Interactive Author Visits That Get Children Laughing, Learning, and Joining In

Meeting an author in person can be a life-changing experience for a child. It brings books, the writing process, and the people who create them to life. Author visits can motivate students to read and write, encourage creative risk-taking, introduce new career possibilities, and reinforce the lessons educators are already teaching in the classroom.

If I am presenting to approximately 75–100 students or fewer at a time, I prefer a library or smaller multipurpose room setting to create a cozy atmosphere. For groups of more than 100 students, a gym or cafeteria is completely appropriate.

I bring my own laptop, presentation clicker, and wireless microphone system.

The school should provide:

• A projector and screen, Smart Board, or TV with an HDMI connection. My PowerPoint presentation includes audio.

• For larger groups, a technology staff member who can help connect my wireless microphone system to the school’s audio system.

• A small table (any shape with approximately 10 square feet of surface area) to hold props used during the presentation.

It depends on how many students per class and how many classes per grade. I prefer no more than two adjacent grade levels in one session so I can better tailor each program to the students’ ages and interests.

A library or multipurpose room provides the best atmosphere and acoustics, but gyms, cafeterias, and other larger spaces can also work.

Yes. I tailor each presentation to the students’ ages, attention spans, curriculum goals, and the school’s preferred program length. Programs generally range from 25 to 60 minutes.

For younger students, I emphasize interactive reading, audience participation, educational props, and age-appropriate comprehension questions. For older students, I can provide a deeper look at writing, revising, working with an illustrator, publishing, marketing, and creative careers.

Schools may also request a particular book, animal, curriculum connection, or classroom theme. Lesson plans are available for most of my books, and The Know It Owl Series has Lexile ratings.

Yes! Virtual visits provide an engaging and budget-friendly alternative when travel makes an in-person visit impractical. I have all the necessary equipment to share book pages onscreen, show behind-the-scenes photographs, and give students an interactive experience. Teachers may also submit student questions in advance so I can tailor the presentation to their interests.

Signed books are available as an optional addition. Depending on the school’s location, personalized orders can be delivered or shipped to the school for distribution.

Virtual visits last up to 60 minutes and begin at $150. Each program is designed for one grade level, although two smaller adjacent grade levels may be combined.

Yes! I offer single 45- to 60-minute programs for libraries, churches, scout troops, homeschool groups, daycares, and other community organizations. Programs are available in person in the Houston area and select areas of England, or virtually from anywhere. Single-presentation options are also available during Read Across America Week. Please contact me for program options and a customized quote.

Yes. I have worked with schools applying for grant funding and can provide a detailed quote covering the author visit, travel, books, and other requested options. If a PTA, local business, community organization, or other sponsor is helping fund the visit, I can provide the pricing and program information needed. Please contact me before submitting an application or sponsorship request so I can prepare an accurate quote for your school’s needs.

Signed books can be handled in one of three ways:

1. Preorders through the school: I provide a customizable family letter and order form. The school sends the forms home and returns the completed orders to me before the visit. I bring the personalized, signed books with me on the day of the event.

2. Books purchased from Amazon: Families may purchase books independently and send them to school with an autograph-request form. The school will need to provide a designated time and space for signing.

3. Orders after the visit: The school may send order forms home after the presentation. I personalize the books and deliver or ship them to the school for distribution.

Schools may choose either discounted student pricing or complimentary books for the school based on total sales. When a classroom reaches $150 in orders, I also donate one book to that teacher’s classroom library.

Special bulk pricing is available when a school, grant, or sponsor purchases a book for every participating student.

Standard visit rates are partially supported by the opportunity to offer book sales. An adjusted program fee applies when school or district policies do not permit sales.

With the school’s approval, I ask a staff member to take a few photographs or short video clips during the presentation. Images may feature me and my presentation materials, show students only from behind, or include the faces of students for whom the school has permission. Please send me copies for possible use in promoting future author visits.

The school is also welcome to use the photographs on its website, social media, or in its newsletter. If sharing on social media, please tag @terrisabol.

After the visit, I would greatly appreciate a brief, two- or three-sentence testimonial from the librarian, media specialist, or designated contact.

I travel throughout the United States and offer author visits in England, with other international locations considered upon request. Standard rates for several locations are listed above. Please email me with your school’s location and preferred dates for a customized quote that includes applicable travel and lodging.

My first book, Oscar and Emmy Get Rescued, is also available in a bilingual 1st edition, Oscar y Emmy son rescatados. I can read the story in both English and Spanish. A Spanish-speaking staff member will be needed to translate the student Q&A and any additional discussion.

Every visit is covered by a written agreement, either my standard author-visit contract or one provided by your school or district. I carry liability insurance for author events and can provide a certificate of insurance upon request. I can also complete required background screening, register as an approved vendor, and provide other paperwork required by your school or district.