School Visits

Would you like me to visit your school? Send me an email: keir AT keirgraff DOT com. 

I am a brand-new children's author but I have already had a terrific time visiting schools to talk about writing The Other Felix. The best grades for me to connect with are 3rd, 4th, and 5th—but I wouldn't rule anything out.

In my presentations, I tell the story of the book from concept to finished copy. I stress the amount of revision and editing that is required before a book is ready to be published. I explain how the author, editor, and artist collaborate. If time allows, I give a short talk about authorial choices and engage the kids by asking them to help me describe monsters. (They love this!) And I encourage them to be "idea hunters" and lifelong readers and writers. I often reinforce this message by reading to them a book I wrote when I was in grade school, helping them to see that this grown-up, published author was once a kid very much like them. 

• Read "Talking about Monsters Isn't So Scary: My First School Visits" on the Macmillan Kids blog, Get to the Point!
• Download The Other Felix Discussion & Activity Guide for classroom use!

Testimonials

"Keir Graff created an excitement amongst the students of our school! They generated thoughtful six-sentence stories and were thrilled to discuss them with him. His book, The Other Felix, has had a lasting 'buzz' as the students dig further into this creative story and compare Felix's life events to their own. A visit from Keir was a valuable learning experience for our budding writers and insatiable readers."
—Charlotte Kelly, Infant Jesus of Prague School (Flossmoor, IL)

"I am very aware that since we are taking away from class time an author visit should enhance what we are doing as educators. One of the things that impressed me most after Keir Graff came to visit was how our teachers responded . . . it was not just the content of his talk that impressed our teachers, they also commented on how Keir connected with the kids. He spoke in a manner kids could relate to and understand. Said one teacher, 'Wow that author visit this morning was great, was he ever a teacher? Our kids really liked him, they are still talking about him after lunch!'"
—Lisa Nagel, St. Francis Xavier School (Wilmette, IL)

"Thank you for speaking to our third grade students! They are so excited to read your book! I'll be ordering extra copies to meet the demand. The teachers were thrilled that you included information on the writing and publishing process. We can't wait for your next book and would love to have you back at our school."
—Linda Diekman, Learning Resource Center Director, Glen Grove Elementary School (Glenview, IL)

"In reading the first chapter from his book, The Other Felix, Keir Graff had the children’s undivided attention. How would Felix overcome his monster nightmares? Mr. Graff shared the process he uses in developing a story, and connected it with how the children might write their own stories. The children clearly enjoyed the humor and personal story that he brought to his presentation. The fact that our copies of The Other Felix are flying off the shelf is a testimony to how much the children love the story!"
—Mary Ellen Schulz, Resource Center Director, Greeley School (Winnetka, IL)

"Red Oak School's staff and students thoroughly enjoyed Keir Graff's visit and his new children's book, The Other Felix. Mr. Graff's presentation was very professional, well planned and interactive." 
—Kate Strong, Library/Media Specialist, Red Oak School (Highland Park, IL)

"WOW! What a fantastic experience for my 5th grade authors, to meet a published author. Mr. Graff was able to inspire my students with his work and words. I now have more students telling me that they too want to become an author."
—Sue Larson, Teacher, Rattlesnake Elementary (Missoula, MT)