Ross Burach loves to make picture books. But even more, Ross loves to visit schools to inspire students to believe in their own creativity and storytelling abilities. Through constant student engagement and humor, Ross teaches students they all have stories to share, you can never draw wrong, and that stories are everywhere. Ross’s books have received numerous awards including the CBC Children’s And Teen Choice Award Finalist, Parents Magazine Best Picture Book of the Year, Junior Library Guild Selection, Kirkus Star, IndyNext Select, as well as being named to multiple State lists including the Florida SSYRA, Texas 2x2, and many more.

We Are All Storytellers and Artists

Grades K-2
45 minutes

The goal of Ross’s presentation is to engage and involve all students. He aims to inspire kids to believe they are all storytellers and artists. Ross begins by sharing pictures that show how he went from being a kid who loved to draw, to a professional who makes picture books for a living. He then reads one of his published books and shares the inspiration behind that story. The presentation culminates in a step-by-step drawing demonstrations in which the students draw a character along with him. Based on student suggestions, Ross and the class collaboratively create their own unique story featuring this character. The presentation concludes with a question and answer session.

Preferred to be in smaller groups in a library setting.

Conference and Festival Appearances

We Are All Storytellers and Artists

Timeframe depends upon needs of the conference or festival. 

The goal of Ross’s presentation is to engage and involve all students. He aims to inspire kids to believe they are all storytellers and artists. Ross shares how he went from a kid who loved to draw, to a professional picture book maker. He then reads one of his books and shares the inspiration behind that story. The presentation culminates in a step-by-step drawing demonstrations in which the students draw a character along with him. Based on student suggestions, Ross and the class collaboratively create their own unique story featuring this character. The presentation concludes with a question and answer session.

Virtual Visits

Ross would love to drop in for a 20-30 minute virtual visit and Q&A with classrooms and library groups that are familiar with his books using Skype.

AV and Tech Needs for In-Person Visits

Each student should arrive with 2-3 pieces of paper, a drawing utensil and a clipboard.

Ross will need an easel, a large pad of paper, black markers, a sharpie for personalizing books, projector, and dongle. Ross brings his own computer, and his presentation is backed up on a portable USB, so a dongle is not necessary if there is already a computer with Powerpoint connected.  

Honorarium

For rates and fees please fill out our Author Request form and the Author Visits Manager will respond shortly.