Can I come visit you?

I love visiting schools, libraries, and museums to talk with coloring-book fans of all ages about my Amazing States books, Amazing Alabama, Amazing Georgia, and Amazing South Carolina and I LOVE receiving FAN MAIL from students and educators. Below are just a few of my favorites:

FAN MAIL

Educator accolades

“We wanted to send a special thank you for visiting our school to talk with us about Amazing Alabama. We use our books in so many ways. Of course, we love coloring our pages. We even got to use some of our colored pages for an art grade. We read the pages together and discuss many things. Many of us are begging our families to go visit some of the counties. We especially love to partner-read the book with a friend. We hope you enjoy the thank you letters we sent. We appreciate you coming to see us.”

Delraida Elementary 4th grade

“Thank you so much for coming to Pike Road School to share your expertise. In first grade, we talk a lot about being authors and illustrators. I learned new things; like how to make a color darker and that it’s ok to allow learners to use mixed media. I can’t wait for my daughter to bring her coloring book back home so that we can learn more about the counties and history of Alabama. Sounds like a road trip!”

Jamie Shelton, CI Lead Leader Pike Road Elementary

“Ms. Laura was an exceptional guest speaker at Auburn Classical Academy today! She made history fun again! She broadened their knowledge of Alabama and inspired the kids to take road trips to the landmarks in her book.  We all learned so many fascinating facts about Alabama and left feeling proud to be in this beautiful state.  Thank you Laura for making the kids feel special and for sharing with us your passion for coloring, illustration, and history. We really hope to see you again soon!”

Sarah Noh, Auburn Classical Academy

Visit options:

“Amazing” book talk (grades k - adult)
My 20-40 minute talk will include a little bit about me as an author/illustrator and how I researched and designed my “Amazing” books. I will include some fun facts I learned about the state, some tips for improving coloring techniques, and advice on different types of coloring materials. Q&A included. Can add time before or after for book sales/signing.

“Amazing” books coloring talk (grades 2 - adult)
My 30-45 minute class will include a little bit about me as an author/illustrator and how I researched and designed my “Amazing” books. I will include some fun facts I learned about the state and how to use different types of coloring materials. I will then give some hands-on tips and tricks for improving coloring techniques. No art experience required. Beginners welcome! Q&A included. I will send PDF files of coloring worksheets for you to print out in advance. Can add time before or after for book sales/signing.

*Supplies provided by host - enough for every student: coloring pencils 

“Amazing” books travel journals (2 levels of difficulty: grades 2 - adult)
My 30-45 minute class will include a little bit about me as an author/illustrator and how I researched and designed my “Amazing” books. I will include some fun facts I learned about the state and how to use different types of coloring materials. I will then instruct the attendees on making their very own travel journal! These journals can be used on road trips or in their very own neighborhood. No art experience required. Beginners welcome! Q&A included. 

I will send PDF files of one page for you to print out in advance. Can add time before or after for book sales/signing.

*Supplies provided by host (enough for every student) 1 sheet colored paper or card stock for cover, 8-16 sheets plain white paper for inside, and various art supplies for decoration. Please don’t use construction paper - it is sized a bit differently than letter paper and will not fold evenly.

EASY CLASS: will need yarn for binding. DIFFICULT CLASS: will need yarn and 1 yarn needle per 2 students.

Intro architectural drawing workshop  - Finding your style (grade 4 - adult)
My 60 minute class will include a little bit about me as an author/illustrator and how I researched and designed my “Amazing” books. I will include how to use different types of coloring materials, and some fun facts I learned about your county. We will then turn our attention to a famous landmark (courthouse, museum, bridge, etc.) from your county. I will instruct the audience on different ways to draw that landmark from a photograph and how to determine what style you would like to use. No art experience required. Beginners welcome! Q&A included. Can add time before or after for book sales/signing.

*Supplies provided by host - enough for every student: standard pencil, ruler, unlined paper, black fine point felt tip pen.
**I can provide a supply kit for this workshop with two weeks notice. $20 per student for the kit or $30 for the kit and a book. 

Kit includes:
Strathmore 6x8 marker pad 
Pigma Micron (02) archival pen
Pencil
White eraser

*Please contact me if you have special financial constraints. I will do my best to work with you on pricing.

FREE "Amazing” virtual visit (any grade)

1 call (skype or zoom) per calendar year

15 - 30 minutes for schools and up to 1 hour for libraries/museums. Talk will include a little bit about me as an author/illustrator and how I researched and designed my “Amazing” books. I will include some fun facts I learned about the state and some of my favorite coloring materials. Q&A included.

Ordering books:

Schools

You are not required to sell books, but students and families will usually want the opportunity to order books before my visit and get them signed the day-of. Some ordering options:

1. Contact a local bookstore to handle the order. You will need to give them about 4 weeks to receive the books and deliver them to your location. 

2. Send home order forms (link below) about 4 weeks ahead of time. You will need to manage the orders and send me a spreadsheet indicating the class, child’s name, and how the book is to be autographed (there should be as many rows as books). Please mail money to me no later than a week before my visit so I can bring books with me and can have them already signed for the children when I arrive. (I will bring extras for those parents who forgot to place an order.)

Libraries and museums

1. Contact a local bookstore to handle the order. You will need to give them about 4 weeks to order books. Ask if they will set up at your location and handle book sales for the event.

2. Have your internal gift shop or friends organization order books through Ingram Publisher Services, ips@ingramcontent.com or 800-215-2608.

3. I will bring books with me to sell before or after our scheduled event.

Let’s talk!

Visits book up fast, so please contact me at your earliest convenience.