School Visits

In pictures and words, I explore the concept of imagination with children. I begin with an interactive drawing and storytelling session which aims to stimulate both writing and art skills. Next, I present a slideshow and discuss some of the connections between childhood play and creative work, emphasizing how a childhood passion can become a career in adulthood. I talk about where ideas come from, how I research my books, and how mistakes and mess-ups can, with love and perseverance, become finished work. The process of making a picture book is also detailed, illuminated by original collages from my books, book dummies (practice books), and publishers' proofs. The presentation also focuses on the "miniature worlds" in my picture books, be they purely imaginary places or real cities. My aim is to encourage children to think up their own characters, settings, and stories -- the basics of fiction!

Materials:
I need a long table, a microphone (clip-on is best), and an easel with a drawing pad. Since I show slides, I need to present in a room which can be darkened. A screen or blank wall is also necessary, and a projector is helpful, though I can bring my own if need be.

To arrange a school visit:
please contact Elisa at elisakleven7@gmail.com

"It was a perfect presentation for schoolchildren in terms of inspiration and information. The slides were a wonderful glimpse into an artist's mind." -- Wendy Westsmith, Creekside School, Georgetown, CA.

"Thank you for the captivating Author Day presentations you gave. You did a marvelous job of describing the different phases involved in writing and illustrating books while always keeping the children interested." --Sandra Brandon, John Gomes School, Fremont, CA.

"Your visit was fantastic for our students. We are all very happy with how Literature Day went and how engaged the students were in every aspect. The teachers, parents and students continue to approach me to specifically comment on their delight at your visit and the things they are hearing at home from children." --Claire Harrison, Vallemar School, Pacifica,CA.

"I have received wonderful comments from teachers, students and parents about how much they enjoyed your presentations. The students love your books and drawings...Your ability to tailor your talks to the age of the students in the room was wonderful and made the day all the more meaningful. -- Kathleen Frey, Rancho School, Novato, CA.

Some schools which I've visited in the past few years:

El Carmelo School, Palo Alto, CA; Phillips Brooks School, Palo Alto, CA; La Tercera School, Petaluma, CA; Clairbourn School, Pasadena, CA; Chandler School, Pasadena, CA; Redwood Day, Oakland, CA; Rancho School, Noavato, CA; Hillside School, Oakland, CA; Rancho School, Novato, CA; Paden School, Alameda, CA; D.H.White School, Rio Vista, CA; Bacich School, Ross, CA; Sunrise School, Bullhead City, AZ; Antelope Creek School, Rocklin, CA; John Muir School, Berkeley, CA; St. James School, Los Angeles, CA; Birch Lane School, Davis, CA; Valley Oaks School, Galt, CA; Georgetown School, Georgetown, CA; Creekside School, Georgetown, CA; Elk Grove Elementary, Elk Grove, CA; Del Dayo School, Carmichael, CA; Emma C. Smith Elementary School; Magic Years School, Reseda, CA; San Anselmo Montessori School, San Anselmo, CA; Bayside School, Santa Cruz; Brandeis-Hillel Day School, San Rafael; St. Paul's Lutheran School, Elk Grove, CA;Buckley School, L.S., CA; Curtis School, L.A, CA; White Oaks School, San Carlos, CA; Bentley School, Oakland, CA; Garin School, Brentwood, CA; Austin Creek School, Santa Rosa, CA; Oak Hills School, Granite Bay, CA.

Sharing how a book is made with students at a recent visit to
Berkeley's Ecole Bilingue.