Johanna Hurwitz

As a former storyteller and children's librarian, I have had much experience giving presentations to young readers, and at professional meetings and conferences to their teachers, librarians and parents. At schools, I tailor my talks to the various grade levels. In recent years I have visited schools in 45 states as well as International Schools abroad. How would I have ever have guessed that I would be invited to speak in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Mozambique, and India? I love meeting my readers wherever they are and am just as excited when I travel to New Jersey!

Usually I spend a full day at a location and give three programs: K-1, 2-3, 4-5. Groups can be as large or as small as suit the needs of the school. In fact, I once spoke to 800 fourth graders who sat on bleachers in a high school gym in Indiana. I don't recommend such large groups but I can do it. In addition, I am willing to have lunch with a selected group of students. Sometimes there is an essay contest for children about why they want to have lunch with me. Sometimes it's a lottery. And sometimes I join the teachers in the faculty room and eat and chat with them. All I need for my visits is a microphone because it is essentially a listening experience for the children. I tell stories, explain how authors get ideas, discuss the publishing process and allow time for questions and answers. My publishers give a 40-50% discount for books ordered in conjunction with a visit and often schools take advantage of this bargain and sell books. Of course, I sign any books sold or already in the school library.