In-Person & Virtual:
Doing author visits and interacting with students and educators is one of the best parts of my job! I offer STEM programs about robots and drones, as well as literary presentations/workshops about WRITING, EDITING, the magical powers of ILLUSTRATION, and even COMICS!
My presentation menu, pricing, equipment needs, and helpful tips are all detailed in the author visit packets below:
IN-PERSON Author Visit Packet 2023-24
VIRTUAL Author Visit Packet 2023-24
Scheduling:
I am available any weekday that is not marked on the calendar below:
They Said:
“I loved how you were able to bring the presentation down to a level that even the Pre-K and Kindergarten were engaged. I also loved the way you encouraged the students to look at the illustrations and explained that many times the illustrations have an effect on the meaning of the text. Our students and teachers alike loved the presentations.”
– Angelia, Media Specialist, Demorest, GA.
“We loved the presentation! Our students loved drawing along with you! I really enjoyed working with you from our first email until the last session was over today. You have thought through every aspect of your visit to make it as smooth as possible. Thank you!”
– Jennifer, Media Specialist, Canton, GA
“You were amazing with the kids! They love your book so to hear it read by you, to see you draw the characters and to hear the answers to their questions was the best.”
– Shannon McClintock Miller, Future Ready Librarians Spokesperson. K12 Teacher Librarian at Van Meter School, Iowa. Speaker. Author. Consultant.
“Before her arrival, I received detailed information to prepare me for the visit. Shanda arrived early and was very organized! She presented 3 sessions to mixed grade levels (K&1, 2&3, 4&5). She captivated the students with her presentations and led each group in a drawing activity. I love the way she engaged each group. The book ordering process was very easy and I appreciated the way she organized the books.”
– Dawn, Media Specialist
“Shanda gave a wonderful and very entertaining presentation about robots and being an author and illustrator. It was very engaging and very kid friendly. They loved that Shanda walked around and visited with the kids before the presentation. They especially loved it when she read aloud her story in an interactive way. Shanda also showed how an illustration can change what the reader reads with just a few changes in an illustration. The kids also loved the side by side illustration lesson and how they can also illustrate with just a few steps in a very easy manner. She was a hit. Shanda even received some hugs from 1st graders today and one 1st grader told her that she was the first author that she has ever met! She made some lasting impressions!”
– Ida, Media Specialist
“The author visit was such a wonderful experience for our students and teachers. Mrs. McCloskey did a wonderful job of engaging students and appealing to multiple interests. Our students loved the live drawing, the videos, and the read aloud. Even our teachers joined in on the excitement. We would definitely schedule another visit!!”
– Jessica Scully, Instructional Coach, Orlando
“Shanda was so wonderful to work with! She is professional, friendly, great with the kids, and a talented writer/illustrator/speaker!”
– Lauren, Teacher and Leadership Team Member
“Shanda McCloskey gave a terrific presentation to our PreK-2nd grade students! She was engaging, the kids had a blast, and they learned so much! Her presentation was the perfect mix of fun – the kids did a robot dance, and education – the writing process and technology. I highly recommend Shanda for author visits!”
-Sara, Elementary Librarian
“Shanda kept her Q & A very interesting for the students. The kids loved her answers and she kept their attention throughout the whole Skype session. It was a great literary experience for our students in Leigh. Thanks!! It was so much fun!!”
– Kylie, Media/Tech Integrationist
“Thank you so much for coming! One 5th grader made sure to stick his head in the media center yesterday on his way to dismissal to say he loved your visit! I heard similar from many others! Yes, I will be bringing you back. 😊 I feel like we met a rock star!”
– Beth, Media Specialist
“A+ Informative and interesting! Loved how you tied your research into the presentation. You managed hundreds of kids virtually!! And the book ordering process was very simple”
– Amy, Teacher, York, PA
“You had our attention from hello! It was so exciting to hear about your research and learn more about robots and drones. Our students were engaged in learning the entire time. We loved how you took a really complicated subject (robotics) and made it accessible including relatable topics (like feeling left out). Thank you for such a wonderful presentation and for being an inspiration to children everywhere about being ‘you’.”
– Mrs. D. O’Malley, P.L. Robertson Public School, MILTON, ON Canada
“Our students & teachers LOVED Shanda’s visit. The read-aloud & drawing were amazing. The students also were thrilled with the drone! Shanda was engaging and a lot of fun. I hope to have her back again and would highly recommend her for school visits.”
– Carmen, Media Specialist, Savannah Christian Preparatory School
“We loved Shanda’s presentation! She is engaging, and our students loved her! We asked the students for feedback, and they said they liked using cheese as the idea, making their own comics, seeing your sketches and process, and how interactive it was.”
– Melissa, Media Specialist, Union County High School
“Our staff and teachers felt like you did an amazing job keeping the kids engaged and were an amazing presenter. It was so enjoyable to have you visit! All parts of the presentations were amazing and very well planned to keep the students focused and excited about writing and illustrating. Thank you.”
– Sandy, Media Specialist, Canton, GA
Let’s plan a visit!
Other Programs:
I’m also excited to consider longer term custom programs or an artist-in-residency in collaboration with your school. Oh the possibilities!
