Children's stories autographed by the author make the perfect gift
I am a retired elementary school teacher with 32 years experience. For two years in a row I was selected as an outstanding teacher and was included in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
While teaching young children to write I modeled the writing process developing books that appealed to my class. I have published children’s picture books as the author/illustrator.
Schools and organizations are always looking for interesting programs. Sharing my books and explaining the writing and illustrating process is something I enjoy. My presentation will include the reading of my book, thumb nail sketches, book dummies, original art work and some rough drafts.
Presentations to groups of up to 40 elementary students at a time are usually 45 minutes long, possibly an hour for older groups and a little shorter kindergarten.
As a retired elementary school teacher I am used to spending the whole school day working with students. My full day presentation also includes lunch with the author.
Books sales are required. I will be signing and selling books on the day of the event. Books that you pre-sell will be signed in advance. Your school will receive a dollar for every book sold.
I look forward to visiting your school and presenting a program
I also enjoy presenting to adult groups. Club and library talks are one hour including a question and answer session.
FEES
Full day program including lunch with the author
$100.00 - Location is an hour drive from Dunedin FL
$150.00 - Location is one and a half hours from Dunedin FL
$300.00 - Anywhere else in the state of FL
Outside of Florida email Kathy@kathypollakbooks.com
Adult groups within an hour of Dunedin $50.00 for one hour.
Contact me at kathy@kathypollakbooks.com to set up an appointment or if you have any questions.
School Visits
Southerland Elementary School, Palm Harbor FL Oct 29th
Ponce de Leon Elementary School, Clearwater FL Nov 18th
Kenly Elementary School, Tampa FL Jan 21, 2010
Recently visited
McClelland Elementary School, Rochester, NH
Olsmar Library, Authors Night, Olsmar FL
Ponce de Leon Elementary, Author Showcase, Clearwater FL
Plumb Elementary School, Clearwater FL
New Horizons Country Day School, Palm Harbor FL
Testimonials
Karen Bosso, Teacher
December, 2008
Kathy Pollak came to my school Ponce de Leon Elementary last December. She read her book, The Magic Belt, to my fifth grade class and shared with the students original artwork, thumbnail sketches, early drafts of the story, a book dummy. She discussed the variety of early steps and corrections needed to get a book published. The children listened attentively and were comfortable asking questions. As a result of her visit the students were more willing to consider the editing process. Several children read her book over and over. It was a great visit that helped the students realize that writing is a difficult process for everyone, even a published author.
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Christine Roemer, New Horizons Country Day School, Palm Harbor, Florida
Spring 2008
Kathy Pollak visited my classroom just before holiday break. The students were thrilled to have a "real" author come for a visit. Kathy talked with the children about the job of an author/illustrator and the process of publishing a book. She brought original artwork, book dummies, etc. for the children to look at. The children were very comfortable asking questions and intrigued by Kathy's answers. We all enjoyed listening to Kathy read her story The Magic Belt while we sipped hot cocoa to set the mood.
Afterwards, teachers and students alike lined up to have their own copy of the book signed. Each year my students write and illustrate their own books during the second half of the school year. Kathy Pollak's visit to our classroom was the PERFECT segway into our author's workshop. Throughout the remainder of the school year, we referred back to her visit and many of the things she taught us about good writing and illustration.
I highly recommend inviting Kathy Pollak to visit your school or classroom. The personal attention from a respected author/illustrator is sure to inspire your students in the language arts classroom and beyond.
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Barbara Schuler, 4th Grade Teacher
McMullen Booth Elementary, Clearwater FL
Kathy Pollak came to McMullen Booth Elementary School last December to read a special book to my 4th grade class. She read her book, The Magic Belt, and shared with the students original artwork, thumbnail sketches, early drafts of the story, and a book dummy. The many different steps that are involved in getting a book published were explained. With the Writing FCAT being tested on the 4th grade level statewide, this was a fantastic opportunity for the children to meet a "real author" and instill a love for literature. The children loved Mrs. Pollak's presentation and were wishing she could stay longer. The students became more willing to consider the editing process with their own writings. I would highly recommend securing Kathy Pollak as a classroom guest speaker if the opportunity presents itself.
Note dated 6/1/08 from Lori Gaudreau teacher coordinator for the Student Author Night at Ponce De Leon Elementary School.
