Author Visits
Inspiring Creativity in Kids!
I visit schools, libraries, bookstores, festivals, and conferences. I love to encourage kids who may be feeling unsure of themselves when it comes to their art skills. Everyone should have a chance to find their own unique style of creativity.
“Talitha Shipman visited Arcola last year and spent the day. The time she spent with all students K-5 was a joyful experience for them.”
Visit Options
Author Talk (50 min)
Includes the story of how I became an illustrator and then an author, an introduction to my books, struggles I’ve encountered as an artist, encouragement for kids interested in pursuing any creative endeavor, and Q&A. This talk has two versions: lower elementary (K-2), and upper elementary (3-5).
Virtual Visit (30 min)
Includes info about my path to becoming an author and illustrator, my books, encouragement for kids interested in pursuing any creative endeavor, and Q&A. This talk has two versions tailored to age group, one for lower elementary (K-2), and upper elementary (3-5).
Read Aloud (45 min)
Perfect for preschools, bookstores, or libraries! I’ll read one of my picture books (your choice) and take questions afterward. This presentation includes interactive elements tailored to each book to engage young readers.
Collaboration Workshop (45 min)
Students learn how collaboration makes a book come to life. Then, I’ll guide them as they create their own story ideas as a team! Topics covered include:
Idea generation (brainstorming)
Revision (receiving feedback and making a story or art even better using that feedback)
Drawing together! I’ll guide your students as they create their own characters and book cover ideas.
Q&A
Adult Presentations (One hour)
Illustration Crash Course: College-age presentation geared towards students interested in pursuing a career in illustration.
Growing Storytellers: How elementary teachers can inspire their students to become budding artists using picture books.
What kids really need to read! How to encourage the children in our lives to become lifelong readers.
Custom Visit
Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? We can build the perfect presentation or workshop together! Reach out below for more info.
Additional Info
-
FAQ
What is your presentation like?
As an illustrator and author, I enjoy sharing visual aids like sketches and final artwork to explain the process of creating books. I use a PowerPoint presentation full of colorful imagery, and I bring physical books and even original watercolor art with me, so kids can have tangible examples as well. My presentation is interactive and engaging. Kids will have a chance to work together in small groups to create their own story ideas and art based on a prompt I provide. I also love to draw with your kids. They are amazing artists, and I want to do everything I can to encourage their creativity.
What age ranges work well for your presentations?
I’ve found that grouping K-1 together works well, followed by 2nd and 3rd grades, and then 4th and 5th grades. The smaller the groups, the better! If you need to do larger groups, lower elementary (K-2nd) and upper elementary (3rd-5th) also work well.
What do you need for your visit?
Presentation projector (I’ll bring my own MAC laptop and HDMI connection)
Large easel or overhead document camera for drawing demonstrations
Lunch if you’re booking me for a whole day. I don’t have any dietary restrictions!
A microphone is a plus if I’m in an auditorium or a gym.
A clipboard, pencil, and printouts for each child (I’ll send the printout PDF files before the visit).
A detailed schedule should be sent at least two weeks in advance so I can tailor my presentation to the allotted time.
How can we get ready for your visit?
Share my books with your students. They will get so much more out of an author visit if they are familiar with my work.
Host a book sale! I partner with an amazing local Indie bookstore, Sunbound Books, to bring signed books to your students. Book sales require at least a month of lead time before my visit, so the bookstore can place the orders and have the books shipped. I have PDF order forms available for you to send home to caregivers.
-
For detailed pricing info, please contact Louise at The Booking Agency here.
-
Fill out the form below or contact The Booking Agency here.