Hester Bass, author of So Many Houses, performs a presentation for classrooms, libraries, and community events called “Build Your Dream House” for children ages 4-8, or Pre-K through Third Grade. She also works with older students Fourth Grade and up on writing skills and 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
In "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 look at the life of a children’s author, and time for 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.
“Build Your Dream House” supports curriculum goals in Language Arts, Social Studies, Multicultural Studies, and Character 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 and Fee
Build Your Dream House!............... 25 minutes
What It's Like To Be An Author....... 10 minutes
Questions and Answers................... 5 minutes
40-minute Program (time can be adjusted as needed)
Maximum Number of Programs per day: 4
Microphone required for groups larger than 75
Fee per Session: $150
plus travel expenses outside Huntsville, Alabama area
Each school, library, or organization that Hester visits receives one autographed library-bound book, which is included in the cost.
Autographed Book Sales are Available!
Hester Bass is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Authors Guild, International Reading Association (IRA), Alabama Reading Association, the Children's Literature Assembly (CLA) and the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English (ALAN), the Association of Booksellers for Children, and the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Foundation Board.
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
