[justdee]

I am in charge of an Arts program in our school. We have received a grant to incorporate culture and the arts. One of our teams ideas was to have an art fair, where local artists or artists of all areas would come. They would set up shop and classrooms would go artist to artist. One of the workshops or centers that I wanted was an author/illustrator. Does anyone know of an Author/ Illustrator that will do school visits? I do have a budget for artists. Thank you.

[MrsM]

I once met David Small at a teacher conference, so I know he makes appearances. His wife is Sarah Stewart, and David illustrates many of her books and he also writes and illustrates his own.

Long ago, when my son was in kindergarten, Jose Aruego visited his school.

[NJ Teacher]

Our school has had some wonderful people. We generally work through the author's publisher, and on some occasions, we have worked with a local children's book store. It will also depend upon what your budget is. Newer author/illustrators are generally cheaper than established ones, and some of the established ones no longer do author/illustrator visits. We have had wonderful experiences with Jerry Pinkney, Peter Catalanotto, Wendell Minor, Jim Arnosky, and Chris Soenpiet recently. I would zero in on some people you feel you are interested in, and contact the publishers first. Many of these people are booked a year in advance.