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Books, Books, Books!
Program Categories
Authors and Illustrators, Animal Programs, Educational Programs
Audience Age
grades 1 through grades 5
Lesléa Newman's enthusiasm for reading and writing is contagious! Using her most recent picture books about animals as examples, she shows students how a book is created from start to finish. Her presentation uses many "show and tells" including early handwritten drafts with plenty of words scratched out (even adults don't always get it right the first time!), artist's sketches, book dummies, press sheets and more. With photographs from her childhood, she shows students where her ideas come from, and how her friends and pets appear in her books. The idea that everyone can be a writer--all you need is a pen, a piece of paper, words and your imagination-- is repeated over and over so that by the end of the presentation, children are eager to rush back to their classrooms and write.The message of this interactive presentation is that reading and writing is fun,fun, fun!
Books featured: Remember That, The Best Cat in the World, Cats, Cats, Cats!, Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!, and Pigs, Pigs, Pigs!
$950. SCHOOLS: $950 for full day (up to five presentations, plus booksigning); $500 half day (two presentations, plus booksigning). Schools must also pay travel and hotel. LIBRARIES:$400 for one presentation, plus travel and hotel. ALL FEES NEGOTIABLE.
Group Size
up to 60 children per group
Program Length
forty-five minutes
a large table for display of books and props
Last Modified
02/23/2004
Recent Library/School Appearances by Lesléa Newman
Jackson Street Elementary School
Northampton, MA
413-587-1510
Robert K. Finn Ryan Road School
Florence, MA
413-587-1550
Forbes Library
Northampton, , MA
413-587-1011
Performer’s Contact Information
Lesléa Newman
Lesléa NewmanPO Box 815
Northampton, MA 01061
What others have to say: "Our class loved your visit! You kept my first graders engaged with your stories and photographs, drawing them into the writing process (and the mind of you, the writer) in a way in which they could relate. There was a nice correlation between your published work, with which they had some familiarity, and you as presenter--in person you are as lively and funny as in your books! Cats, Cats, Cats! and Pigs, Pigs, Pigs! have been a big hit in our classroom. I am thrilled to add your books to my teaching repertoire! Thank you so much for sharing your craft and your life with our children!" --Mary Bates, Jackson Street School***** "As Children's Department Manager at Beyond Words Bookshop in Northampton, MA, I had the pleasure of working with Lesléa Newman on two different occassions. Both were events at the bookstore designed to promote Lesléa's wonderful children's books. These events were attended by families of all ages. Lesléa's graciousness and light-hearted banter kept all entertained. Her work is delightful and accessible to children. The lyrical quality of the prose engages even the most finicky of listeners. Lesléa will inspire any persons fortunate enough to work with her." --Jennifer Murphy***** "Lesléa Newman is a terrific advocate for children and reading. She's direct, funny, full of information, and a wonderful writer, too. If I had a school, I'd invite her. And make her stay for dinner as well!" --Jane Yolen, author of over 250 books including Owl Moon, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? and The Devil's Arithmetic***** "We had the honor of having Lesléa Newman facilitate our retreat in July 2003. Some of the comments we received on our evaluations included: "Exceeded my expectations", "Absolutely great","I'm amazed at how much writing I accomplished." I would highly recommend Lesléa to any group who wants to grow in their creativity. Because she is equally gifted at facilitating hands-on workshops or giving talks, she would enrich any type of workshop or conference on children's books and writing for children." --Denise Vega, Steering Committee, SCBWI (Rocky Mountain Chapter)