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LIBRARY COPIES: Once a date has been set for Chris to visit your school, you should get a set of his books for your library immediately. Teachers will his books to introduce them to the students. Order the books through any book supplier or e-mail us and we'll make arrangements to send them to you in advance. Allow yourself time to prepare for his visit by starting as soon as possible. It is never too early to prepare. Encourage everyone to visit Chris' website at www.soentpiet.com to get acquainted with him and his books. Start by teaching your students how to pronounce SOON-peet, Chris' last name. PUBLICITY: Set-up Chris' books in the library for all to see. Make a big bulletin board display to increase the excitement of his visit. A promotional photograph can be mailed if you cannot download his picture from this website. Use local media and school newsletters to advertise the event in advance. Enlist parents, volunteers and community members in the visit. If PTO money is involved, an article lets them know how their money is being used. It promotes family participation and interest in the program. A note to your local public library of Chris' appearance will allow them time to have his books ready for checkout.
A
kid in South Carolina commented "Well, it's not every day you
get the chance to have an illustrator sign his book for you." BOOK ORDERING OPTION #2: Purchasing directly from Chris-Let Chris know 6-8 weeks ahead of time that you would like to order directly from him. Send parents this order form Kids will bring back the completed form with payment. Then the school will contact Chris with the tally. Either Chris will bring the pre-ordered books with him on the day of visit or he will ship them to you in advance. BOOK ORDERING OPTION #3: Publishers-you can get the best discount by ordering direct from the publishers. This option is the best way to fundraise and generate funds for your next author visit. If fundraising is not your concern, you can pass the discount savings to the students. Below are the telephone numbers, title and ISBN if you plan to order directly from the publishers, ask for the author appearance discount: Scholastic School Division Service (800) 724-6527 (press option #3 for the Catalog department) Book of Art Distributor (866) 800-8893 Simon & Schuster (800) 976-1726 Bantam Doubleday Dell (800) 726-0600 Houghton Mifflin (800) 225-3362 Philomel Penguin Books (800) 526-0275 Peachtree Publishers (800) 241-0113 Sleeping Bear Press call (866) 918-3956 Lee & Low Books 1-888-320-3190 x 28 Busy parents and teachers don't always return the book order forms before the visit. Many decide they want a book the day of the presentation, so consider ordering 20% more than you think you need. SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR: If you are having a Scholastic Bookfair, Chris’ books may be available. SIDE NOTE: During an author visit, Chris does not require that the sponsoring school sell his books. But they should have access to his books at the school library. This is an important way for the school to carry on the value of the day long after the visit is over. SCHEDULE: Presentation length is approximately 45 minutes. The size of the audience does not matter though the size of your room should be taken into consideration when planning the logistic of the day. You can also add an extra presentation to the schedule, however you'll need to let us know in advance. The grades should be grouped to conform to number of presentations requested. We will need a copy of the schedule in advance. Having the schedule early will allow Chris time to set-up his slides to the appropriate grade levels. The schedule should include the time of each presentation, the grade level of each presentation, the expected number and type of audience (i.e. teachers, principals, students-grade, parents) and location of where session is to be held (i.e. gymnasium, library, multi-purpose room, auditorium). Since there will be visuals and equipments, it would be helpful if we had the presentations in one designated area instead of moving from room to room. Chris prefers back-to-back presentations if possible. He would love to participate in the traditional teacher's luncheon. However if there is no such luncheon planned, Chris doesn't mind stepping out on his own for lunch.
*Chris welcomes photos and still camera. However audio-taping or videotaping is strictly prohibited. HONORARIUM/FEES: Schools and libraries can use a variety of sources to sponsor author visits. Including BOCES, Title I, district, PTA/ PTO, grants from local organizations or sponsorship from business groups and funds from the sale of Chris' books. Your
fee has been negotiated ahead of time based on the number of presentation
and activities requested. If you wish to add an extra presentation to the day,
let us know in advance. Kindly submit your paperwork early so a check can be delivered to Chris on the day of the visit.
DONATION: We would be delighted to donate signed art prints for your next PTO fundraiser. Please contact Chris' school visit coordinator and a donation will be made on the day of the visit.
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