BRING KELLY TO YOUR SCHOOL!
With more than 25 books and decades of experience in children's literature and publishing, Kelly speaks on a variety of topics pertaining to children’s writing.
“During our virtual visit for the House that Ruth Built, Kelly's excitement was evident to all of our young readers (and staff, too!) This made our already-intrigued audience even more interested in the baseball content, unique layout of the book, and story behind Kelly's process in creating it. Kelly's warmth, creativity, and joy were shining, even through our computer screens. We loved hosting Kelly Bennett and would be honored to do so again anytime!"
—Steph McHugh, District Book Ambassador in Yorkville CUSD #115 (Illinois)
You are the bees knees… I can't believe how [Kelly] connected with folks even during a less than peaceful setting.
—Jenny Bloom, Library Director, Quogue, NY.
"Visiting school, meeting students, teachers, librarians — readers — is the frosting on this writer’s life — and I love frosting!”
“Hi Kelly!!!!!
OMG!!! Thank you so much for the visit on Tuesday. The kids absolutely loved it so much.”
—Mary Blair, Librarian, Samuel Staples Elementary, Easton, CT.
Kelly Bennett is passionate about reading, writing, and creating, & shares this passion in her lively, interactive presentations for readers! writers! creatives! of all ages.
School presentations change as new books, new times, new experiences arise, which keeps Kelly fresh and engaging. That being said, student programs always include discussion of the creating & revising process, read-aloud time, and plenty of interaction and student participation. Likewise, programs are tailored to suit the ages and interests of the students—and teacher/class objectives—in this way providing the best experience possible. (Scroll down for a sampling).
Equally comfortable with large groups or small, Kelly is happy to speak to as many students as can fit comfortably & safely into the available space—classroom, library, cafetorium, or Virtually!
Let’s Zoom! While details change, some things stay the same:
Each presentation, while highlighting a featured book or books, Kelly:
Encourages Storytelling
Shares Idea Starters
Discusses the Creative Process—including revising revisions!
Shows how books are made
Spills secrets from her books
VIRTUAL VISITS:
Kelly is offering virtual visits using Zoom, Google, Teams or whatever platform works best for your students. She’ll give the same (but slightly shorter) presentation, including interaction with students & Q&A time—and, if time allows a peek into her inner sanctum—aka “The Brain.”
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL:
Full-day school visits (at one school) include four (4) 40-50 minute presentations & a 30-minute presentation for Pre-K/K students. Half-day visits include two (2) 40-50 minute presentations & a 30-minute presentation for Pre-K/K students. *Scroll down for fees.
Kelly Bennett is a featured speaker at SCBWI, OWFI & AWP Conferences and Workshops, a contest judge, panelist, and critic. She has facilitated children’s writing retreats, full- and half-day workshops, and library seminars for a variety of organizations.
“Best part for me was [Kelly’s] technique of audience participation woven in.”
“Watching a Kelly Bennett performance is like homemade pie—warm, sweet, and wanting a second slice!”
“Kelly, Thank you for your grace and courtesy and love of what you do. It shows in your interactions with everyone, whether it was a student, parent or random librarian. Your love of reading, writing and kids was a beacon at assembly, and family night, you drew everyone in to your wonderful writing and stories.”—Elizabeth Holloway, Kinkaid School Librarian, Houston, TX
"Kelly, Your books are still wildly popular and there is a long list of students waiting to check out Vampire Baby! What surprises me is that the older students (grades 3 and 4) are the ones placing that title on hold most often. Your popularity and the impact of your school visit continues to have a ripple effect on our community of College Hills student readers."—Sally Smith, Librarian, College Hills Elementary, College Station, TX
"Kelly Bennett, picture book author and Terri Murphy, illustrator, inspired, led, pushed, pulled, and guided attendees through the process of developing a picture book from inspiration to publication.” – Alice Brock, Review of BV SCBWI’s Not-For-Beginners-Picture Book Workshop
"I learned a lot about what picture books really are and about what my stories really are. I came away excited and exhausted, and I've written a lot since then.” – Sam Pittman II, 4th grade teacher
"Best part for me was [Kelly's] technique of audience participation woven in.”—Sally Smith, South Knolls Elementary School Librarian, College Station, Texas
“Thanks so much for Skyping with us today, our students loved it! The conversation you had with the kids today was perfect and so relevant to what we are working on as readers and writers.”—Krista Koziarz, 4th Gr. Holland Patent Elem. Holland Patent, NY
“I appreciated all that you did to make the audience feel at home and encouraging the kids to interact with you and encouraging literacy. The world needs more passionate people like you. . . . “—Jeanie Garza, Children’s Librarian, Anita and W.T. Neyland Library * Corpus Christi Book Festival, Corpus Christi, TX.