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| 05/03/2007 | Valerie Frankel | 10 Reasons to Host Valerie Frankel
1. She's a real teacher.
Valerie Frankel is a professional teacher and tutor, who's spent ten years teaching just about every grade, from kindergarten through college. Right now, she teaches four classes of creative writing for kids each semester, and four classes of college composition at San Jose State University. She knows how to hold kids' interests, and help them value the lesson, while having lots of fun.
"I still don’t know how you have time to write, read a whole book, and deal with your classes every day. You must not watch a lot of TV. It seems like a tough job, but your book seems to be a success."
--Jacob Wellish, student
2. She's a real professional.
As a university professor, Valerie conducts herself with decorum, appearing on time with everything needed to make her presentation a success. At the same time, she's very informal and approachable, plus she loves to laugh. She's been known to wear a Sorting Hat.
"After going to the book reading, I really wished I had read the Harry Potter books because her reading made them seem very interesting. She added new characters and different stories and adventures. It’s obvious the book was written for young children because it includes a lot of humor. The children who were at the reading were laughing their heads off, and I knew that she reached her target. Because I share the same opinions as Professor Frankel regarding children and reading, I decided to purchase the book and pass it along to my younger brother."
--Elias Aseged
3. It'll get kids writing.
Valerie deals with the fun side of writing, from creativity with beloved characters to pure silliness. She inspires kids to create their own stories, no matter how frivolous the topic. She got where she is now by writing four page a day, starting her first novel at age sixteen. She also reads a novel every single day. just for fun. Children spend most of the presentation laughing |
| 06/25/2006 | S. Ruth Lubka | Library Media Connection, February 2004:
K-5. It is not often that you can find a piece of children's literature that presents a story, a value lesson, factual content, drama, and maybe even a bit of enchantment. This title does all that and more. Lubka has written and illustrated a truly unique piece of work as she relates the true story of the first two living beings in space . . . The story of this adventure is told with charming illustrations and magical prose . . . There are all types of heroes in this world and the courage of all living beings is truly celebrated in this magnificent tale. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. |
| 06/14/2006 | Marilyn Randall | Regarding WELLINGTON'S WINDOWS: "Every school should have this book!" Pamela Jamieson of the Pamela Jamieson Show on the Pet Radio Network, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. |
| 06/14/2006 | Marilyn Randall | "Thank you for [helping] us celebrate your wonderful books...and poems at Copper Rim Library. ...You modeled the importance of reading and generated much enthusiasm." Rachel Duwyenie, Copper Rim Librarian, Globe, Arizona. |
| 06/12/2006 | Marilyn Randall | "You kept our students entranced with your readings, your anecdotes, and your candid responses to their many questions. You have inspired them to pursue their own story telling and their illustrations."
JoAnn Barbeosch, Principal, P.S. 94, Little Neck, NY. |
| 05/19/2006 | David Villanueva | BOOK REVIEW:
"Caleb's Birthday Wish is a charming peek into the mind of every child. As a fellow writer I can appreciate David Villanueva's simple and honest style of spinning a delightful tale. As a parent who had a differently-abled child, I am touched by how well David shows that all children have big dreams which deserve to be listened to. The little boy in this story, Caleb, shows he has the power to explore the world through his limitless imagination."
Julie Doggett
Author of Families Are Families Forever
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| 04/05/2006 | Monte Montgomery |
"Claire and Monte Montgomery wrote a wonderful little tale about the invention of the wheel in ancient Mesopotamia. The book should be in every 6th grade history and science classroom. But don't stop at getting the book...get the authors. Their presentation is entertaining, informative, and engaging. My students loved the presentation (Monte on a unicycle is a must see!) and I recommend the Montgomery's presentation without reservation."
-- Thomas Rawley, coordinator of the Portola Middle School Highly Gifted Magnet Center in Tarzana, California:
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| 12/15/2005 | Vuthy Kuon | What a lively, wonderful presentation! Our students and teachers loved his humor, his message, and his artwork. We want him back next year! |
| 12/12/2005 | Vuthy Kuon | "Amazing"
"hilarious"
"talked to them without talking down to them"
"plus plus"
"held their attention , wonderful faces"
We enjoyed Vuthy's visit - teachers and children alike. |
| 11/30/2005 | Vuthy Kuon | Vuthy was a great presenter. He captured the attention of all in attendance. (Grades K-6) He also conducted a community night that was a huge success. We have invited him back for next year and look forward to another outstanding presentation!
Mrs. Houk
Assistant Principal
Mohawk Elementary |
| 11/30/2005 | Vuthy Kuon | We recently had Vuthy Kuon visit our school and community. Vuthy gave a very entertaining and informative presentation to our student body during the day, and our community at night. He was energetic and animated and our student population (K-6)and parents, were totally engaged. We have already scheduled him to return to Mohawk Elementary School. PJM |
| 10/07/2005 | Vuthy Kuon | Vuthy was amazing! His personality and energy drove the presentation and kept students interested and involved. Many teachers have commented on what a wonderful experience they and their students had meeting Vuthy. He has been here before, and we will definitely have him back! |
| 09/19/2005 | Cathy Spagnoli | ¿Cathy Spagnoli captures the hearts (and attention!) of students [of every age] with the variety and fluency of her stories. She is equally inspiring and adept with teachers. Cathy is invariably the highlight of any program with which she¿s involved.¿
Cathy Palmer, Seattle International Children¿s Festival, 2000
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| 07/05/2005 | Vuthy Kuon | If you want an inspirational, enthustiatic presentor Vuthy Kuon is the man for you!!
Vuthy came to our area schools April of 2005. He presented at 5 schools over 3 days. He also did an evening session for our reading council. Vuthy was one of the most dynamic presenters our council has seen. He was able to reach students of all ages and races. The 7th and 8th grade students enjoyed his inspirational, enthusiastic presentation as much as the kindergarten and first grade students.
Vuthy involved the students in his presentation which made it more interesting. His facial expressions, voice tones and characters all got everyone going! |
| 05/20/2005 | Vuthy Kuon | Vuthy Kuon is one energetic performer who held our students at Swift Elementary spellbound with his message. The students favorite part was participating as models for Vuthy as he drew different parts of them as Humpty Dumpty. Watching such a talented illustrator practice his craft before their eyes was a terrific new experience for our kids. |
| 05/11/2005 | Vuthy Kuon | Vuthy Kuon came to do a presentation for us and it was such a memorable experience! He was so personable with the students and funny! He had us happy, sad and inspired. By the time he was done all the students wanted to read every one of his books and they all wanted to be writers. I am be happy to have him do a presentation any time. |
| 01/05/2005 | Miss Anne | "Many of my teachers said it was the best assembly we've had in years. One of the best organized authors we've ever had. Great show! The children really enjoyed it!"
Violet Elementary
Pickerington, Ohio |
| 12/17/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | We just had Vuthy Kuon present at our school for our students in K-6. He was wonderful with all of the students. They were completely engaged and loved his performance. The teachers were as impressed as the students and felt like he really had a handle on the audience. We look forward to having him again.
Misti Camacho
Ashworth Elementary |
| 08/31/2004 | Alicia Obie |
In Your Dreams is truly a dream come true for the imaginations of children around the world. I had the grand opportunity to read and share this highly creative and highly imaginative book with my grandchildren. Alicia Obie has revisited the colorful corners of a child¿s mind to unleash the positive fantasies of the possibilities that lie within. If you want to make a great investment in the dreams and lives of children, this is your opportunity.
Les Brown,
Best selling author and world-renowned speaker
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| 08/03/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | We had Vuthy Kuon come to our school last May. We are a PreK-1 campus and he absolutely had the children eating out of his hand. Not only did they love him but the teachers did as well. We will definitely have him back again!! |
| 07/29/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | Vuthy visited our school last May. The students (and teachers!) in grades K-6 thoroughly enjoyed his presentation. I've heard several teachers remark on more than one occasion, "He was really able to hold their attention!". The students were able to actively participate in Vuthy's presentation, and had a lot of fun with Vuthy's caricatures of their teachers. I would not hesitate a moment to schedule a return visit from this gifted and dynamic speaker. |
| 06/17/2004 | Dia Michels | The spirited presentation and workshop offered by Dia Michels and Kaely Michels-Gualtieri thoroughly engaged the youngsters at Capital Children¿s Museum. Kids and parents alike were absolutely fascinated by the use of song and hands-on activities as they learned about writing by becoming part of the creative and investigative processes. Young Kaely is enthusiastic and down-to-earth, so youngsters easily identify with her and appreciate her experiences in writing her first book at a very young age. Dia¿s books about human and animal families are perfect for our museum visitors and her presentation was warm and humorous even s it adapted to the ages of her audience. The close-knit families in Dia¿s books share the mission of our museum families who want to expand their horizons while learning and growing together.
Mimi Pham, Communications Manager
Capital Children¿s Museum, Washington, DC
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| 04/24/2004 | Janet Muirhead Hill | "Dear Janet, Thank you so very much for spending a day with our fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Your presentation and activities were very suitable for the age levels you worked with. Your message about believing in oneself and persevering was a valuable one. I suspect you touched the lives of many of our students in a very positive way." (Bonnie Kyles, teacher and coordinator, Ennis Elementary School)
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| 04/15/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | We had a wonderful visit this week from Mr. Kuon. I would highly recommend him. It was a delight to hear him encourage the students to not just read but to become writers themselves. Art classes benefit from his presentations, too. |
| 04/14/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | Vuthy visited Carleston Elementary in Peqrland on April 6, 2004. All students Preschool-4th Grade and Life Skills atteneded his presentations. We had looked forward to his visit, but WOW did we get even more than we expected! He was in control from beginning to end. Our kids and teachers were so excited with his presentation. Our reading recovery teacher said, "My kids have never been so motivated to read." What a compliment! Our kids were asking great questions about how they too could become writers and illustrators. The answer was easy--Begin now and keep it up. Thank you Vuthy for a truly outstanding program.
Anne Hoffpauir, Librarian
Carleston Elementary |
| 04/01/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | WOW! Vuthy's visit was a success in every sense of the word. This was my first author/ illustrator visit, so I really didn't know what needed to be done. Vuthy sends out a preparation packet that includes a preparatory activity for the kids and all the instructions I could ever have hoped for.
The day of the presentation was incredible. Vuthy is so warm and personable with the kids that they immediately feel like he "belongs" to them. His presentation is energetic, but that word simply doesn't do it justice. He doesn't just present; he performs, involving the kids in the performance.
One of the most impressive things I saw was how much care he put into reaching each child. Each request received personal attention. (A hospitalized student got a special, videotaped message, just for him!)He didn't rush through and just scribble his name in the autographing. An individualized drawing accompanies every single one.
And, of course, the books are outstanding. Kids and teachers adore them for their bright, detailed illustrations and for the joy delivered in reading each.
Vuthy is, very simply, number one!
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| 02/26/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | Vuthy recently came to visit our 5-6 grade campus. He was a huge hit. He keeps the students and the teachers on the edge of their seats waiting to see what he will do next. Trust me, if you book this author you will not be sorry. |
| 02/09/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | Vuthy "Wood-tee" Kuon is an author, illustrator, and entertainer. Our school is Pre-K-4th grade. Both students and teachers truly enjoyed his presentation. Mr.Kuon autographed each book purchased with his signature and a personal drawing.
Our students are still talking about their day with Vuthy Kuon.
Donna Oates
Oak Ridge Elementary, Librarian |
| 01/29/2004 | Vuthy Kuon | This year is the second time Mr. Kuon has visited our school, and he was wonderful! Both teachers and students were engaged and entertained the entire time. Not only does Mr. Kuon take out time to talk to students individually, he also encourages teachers to publish their stories. He's a very positive, motivational presenter who knows how to handle any crowd, and how to keep their attention, whether he's speaking or not. Nekisha Lewis, Librarian Ridgemont Elementary |
| 01/22/2004 | Kathy Price | "Price is a storyteller and
early-music specialist who really bends a few notes in this
well-loved story weaving a fun-filled retelling that brays,howls,and crows to be read aloud"
--Kirkus Reviews |
| 12/21/2003 | Paul Merklein | "Your performance was the highlight of the week! Our students loved it, and we teachers enjoyed it, too!"
Jennifer Plamann, Valley New School
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| 12/10/2003 | Vuthy Kuon | What an awesome presentation. We are a small private school and Mr. Kuon was able to hold the interest and entertain all our students - from the four year olds up to our 8th graders. Vuthy is engaging, funny, and entertaining...a must see! |
| 12/01/2003 | Vuthy Kuon | Mesmerizing! Motivational! Hilarious! Vuthy Kuon captured the hearts and minds of our teachers as well as the students. His presentation overflowed with energy and enthusiasm that spilled out onto the audience. One of the teachers said, ¿I¿ve been in a lot of schools and I¿ve seen a lot of author presentations. Vuthy Kuon is, by far, the best I¿ve ever seen.¿ Rebekah Penny, Librarian - Silvercrest Elementary, Pearland ISD. |
| 07/19/2003 | D.J. Lightfoot | Awesome!
"Thank you again for taking the time to come speak to us. One of the mothers came up to me at lunch and told me how much her daughter had talked about enjoying the class today. The student said it was 'one of the most awesome classes ever!'
"You have inspired the futures of my students."
--A Texas Teacher |
| 06/11/2003 | Carla Christina Contreras | I knew your program would be fun, but I was truly impressed by your ability to interact with the children - all of them from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade. Your presentation is fun & energetic. Sometimes it is hard to hold the attention of kids, but the music and dancing kept them amused... and Clint the Black Cat was truly a hit! We can't wait for your next book! College Grove Elementary School - College Grove, Tennessee |
| 05/31/2003 | Dianne MacMIllan | Dianne MacMillan has such a flair for making her books come alive in her presentation. The students were enthralled and certainly very appreciaive. Elise Shigeta, Redondo Beach |
| 04/06/2003 | Marcia Bennett | "Marcia is a joy to work with. She is particularly effective with elementary-age children. They sit transfixed watching the video of the actual dive into Jacob's Well, especially after doing their own "archeological dig" We can't keep the book on the shelf." Mary Pettit, Bulverde Community Library, Bulverde, Texas |
| 04/04/2003 | Vuthy Kuon | RECOMMENDATION: "Teachers, parents, and students have commented in the following ways: · "Vuthy has excellent rapport with the students!" · "Energy! Humor!" · "Interactive with the students!" · "Motivational, Phenomenal" · Personally illustrated each autographed book according to the students' interest. · The BEST author visit we've ever had! Sincerely, Susan Link - Librarian Colony Bend Elementary |
| 04/03/2003 | Tanya Lee Stone | Tanya has a wonderful rapport with the young people for whom she writes. She makes writing come alive. Her love of books and of writing is apparent as she addresses a class of curious young listeners. -Rebecca Goldberg, Children's Librarian at the Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, Vermont |