Carmela D'Amico's basic classroom presentation is designed to be an introduction into the world of writing a story.  Each child has stories to tell and she feels her job is to encourage them to do so. Because Carmela's books are picture books and geared toward young children, she likes to read the story first and then discuss, in a free-flowing though educational way, a variety of subject matter pertinent to the age group. She begins by taking questions from the students about herself and about the book and from these questions, the doorway is opened to discuss topics such as the importance of rewriting and revising, understanding what you're trying to say, not becoming discouraged when it isn't perfect on the first try (it never will be) and that the most difficult part of writing is taking the time to do it. This presentation is given to one or two classrooms at a time, and lasts around 45 minutes. I can do up to 5 classes a day (10 classes total, if 2 at a time.)

The topics mentioned in the previous paragraph lay the groundwork for the next presentation Carmela offers: a writing workshop for the second grade and up.  In this workshop, Carmela guides the students into choosing a topic for a short story, discuss plot and character development with them, then set them to work! She works with as many students individually as she can, taking questions and offering insight as they write the first draft of their stories. When they're finished with the first draft, there is a community reading. They revise once, considering my suggestions and those of their peers, and we read the stories again, with emphasis on the positive changes that came from their rewriting. This workshop is intensive and lasts two and a half hours. I can do two a day.

Author and Illustrator Presentation:
When Steve and Carmela do a presentation together, the emphasis is on collaboration. Carmela reads to the students, take questions, and Steve takes questions, too and they talk about the importance of teamwork and what makes a picture book special. The great bonus in this presentation is that Steve brings his easel along and gives a drawing demonstration that invariably delights. He talks about his illustration process and gives pointers to the students on character design. This presentation also lasts about 45 minutes and is given to individual classes, up to 5 a day.

Author's home:  Seattle, Washington
Suggested audience:  K-6
Maximum number of presentations:  3
Honorarium:      $800 per day plus expenses for either Carmela or Steve
                             $1400 per day plus expenses for both

 

ISBN	Title	Level	Retail Price
HARDCOVER
0-439-62792-3	Ella the Elegant Elephant	PreK-3	$16.95
0-439-62794-X	Ella Takes the Cake	PreK-3	$16.99
0-439-83152-0	Ella Sets the Stage	PreK-3	$16.99
PAPERBACK
0-439-87589-7	Ella the Elegant Elephant - Read Along (Book and CD set)	PreK-3	$9.95