Come join award-winning author Karen
and Maria, her puppet, as they show you what it is like to
be an author—every step of the way. From Karen’s
first drafts all the way to her printed books. This is an
interactive program filled with a slide show, a puppet, felt
board learning and even Karen’s mailbox.
But, watch out! Someone, and it may be you, will get picked
by Maria to pull one of Karen’s rejection letters out
of her mailbox, count how many days it takes Karen to write
a book, or become a printing press.
Karen has performed over 200 shows in schools and libraries
around New Jersey. She was on the Ricki Lake Show and over
62 radio stations around the country. To review her references click here.
Letters From Kids (click to view)
Monster Pens Made By Kids (click to view)
Librarian/Teacher Feedback
"
. . . I want to thank you for your wonderful workshops.
The feedback from both teachers and students has been
terrific. The students enjoyed the presentations and
the teachers felt you were perfect for fostering the
children's writing."
Diane
Schlegel
Librarian
Alexander Hamilton School
Glenrock, NJ
(This
quote was printed with permission)
"Everyone gave you rave reviews.
A few parents popped in this morning to let me know
how many times they had to read Rooster last night
and to let me hear their voices for each animal.
Thanks for working so hard to make the presentations
very enjoyable, age-appropriate and informative. It
was great meeting you!"
Betsy Kauffman
Librarian
Clara E. Coleman School
Glenrock, NJ
(This quote was printed with permission)
"Thank you for a wonderful morning! Your presentations
were excellent, and your finger was on the pulse of
the students in each one.
Your phrases have already been repeated by my students:
"Ooh! A story's coming out!" and "Doesn't
count" will be part of our lingo now.
Your explanations of how the jobs of author, illustrator,
and paper engineer relate were excellent and something
I did not know. I'm sure everyone came away today
with a real understanding of the importance of revision,
as well as the importance of preseverance.
We look forward to your next book, and wish you all
good thing in your mailbox!"
Marcia
Kaiser
Librarian
Central School
Glen Rock, NJ
(This quote was printed
with permission)
"I wanted to say thank you for visiting our 1st
Graders this week! Every single 1st grade teacher
has approached me and raved about how great they thought
your presentation was. They felt that the children
were captivated by your stories, and of course, Maria.
Several teachers have also said their new favorite
book is "Rooster Can't...,"
and will share it with their students for years to
come!"
Sandy Ajamian
Orchard Hill Elementary School
Skillman, NJ
(This quote was printed with
permission)
"I really enjoyed your performance. The first
grade teachers loved the writing process info, and
a couple of second grade teachers told me they appreciated
how much you got the kids involved (volunteers). Of
course, Maria stole the show for many of the kids,
but that's nothing to be jealous about. I personally
loved the way you incorporated the publishing process,
from rejection/acceptance letters to how a book cover
comes together."
Greg Slomczewski
Librarian
Barley Sheaf Elementary School
Flemington, NJ
(This quote was printed with
permission)
"Thank you
so much for the wonderful day and a program to doodle
doo about. Our students and teachers are still talking
about your performance and how much they learned from
you about book publishing. Everyone enjoyed Maria.
You also should know I have had many calls from parents
and emails expressing how their children came home
so excited about writing books. We have had twenty
five children submit published books for our Book
Award Program this year. This is all because of the
enthusiasm you have generated.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for a program we will
enjoy over and over again each time we read Rooster
Can't . . ."
Patricia
Butler
Librarian
Adamsville School
Bridgewater, NJ
(This quote was printed with permission)
"The kids were involved, enthusiastic and given
the opportunity to illustrate one of Karen’s
books. They had a great time as well as I did."
Amy Roman
2nd grade teacher
Whiton Elementary School
Branchburg, NJ
(This quote was printed with permission)
"Thank you so much for sharing your
time and talents with the students of Campbell School
on our Poetry Please Day! We heard favorable reports
from the teachers that the children enjoyed your poetry
and your animated presentation. The students loved
meeting your puppet and learning about all the ups
and downs of getting a book published! Meeting a published
poet and seeing your book in print was a thrill for
the students! That has inspired many of them to write
more poetry too. We are enclosing a photo of the day
for you. You truly helped to make the day an enriching
experience for the students! We hope that you will
come back again to share with the students and once
again inspire them to write."
Karen Repka
Sue Canter
Campbell School
Metuchen, NJ
(This quote was printed with permission)
|
To schedule a school or library appearance
please contact Karen by clicking here. |
