How to Ensure a Terrific Visit by Toni Buzzeo and Jane Kurtz Read the books! Everyone we interviewed agreed that the most important thing for making a school visit into a real reading and writing experience was for children to know the book person’s books before the visit. Plan creative projects to go along with the books. The more students interact with a book, the more they “own” it and are ready for the exciting experience of meeting its author or illustrator. Organize an autographing opportunity. A good visit leaves everyone hungry for reading more books and also leaves many students enthusiastic about the special experience of owning a book. Get everyone involved. The best visits come when classroom teachers, library media specialists, administrators, art and music teachers, and parents all have a chance to put on their creative thinking caps and contribute good ideas. Wherever possible, make community connections as well. Consider coordinating the visit with the public library. Involve parents, volunteers, and community members in the visit. Use local media and school newsletters to advertise the event in advance. Designate a single contact person who will supply teachers with materials, books, and connections needed and who will keep in touch with book person in advance of the visit. Remember that it’s hard to go on the road. Pay careful attention to arrangements that will make the author’s visit more comfortable. For example, plan ample breaks, supply hot or cold liquids during and between presentations, inquire about the book person’s wishes for lunch in advance, begin and end on time. Pay promptly and in full. Payment is expected on or before the day of the visit. Enough said. We have to say it. Read the books again! Don’t fudge on this tip and you’ll be delighted and amazed at the interesting connections and sizzling reading and writing experiences that will become memorable moments of every book person visit. Toni Buzzeo and Jane Kurtz are the co-authors of the book TERRIFIC CONNECTIONS WITH AUTHORS, ILLUSTRATORS, AND STORYTELLERS: REAL SPACE AND VIRTUAL LINKS (Libraries Unlimited, 1999, ISBN 1563087448) Contact Toni by writing to her at 59 Back Nippen Road, Buxton, ME 04093 Email: tonibuzzeo@tonibuzzeo.com Home page: http://www.tonibuzzeo.com Contact Jane by writing to her at 505 S. Weaver Ave, Hesston, KS 67062 Email: janekurtz@earthlink.net Home page: http://www.janekurtz.com Permission granted to freely reproduce this page in its entirety. To schedule a visit, contact: Ginny Saunders Abernathy House Publishing PO Box 1109, Yarmouth, ME 04096-1109 207-838-6170 ~ 734-687-6283 fax