Hester Bass, author of The Secret World of Walter Anderson (Candlewick Press, 2009) and So Many Houses, (Scholastic Library Press, 2006) performs presentations for classrooms, libraries, and community events designed for children and adults. She can also work with students on writing skills or appear as a motivational speaker.
Here's what they're saying about Hester Bass:
"What a delight and treat to have Hester Bass visit our school. Each page of her book came to life as she shared her personal story behind each picture. Not only is Hester a talented author, she entertains the children with songs and personal touches that encourage the most reluctant reader to read and the hesitant student to write. Teachers and parents were impressed with her eagerness to speak with each child as she autographed her book."
- Charlotte Woo, Librarian, Jones Valley Elementary School
"It was such a pleasure to have you here at our school. You were just delightful to listen to and quite entertaining as well. The children enjoyed you tremendously and I think many of them were quite inspired. Thank you for taking the time to sign each child's book. I am going to recommend you to my other teacher friends and parents."
- Martha Nelson, Second Grade Teacher, Holy Family School
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WALTER'S WORLD
In support of The Secret World of Walter Anderson, Hester performs a program called "Walter's World." To begin, Hester sings an original song about Walter's journey to Horn Island, then Hester reads The Secret World of Walter Anderson. Children learn about a man who spent his life transforming nature into art and had a special relationship with the animals on Horn Island. There's a surprise visit by a puppet who...wait, that would spoil the surprise! Let's just say his name is Inky. This program includes a look at the life of a children’s author and there's time for questions from the audience.
Your school, library, or organization receives an autographed hardback copy of The Secret World of Walter Anderson. A master of the art activity sheet, “Seven Steps of Drawing,” which includes a bookmark, will be made available to you to copy for your students or participant.
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BUILD YOUR DREAM HOUSE
In support of So Many Houses, Hester performs a program called "Build Your Dream House." The fun begins with an original song about houses. Children learn big words like “architecture” as Hester talks about different kinds of houses, including insect and animal homes, and she reads So Many Houses. The program closes with another original song that includes hand gestures the children can imitate, a peek at the life of a children’s author, and questions from the audience.
Your school, library, or organization receives an autographed library-bound copy of So Many Houses. A master of the art activity sheet, “Draw Your Dream House,” which includes a bookmark, will be made available to you to copy for your students or participants.
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These programs support curriculum goals in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Art Education.
Hester Bass inspires elementary and middle grade students in Creative Writing classes, as Author-in-Residence, and on Career Days. Her handout, "Top Ten Things You Need To Know About Being A Writer," lets children see that good writing skills will serve them well in whatever profession they ultimately choose.
“Books are tickets to anywhere in the world,” says Hester Bass. “I try to help children see how much fun it is to read and write and learn.” She continues, “I’ve wanted to be an author since I was in the first grade. I want children to know that dreams do come true!”
Program Agenda
Walter's World - OR - Build Your Dream House ................... 30 minutes
What It's Like To Be An Author ......................................... 10 minutes
Questions and Answers ..................................................... 5 minutes
45-minute Program (total time can be adjusted as needed from 30 minutes up to 60 minutes per presentation)
Maximum Number of Programs per day: 4
Microphone required for groups larger than 75
Add travel expenses for locations 25 miles or more outside Huntsville, Alabama area
50 cents per mile (or roundtrip airfare) plus overnight accommodations as needed
Out-of-Town travel of more than 100 miles requires a minimum booking of 2 presentations.
Please email Hester for more information regarding fees and expenses.
Each school, library, or organization that Hester visits receives one autographed hardback library-bound book, which is included in the cost.
Autographed Book Sales are Available! Use your favorite bookseller or Hester can recommend a vendor. No charge for Hester's time spent signing books!
Affiliations: Hester Bass is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Authors Guild, the Children's Literature Assembly (CLA) and the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) of the National Council of Teachers of English, the Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC), the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA), and has served on the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Foundation Board in Huntsville, Alabama.
Fun and Inspiring...
Entertaining and Educational...
Book an author visit today!
Contact Hester Bass by e-mail or at:
Hester Bass
P O Box 222
Owens Cross Roads AL 35763-0222
