School Visits and Presentations

For Schools:

“Swamp Bears and Alley Cats--How a Book Comes to Be”--Grades 2-4

Where did Teddy’s Bear come from? And who were those dancing fools--Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire? And what do any of them have to do with picture books? Using transparencies and anecdotes from her own childhood, the author tells the “stories” behind WHERE, WHERE IS SWAMP BEAR? and THE ALLEY CAT’S MEOW and in the process talks about what makes a good story from start to finish.

“Horses and Librarians--My Life in Books”--Grades 5-7

Books and horses were the author’s first two true loves. They continue to play a role in her life. Join the author as she takes her audience on a journey from her childhood in Houston, TX through her recent journey in the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky where she met a most unusual woman who delivered books by horseback during the hardest time in our nation’s history, the Great Depression. Using color transparencies, the author shows how the journey began and continues.

“Poetry--the Place for all my Yearnings”--Grades 8 and up

By basing our characters’ motives on their deepest longings, the plot of a narrative poem or a short story can slowly unfold. In this presentation using transparencies, the author describes the yearnings that form our reasons for writing as well as other forms of expression--music, art, dance, architecture. This presentation can also be designed as a day-long writing workshop for a small group.

Note: Ms. Appelts presentations are not designed for Pre-K through 1st Grade. However, if there is time in the schedule, she is happy to visit them in their classrooms and read to them.)

For Conferences/Workshops

This author is a highly-sought after speaker for workshops and conferences. She is willing to work closely to design presentations to fit the needs of the attendees and to work within the theme of the conference or in-service session. She has given lectures and presentations at state and national reading associations, PTA’s, universities, and writers organizations.

Presentation Fees
$1200/day for up to 4 sessions
Sponsor to provide travel, lodging and other expenses.
Contact:
(979) 680-9146