The success of Chris Soentpiet’s author visit depends on how well the students are prepared. If the students are familiar with his books they are excited and it invites student participation during his presentation.

Remember, planning and enthusiasm is the key to a successful visit.

It is never too early to prepare.

Allow yourself time to prepare for his visit by starting as soon as possible. Encourage everyone to visit Chris’ website at www.chrissoentpiet.com to get acquainted with him and his books.

Start by teaching your students how to pronounce SOON-peet, Chris’ last name.

LIBRARY COPIES:

  • Once a date has been set for Chris to visit your school, you should get a set of his books for your library immediately. Teachers will need his books to introduce them to the students.
  • Order the books through any book supplier or e-mail us and we’ll make arrangements to send them to you in advance.

PUBLICITY:

  • Set-up Chris’ books in the library for all to see.
  • Make a big bulletin board display to increase the excitement of his visit. A promotional photograph can be emailed if you cannot download his picture from this website. Use local media and school newsletters to advertise the event in advance.
  • Enlist parents, volunteers and community members in the visit. If PTO money is involved, an article lets them know how their money is being used. It promotes family participation and interest in the program.
  • A note to your local public library of Chris’ appearance will allow them time to have his books ready for checkout.

PROJECTS:

Chris’ books offer many opportunities to study historical and multi-cultural topics. Use his books as a springboard to planning classroom projects.

  • Talk about immigration using Coolies and Brothers.
  • Celebrate Lunar New Year by reading The Last Dragon.
  • Celebrate Black History Month by reading Something Beautiful, My Brother Martin, More Than Anything Else and Momma, Where Are You From.
  • Make paper (origami) cranes and learn about Japanese culture by reading So Far From the Sea.
  • Topics such as adoption or sibling rivalry can be introduced with Jin Woo.
  • The Korean war and culture can be explored with Peacebound Trains. Get the entire school involved – teachers, media specialists, administrators and parents should all have a chance to contribute ideas.
  • Visit the Lesson Plan pages on this website for more project ideas and reading resources.

PRE-ORDERS & BOOK SALES FOR STUDENTS:

As one student in South Carolina commented

“Well, it’s not every day you get the chance to have an illustrator sign his book for you.”

An author appearance makes books come alive. It shows your students that authors and illustrators are real people and is a proven way to motivate kids of all ages to read. Please give your students a special experience of owning an autographed book by having books on hand for them to purchase.

We respect that some schools have a policy of not offering books to the students for sale. In such cases we would appreciate it if the books could at least be made available to teachers. Chris usually autographs books between presentations. To order the books, plan at least four months in advance to make sure all titles will be available. Enlist members of your PTO to help. Here are several book ordering options:

  • OPTION #1: Many independent bookstores are experienced with author/illustrator appearances and supporting their shop helps support the local economy. The bookstore will take care of ordering, shipping and returns. Bookstores need plenty of time to process your order, so contact them well in advance of the author/illustrator visit.
  • OPTION #2: Chris can purchase the books for you. Have your students complete this order form and bring it back to you with payment. Tally the number of books and ask the school to give Chris the order about six to eight weeks before the date of his appearance. Either Chris will bring the pre-ordered books with him on the day of visit or he will ship them to you in advance.
  • OPTION #3: Ordering directly from the publishers will give you the lowest prices. This option can help your school generate funds for the next author visit, or if fundraising is not your concern, you can pass on the savings to your students. Below are the telephone numbers, title and ISBN numbers of the books. When calling the publishers, make sure to ask for the author appearance discount:

Scholastic School Division Service (800) 724-6527 (press option #3 for the Catalog department)

More Than Anything Else ISBN#0531-094642
Silver Packages ISBN #0-531-30051-X
Momma, Where Are You From? ISBN # 0-531-30105-2
America the Beautiful ISBN # 978-0-545-49207-2

Book of Art Distributor (866) 800-8893

Around Town ISBN# 0-688-04572-3

Simon & Schuster (800) 976-1726

My Brother Martin ISBN# 0-689-84387-9
My Brother Martin paperback ISBN# 0-689-84388-7

Bantam Doubleday Dell (800) 726-0600

Something Beautiful ISBN# 0-385-32239-9
Something Beautiful paperback ISBN# 0-440-41210-2

Houghton Mifflin (800) 225-3362

Molly Bannaky paperback ISBN# 978-0547-076768
So far from the Sea paperback ISBN # 0547-23752-9
Peacebound Trains paperback ISBN # 0618-040-307
The Last Dragon paperback ISBN # 0395-845173

Philomel Penguin Books (800) 526-0275

Coolies ISBN# 0-399-232-273
Coolies paperback ISBN # 014250 0550
Dear Santa, Please Come to the 19th Floor paperback ISBN#978-0-14-241931-1
Where is Grandpa? paperback ISBN# 0698119045
Brothers ISBN # 0-399-23406-3

Peachtree Publishers (800) 241-0113

Saturdays & Teacakes ISBN #056 145-303X

Sleeping Bear Press (866) 918-3956

Happy Birthday to You ISBN #13: 9781585361694

Lee & Low Books 1-888-320-3190 x 28

Amazing Faces ISBN # 978-1-60060-334-1
Amazing Places ISBN # 978-1-60060-653-3

There are always some parents and teachers who want to buy books the same day of the presentation.

Generally, it’s good to order about 20% more books than you think you will need.

SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR:

If you are having a Scholastic Bookfair, some of Chris’ books may be available.

Here are some telephone numbers to call:
Tri-state: (800) 272-2665
New England Region: (800) 526-3343

Ask your Scholastic Bookfair representative if they can get the following titles:

More Than Anything Else / Silver Packages / Momma, Where Are You From / My Brother Martin / Saturdays & Teacakes / Something Beautiful / Molly Bannaky / So far from the Sea / Peacebound Trains / The Last Dragon / Jin Woo / Coolies / Dear Santa, Please Come to the 19th Floor / Where is Grandpa? / Brothers

SIDE NOTE:

During an author visit, Chris does not require that the sponsoring school sell his books. But they should have access to his books at the school library, so the school can capitalize on the value of the day long after the visit is over.

SCHEDULE:

Presentation length is approximately 45 minutes. The size of the audience does not matter although the size of the room should be taken into consideration. You can also add an extra presentation to the schedule, however, please let us know in advance. Grade levels can be grouped to conform to number of presentations requested.

We will need a copy of the schedule in advance. Having the schedule early will allow Chris time to set-up his slides for the appropriate grade levels. The schedule should include the time of each presentation, the grade level of each presentation, the expected number of people, type of audience (i.e. teachers, principals, students-grade, parents) and location (i.e. gymnasium, library, multi-purpose room, auditorium). Since there are visuals and equipment to move, it is helpful if all presentations are located in one designated area instead of moving from room to room.

If possible, Chris prefers back-to-back presentations. Chris loves participating in the ‘traditional’ teacher’s lunch, however, if there is no such luncheon planned, he doesn’t mind fending for himself.

THE BIG DAY:

Have the media specialist, teacher or principal introduce Chris in a fun and lively way. Since Chris will be showing slides, the presentation room MUST BE DARK. If the presentation room has windows, ask your custodian to cover them. For the presentations, please supply:

  • LCD projector which supports Microsoft Powerpoint
  • Microphone
  • Three long tables for your library’s set of Chris’ books
  • A large blank drawing or sketch pad (25″ x 30″) on an easel
  • A projection screen or blank white wall
  • Photographs are encouraged and permitted.
  • However, audio- or videotaping is strictly prohibited.

HONORARIUM / FEES:

Schools and libraries can use a variety of sources to sponsor author visits. Including BOCES, Title I, district, PTA/ PTO, grants from local organizations or sponsorship from business groups and funds from the sale of Chris’ books.

Your fee will be negotiated ahead of time based on the number of presentations and activities requested. If you wish to add an extra presentation to the day, let us know in advance. Please submit and process all paperwork in advance so that a check can be delivered to Chris on the day of the visit.

PLEASE NOTE:

We ask that you do not put Chris in a position to go from classroom to classroom to answer questions. Keep in mind that each time he is placed in front of a group and asked to speak he will be repeating information which is needed to give an enthusiastic presentation on stage. So please try to be reasonable about such requests. If you would like to add an extra presentation or a workshop, let us know in advance so we can properly prepare for your needs and adjust fees accordingly.

DONATION:

We would be delighted to donate signed art prints for your next PTO fundraiser. Please contact Chris’ school visit coordinator and a donation will be made on the day of the visit.

After the visit, students can follow up with thank-you letters, story-writing and discussions on related books/topics. They should be encouraged to look for more of his books in the public library and to look for his latest works. This is the best way to get the most out of an author/illustrator visit. You’ll be surprised at how memorable the experience can be for your class, school or organization.

Chris Live!

For Author Visit rates and availability, please fill out the APPEARANCE REQUEST FORM or e-mail Chris at: visitmyschool@soentpiet.com

Chris is available for real-time chat rooms, virtual Author Visits (using SKYPE) or video conferencing with your class or library group.

Appearance Request