Presentations Offered
Following are several presentation suggestions. Classroom presentations can vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the school's needs and age level of the students. Writing workshops range from 45 minutes to half-day and full-day sessions. With advance notice, presentations can be customized to suit specific interests or areas of study.
Note: Kelly’s books—mostly picture books—may be written for young readers, but that doesn’t mean her presentations are only for younger audiences. Writing, imagining, revising, striving—the creative process—is for everyone.
Reviews and Reactions
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, June 25-27, 2010”
Adventures In Children’s Publishing – July 5, 2010
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
Playing With Words
Grades 1-8
During each lively, interactive presentation, Kelly:
- Encourages Storytelling
- Shares Idea Starters
- Explores the Creative Process
- Discusses How Books Are Made
- Spills Secrets from Her Books
From Pet to Picture Book
Grades 2–8
In the beginning, there was a goldfish… Students will discover how a favorite pet inspired a story, and how that story became the picture book entitled NOT NORMAN. This presentation can be designed as a workshop for writing students of most ages.
NOT NORMAN: Fish & Other Pets
Grades Pre-K–1
“I wanted a different kind of pet. NOT NORMAN.” Utilizing her picture book, Kelly will discuss different kinds of pets—especially fishy ones—with very young listeners. The program is interactive with songs and movements.
Native American Culture, the Spider & the Trickster
Grades K–8*
Utilizing slides, artifacts, and traditional Spider and Trickster legends featuring her multi-tribal collection, Spider Spins A Story: Fourteen Legends from Native America, Kelly Goldman Bennett shares American Indian culture with students. Local tribes and customs will be highlighted.
Picture Books are Like Icebergs—It's What You Don't See That Counts. A writing workshop.
What is it about some picture books that make a child ask “read it again” and “again” and “again”? In the first part of this hands-on workshop we will dive below the surface of popular picture books to see what makes them stand out. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how picture books work, components of successful picture books, and the surprise that makes a picture book special—knowledge they can use to strengthen and develop their own picture book manuscripts. Best as a half- or full-day session.
Writing for Children is Not Child's Play
Grades 5–adult
Workshops for older students, children's writers, and teacher in-service sessions focus on a variety of writing-related topics including: critiquing, finding your character's voice, finding the writer's voice, marketing your work and the business of children's literature. When appropriate, class and individual exercises are incorporated into the program.
Mysteries of Writing Mysteries
Grades 1–5*
A 90 minute class-participation presentation during which students plot a crime, plant clues, establish motives and ultimately solve the crime while learning the fundamentals of mystery writing. At the end of the session, students will be encouraged to write the mystery the class plots or to create one of their own. This interactive format is appropriate for smaller groups. A 45-minute larger group mystery presentation, with limited audience participation, is also available.
Arbor Day or Flag Day
Grades Pre-K–1
Utilizing these "Rookie Reader — About Holidays" books, Kelly shares Arbor Day or Flag Day trivia, traditions and crafts.
