PLANNING THE AUTHOR VISIT
When an Author or Illustrator comes to speak to young people, students are
inspired to read, write, draw, and learn more about the process of creating
books. Plan in advance and consider recruiting help from teachers, students,
parents, staff, and volunteers in order to turn this literary event in to a
meaningful experience. Here are a few things to consider about getting
organized for the event.
CONTACT THE AUTHOR VISIT COORDINATOR
To have Yuyi Morales visit and present her work at your school, bookstore,
library, or conference, please contact the Author Visit
Coordinator to discuss date, honorarium, schedule, location, and any
equipment or materials the author will need. Also provide information about age
group, number of sessions (maximum of three), number of students per session,
and any special needs of your school.
BUDGET
The host is responsible for an honorarium due the day of the visit. If there is
travel involved, the host is responsible for travel cost, lodging, and meals.
Make sure to send tickets, travel information, and lodging details well in
advance. Please discussed arrangements and details with the
Author Visit Coordinator.
STUDENT PREPARATION
The most effective way to ensure a successful author visit is having students
read her books in advance. Read and discuss the author work with the students
and consider having them complete an individual or class project based on one
of her books. You can also download activities sheets
related to Yuyi’s Books at her website
www.yuyimorales.com
SETUP
Test location and equipment prior to the visit.
Presentations and workshops will require 10-15 minutes of setup and cleanup.
Teachers should attend the presentation with their students.
For the hands-on activities one volunteer per every ten students would be
required for assistance.
BOOKS SALES AND AUTOGRAPHING
Yuyi Morales’ visits include a book-signing session. Most local bookstores are
happy to handle book sales, or you can order books
directly from the publisher. Both methods often provide a discount,
which can be passed onto the students or applied towards funding the event.
Yuyi Morales will provide a book order form that can be customized with your
school or event’s information. The book order form can be reproduced and
distributed among the students to take home; this would give you a better idea
of the amount of books you will need. However, be sure to have extra copies on
hand for last minute orders.
Please remember that books should be ordered two to three months in advance to
secure copies and allow time for shipping.
PUBLICIZING THE EVENT
Ask faculty, teachers, PTA members and students to find creative ways to
promote the event. Consider contacting your local media announcing the event
and invite them to attend.
