School Visits
So, what's a typical school visit from Jennifer Sattler look like? Well, it's fun. I don't do magic tricks,and I CAN sing and dance, but trust me, you don't want to see that. I'm an illustrator who writes books so it's very visual. I usually do three 45 minute powerpoint presentations. I focus on where my ideas come from ( it's different for every book ) and how I do my illustrations. My presentations are mostly geared to kindergarten through second grades. I can do a presentation for older kids as well. That would focus more on how books are made and the process of making TONS of mistakes and getting lots and lots of notes from editors and art directors.I show the kids step by step how a book goes from " Ah ha! I've got an idea!" To " Nope. That doesn't work." To finally a finished book that makes it to their hands. I think it's important to show them all of the mistakes and changes that are made along the way, and how much fun ( and how funny ) those can be. I'll show them a work in progress and we'll brainstorm together to figure out a fun ending.
My philosophy about what I do and why I do it is always to try to foster a love of books and reading that will stay with them throughout their lives. My presentations gear towards demystifying the book making process and turning on a lightbulb over those brilliant little heads that says " Hey! I can do this too!"
In the past couple of years I've been to schools in GA,CA,OR,WA,MD,NY,PA,LA,TX...that said, I'm based in NY state. So as much as I'd love to come to New Mexico for the day, it just isn't feasible. I'd have to be there for a couple of days and go to a couple of schools. So if you can coordinate with other Elementary Schools we could make that work. Fees are available upon request. I try to accommodate the needs of different schools and can be a bit flexible.
I'd be happy to sign books. The school would take care of the book sales, coordinating with your local bookstore. Or if you contact my publishers they will give a special rate to schools sponsoring my visit.