian novels. She's taught at the University of South Florida, New College of Florida, and Montana State University's City College.

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Cindy C. Murray, Children's Author

I have always wanted to write books for children for one very important reason: to promote literacy.  It is well known when a student is not able to read by the third grade, their odds of finishing high school are very low. I want to help children find the fun out of reading and to help them get swept away in a story that they can get lost in.  I believe my three books in The Adventures of Sophie and Scottie chapter book series for ages 7 to 12 can achieve that.

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Donna M. McDine, Award-Winning Children's Author

My books take the reader on unique spell-bounding rides whether it be the adrenaline rush of escaping via the Underground Railroad, the slip of the ice beneath your skates, the harsh reality of the Royal Navy Press Gangs, the discovery of whale poachers at the beach, experience the first day of kindergarten nervousness or follow the journey of a rescued dog in finding his forever home.

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Vicki Riske, Children's Author, Illustrator, Puppeteer, Puppet Workshops

My books are about relationships, kindness, love and fun. In The Polka Dot Tea Party, Jackie invites her friends to celebrate nature and have fun in the moment. We all share a wonderful planet that needs care and respect, Jackie wants her friends to stop and take a moment to enjoy our very large beautiful polka dot.

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Artie Bennett, Children's Author

Artie Bennett is an executive copy editor by day and a writer by night. He is the author of an inspirational, humorous, award-winning picture-book biography of a hapless, though beloved, racehorse: The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t. When Artie stumbled upon the story of Zippy Chippy, he found himself champing at the bit to introduce young readers to this remarkable tale of whoa! Zippy Chippy, a thoroughbred of impeccable pedigree …

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Michelle Lander Feinberg, Children's Author

I would love to visit your school (virtually) to discuss with the students different opportunities for them to help shelter animals. Not only will the animals benefit, but the children will also gain so much from their experiences. Helping others through contribution and time can help build and bolster a child's self-esteem, sense of belonging and purpose, and sense of fulfillment.

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