Author Visits by Maryann Macdonald

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a writer, but I never said so out loud. No one I knew was a writer. It seemed impossible. Then, when I was a teenager, I met the children's book writer and poet Mary O'Neil (She wrote Hailstones and Halibut Bones), a great book about colors). She was a neighbor of my uncle's. She liked a good joke. She baked great chocolate chip cookies. She was a REAL PERSON! This was a big discovery to me… real people could be writers, too. I felt encouraged.

Now when I visit schools and libraries, I like to let children know that I am a real person. That I have so many freckles that I used to get into the Michigan State fair for free. That I love to cook but I hate to clean up. That I have to go to the dentist so much I've become almost his best friend.

Then I tell kids about how I came to write my books… how my sister Joan always had the best Halloween costumes like Bernadette in The Costume Copycat. How Owl in Hedgehog Bakes a Cake is really my daughter Alison in disguise. How my love for mud-pie making ended up in Rosie Runs Away and how my desperate wish for a tree house came true in No Room for Francie.  I show children how they can use their own emotions and enthusiasms, as well as the people and things they love and hate, to make up characters and stories that seem real…even though they're not.

Often I read a story to the children and then tell them the story behind it. Sometimes we make up stories together, too. But always I make sure kids know that writing is a messy business… both for them and for the professional writer. You start with a sloppy first draft (sometimes I show them one). Then you work on it and work on it until most of the mistakes are gone. Some will always sneak in. But bad writing can only turn into good writing when you tell your story the best way you can, and then polish it and polish it until its truth shines through.

Question time is fun. I like to ask as many as I answer. Kids love this.

I work best with young children, up to about third grade, but have worked with all age levels, including adults. A typical session lasts from 20-45 minutes, depending on the age group. I can do one to four sessions per day. Some schools like to have a parent's program at the end of the school visit day. I will provide information about ordering books and be available to sign them.

Hope to see you soon!

Contact booking@windingoak.com about Maryann Macdonald visiting YOUR school today!

Maryann's Mailbox

"Maryann Macdonald is an astonishing author/teacher with a gentle manner and intuitive insights into children. She has had a profound and often long-lasting effect on those who have been exposed to her in the Authors Read Aloud program in New York City."

Susie Mee
Director, Authors Read Aloud
New York City Board of Education

"Maryann has wonderful rapport with children. Her presentation of THE COSTUME COPYCAT engaged our children, as well as their parents. What a Halloween treat when Maryann entered the room dressed in full fairy costume! We recommend her presentations for children of all ages."

Carrie Silberman and Randi Levy
Children’s Librarians
The New York Society Library

Letters from children at PS 157, Bronx, New York.:

Dear Ms. Macdonald,

     You really helped me and Melton with our story a lot. You said that we could add on to our story and make a more better ending. Thank you!
     When you first came to our class I thought nothing great was going to happen, but I was wrong. I liked the way you sang the song in Kimberley's story. I felt great!

     - Amanda Dookie

Dear Ms. Macdonald,

     I was very shy to talk to you about my writing. You gave me lots of information. My brain got stronger because of you.
     You are very famous to me, and you will never stop being famous to me.

     Sincerely,
     Mariyann Soulemane