How can we get kids excited about reading? You can invite children’s book author and illustrator Chris Soentpiet to your school for an Author Visit or an Illustrator Visit. Over the years, Chris has visited thousands of schools across the United States and abroad. Read the testimonials, a school visit by Chris Soentpiet is loved by educators and students alike.
School Visits/Virtual Visits
The benefits of a school or class visit are many:
- Positively impacts reading scores
- Improves school-wide morale
- Encourages students to express themselves through reading, writing and drawing
- Inspires students to reach higher to achieve their goals
- Increases library circulation
- Helps meet Common Core State Standards
Appearance Request Form
For Author Visit rates and availability, please fill out the APPEARANCE REQUEST FORM or e-mail Chris at: visitmyschool@soentpiet.com
If Chris is appearing near your area and you would like to piggy-back an Author Visit appearance with a visit to your school, or to find out if Chris is visiting your town in the future, please fill out the APPEARANCE REQUEST FORM to see if an Author or Illustrator Visit can be arranged.
Partner with community organizations or service clubs (especially those committed to literacy programs such as Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Assistance League, Friends of the Library, etc.) for Author Visit funding. Click here to download a sample letter.
Programs
Program A: Picturing the World
Presenter: Chris Soentpiet
Length: 45 minutes
Description: Chris Soentpiet’s highly entertaining Author Visit or Illustrator Visit program is guaranteed to captivate the audience. In his assembly presentation he uses plenty of visuals to give the viewers an insight into the process of creating his award-winning picture books. A fun drawing demonstration and time for Q&A will follow. Chris’ program supports Language Arts, Social Studies, Diversity, Adoption, Asian Studies, Multi-cultural topics. In addition, his books are great tools to teach children about other cultures, tolerance, respect of community and self. If the theme is “Art”, Chris can adjust his program to discuss his art techniques. Chris offer custom designed high-energy programs for P.A.R.P. assemblies. Suitable for any age level.
Program B: Beyond Written Words
Presenters: Chris Soentpiet & Yin
(2 speakers)
Length: 45 minutes
Description: Chris Soentpiet and 2002 International Reading Association (IRA) Book Award winner, Yin will conduct joint assembly presentations plus autographing. This author and illustrator team will discuss how they collaborated on the making of their award-winning book COOLIES, BROTHERS and DEAR SANTA, PLEASE COME TO THE 19TH FLOOR. They emphasize the importance of hard work in the book making process of both words and art. A drawing demonstration and time for Q&A will follow. This is an ideal program to celebrate multi-cultural literature, Chinese New Year, Asian studies and immigration. This assembly program can be catered to event and individual grade levels. Celebrate the love of reading and the arts with Chris Soentpiet and Yin! Suitable for all grades.
Program C: Virtual Visit
Presenters: Chris Soentpiet
Length: 45 minutes
Description: Virtual visits are an alternative offer for remote learning or funding issues. Whilst not comparable to an actual physical appearance there are the distinct pluses to this format. Aside from the live interaction, virtual visits are unique because my audience can look into my studio as I’ll be opening up the flat file drawers that hold all of the original sketches, notes and art from my picture books! You can see how messy or neat my drawing table is and, in that way, probably makes the experience feel more real. I think more than ever we need to celebrate multi-cultural diversity, literacy, and the arts both in the classroom and beyond. I can’t wait to meet you soon!
Additional Resources
Read what teachers, librarians, and principals are saying about the program…
“I would recommend Chris’ Author Visit highly to any schools looking for an outstanding speaker for their art and/or English department.”
-Librarian, Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, IN
“We have had many presenters over the years during my teaching career at Lauer, and I can honestly say that “Picturing the World” ranks at the very top in its appeal to students and staff as well as in educational value. Your professionalism, presentation skills, and demeanor with the students succeeded in fully capturing the entire student body…not an easy task when addressing large groups of 6th, 7th and 8th graders. The audiences were completely captivated; the day flew by very quickly, and the entire experience was…well, just magical!”
-Linda Rush, Teacher, Lauer Middle School, Easton, PA
“Chris and Yin, THANK YOU for being the BEST presenters to ever visit Washington Township district during your week with us! You were both professional and polished.”
-Media Specialist, Washington Township District in Indianapolis, IN
“One student was so mesmerized after seeing Chris’ presentation, that she ran to the telephone to have her father come to the school and meet Chris. That is what I call enthusiasm!”
-Principal, RiverDell High School in Oradell, NJ
“We had many artist-in-residence here at our school, but Chris’ “Picturing the World” school assembly was by far the BEST that I have ever seen.”
-Reading Teacher, Port Jefferson in Port Jefferson, NY
“Throughout the day teachers who had seen Chris’ presentation approached me and each one commented on how wonderful it was and that Chris could connect with the students.”
-Librarian, Springs School in East Hampton, NY
“Chris and Yin, it doesn’t get better than this. What a team! It was fabulous to work with you both. You’ve been a great inspiration to us all.”
-Media Specialist, Crofton House in Vancouver, Canada
“His manner of working with children was warm and at their level and every teacher I spoke to has told me that we must have him back again next year.”
-Principal, Miller Avenue Elementary in Shoreham, NY
“An interesting documentation of the illustrating process. Adults and children were engrossed and entertained.”
-Librarian, Sparke School in Levittown, NY
“Outstanding presentation! Related well to the students. Very prepared and met the needs and interest of our students.”
-Principal, Gayman Elementary in Danboro, PA
“Chris’ genuineness was evident in his presentation. Every student from grade 1 through grade 6 sat spellbound for his entire presentation. Superb!”
-Principal, Cayuga Elementary in Lake Grove, NY
“Great reception and reviews by entire staff! Excellent involvement of students.”
-Reading Specialist, Pearl Buck in Levittown, PA
“It is obvious to the audience that Chris enjoys what he does. His illustrations are captivating to both young and old.”
-Media Specialist, Greenvale School in Glenhead, NY
“His ability to be creative and entertaining helped my students become better thinkers, writers, problem solvers, readers and scientists through the arts.”
-Teacher, P.S. 194 in Manhattan, NY
“Chris is a rare find!”
-Librarian, Marymount School in Manhattan, NY
“The students sat quietly for more than 45 minutes and even though our library was very crowded, there wasn’t anyone who wasn’t totally intrigued by Chris.”
-Librarian, Canaan Elementary in Patchogue, NY
“Chris is flexible and very nice to work with.”
-Librarian, Fox Run Elementary in San Antonio, TX
“Everyone involved, from staff to student to administration, considered our time and money well spent for Chris’ visit to our school.”
-Librarian, Portland Public Schools, Portland, OR
“After seeing his presentation the students have become even more enthusiastic about literature and the arts. Fantastic!!”
-Teacher, International School Bangkok, THAILAND
“Chris’ Author Visit was a great success for us. It was professionally managed, skillfully presented, demonstrated much sensitivity to the interest of a wide range of elementary students and met with high degree of approval from our teachers.”
-Head Librarian, Canadian Academy in Kobe, JAPAN
“Each session presented was rich in multi-ethnic subjects with a personal touch that reached out to the audience. Thank you for an unforgettable visit.”
-Principal, P.S. 1 in Chinatown-Manhattan, NY
“It was truly a learning experience and inspiration for many of our students and teachers. I highly recommend Chris to any school or group who would like to have a stimulating event for their students.”
-Librarian, Seoul Foreign School in Seoul, KOREA
“Chris relates exceptionally well to everyone he meets. We had many visiting author and illustrators and Chris is the best by far.”
-Principal, Taipei American School in TAIWAN
“Without a single reservation I recommend Mr. Soentpiet as a guest author/illustrator in any school setting.”
-Librarian, Singapore American School, SINGAPORE
“Not only is Chris a talented author and illustrator, his friendly, charming and warm personality definitely caused the children to like him and relate to him. I consider his books to be of high quality as well as being popular with the students. We look forward to his new titles and would be glad to have him visit our school again!”
-Upper Primary Librarian, Hong Kong International School, HONG KONG
“The children were enthralled with his presentation and his techniques. It motivated them to write and illustrate their own stories.”
-Teacher, American Community School in Amman, JORDAN
“Chris’ presentation enlightened the students to how illustrations are done. His performance was extremely entertaining and the students and staff were enthusiastic.”
-Principal, Sylvan Elementary in Bayport, NY
“Mr. Soentpiet’s presentation was a delightful surprise. He was well organized and had a warm and friendly way of relating to the students. The presentation was totally professional, and was developed using visuals in a way that made it very clear and truly come alive for all of the students. I would recommend him very highly.”
-Principal, Clayton Huey Elementary in Center Moriches, NY
“He touched everyone in a memorable and lasting way. His extraordinary ability to integrate content and writing in a personal, yet professional manner is unparalleled. We were all saddened to have Chris leave us. He enriched the lives of our students and staff. Everyone (staff) agreed that Chris is the best presenter ever at our school.”
-Principal, St. James Elementary in St. James, NY
