Pulaski Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas

One of the greatest perks for me as a children’s writer is that I have the opportunity to visit with students of all ages. After spending long, quiet days in my office writing, it’s a wonderful treat to get out into the schools and libraries to talk with students.

Information about my visits is provided below. For additional information, including fees, please contact me. I will be happy to work with you to custom design a visit that will work well for you and your school.

Also, for your use, former educators and writers, Cassandra Reigel Whetstone and Tracie Vaughn Zimmer have developed two fabulous teacher’s guides for use with Farmer McPeepers and His Missing Milk Cows. Click the following Word documents to download copies for classroom use. 

Farmer Teacher's Guide by Cassandra Whetsone.doc

Farmer Teacher's Guide by Tracie Zimmer.doc

I think you will be excited by the wonderful, immediately-usable activities they have created.

          School Visits by Katy S. Duffield

Program:  At a typical visit, students and I talk about how Farmer McPeepers came to be—from idea to published book. We discuss story ideas, rough drafts, revisions, illustrations, and much more. With older students, I also show and share my nonfiction books and we sometimes talk about nonfiction topics such as research and topic selection. Discussions are usually followed by a lively question and answer session—my favorite part!  Hopefully, by the end of our visit, students will have been inspired to embark on their own writer’s journey.

Sessions:  I can schedule a maximum of four sessions in one day.  Sessions run 25 to 40 minutes, depending upon the age group.  Due to the items I bring to share, I prefer visiting with smaller groups, rather than an assembly-type setting.  This allows me to interact more closely with students. 

Workshops:  I also offer young writers workshops where I work with small groups of students. In these workshops, we delve deeper into the writing process and students participate in hands-on writing activities that will assist them in improving their creative writing skills.

Book sales/Signings:  If desired, a pre-sale of books can be set up before the actual visit.  If we arrange a pre-sale, I will mail a book flier that can be copied and given out to students approximately 3 weeks before my visit.  This time frame will allow me to get a close count of the number of books I will need to bring.  It will also ensure that I have time to order and receive shipment of books from my publisher. Time can be arranged before or during my visit for me to sign and personalize the students’ books.  Books will be available for a discounted price of $15.00 (retail price $15.95).

        Arlene Cherry Memorial Library, Cabot, Arkansas