My basic programs are 1-1 ½ hours long, depending on the size and age of the group. (Story hour with very young children is closer to half an hour!)  My speaking style is interactive and conversational. I share a lot of information and I like to keep things fun and focused. I use overhead images, props, and handouts with most sessions.

Any of my programs can be tailored to fit your group’s needs and interests. I’m always willing to consider new topics that aren’t listed below or in my  brochure. I also do picture book writer’s workshops for all ages on topics such as revision, plot, and form.

I have general fee guidelines to assist planning. Once I know your group’s needs and goals, I can provide a more accurate quote. A brief evening session with parents, for example, will cost less if I’m doing school visits in the afternoon. I can give quotes for writers’ workshop once I know some parameters: skill level of participants, intensity of program, group size, etc.

I understand that cost is an issue for many programs. Consider finding another school or program in your area that would like to schedule a visit at the same time to save on travel expenses, or try to book me in association with another speaking event. Book sales are another way to cover the costs of an author visit. Schools obtain discounted books from the publisher or a distributor, pre-sell them, and retain all profits. (Some schools use author visits as fundraisers.) I do entertain reasonable offers for schools that can document need and may have other suggestions for ways to make a visit affordable for your group or institution.
 
If you have further questions, or if you’re interested in booking an author visit for your group, please e-mail me for more information.

"Hope has great insights on what appeals to kids. The students were enthralled when she shared her books with them."      --Mary Mehringer, multiage teacher (1st,2nd,& 3rd grades)

"Hope Vestergaard sparked the creative interest of my students. She presented lessons that were child friendly and effective.  Hope was an inspiration to me and my students and a delight to have in our classroom. She is a true professional."      --Lisa Suomala, 3rd grade teacher

"As a teacher, Hope had the ability to charm a group of active children with seemingly little effort. Hope understands children and engages them with warmth, humor and fun. Hope is also my first choice of speaker for parent seminars and teacher trainings. Her presentation and demeanor is always professional. The material Hope presents is developmentally appropriate for the age of children she is discussing, and she is skilled at adjusting the scope and level of material to the group she is addressing. Hope researches her topics thoroughly and has an extensive personal knowledge of early childhood education.       --Gretchen Preston, President and Owner, Gretchen's House, Inc. Child Development Centers

BOOK SALES: For printable information on ordering Hope's books for school and library events, please click here.

Program Descriptions

For bookstores, libraries, and small group events with young children:

Come Read With Me: Story hour for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and parents. Children bring their own dolls or lovies to cuddle as we read, sing, and move together!

For large and small groups of all ages:

Meet an Author--Show and Tell! Hope shares her writing, from grade school to the present. Includes sneak peeks at upcoming books and a question-and-answer session.

The Write Stuff: Learn the truth about what it takes to be a published author--the good, the bad, and the utterly ridiculous!

From Brainstorm to Book: Hope shares exercises for budding authors to strengthen their writing muscles.

Finding Your Voice: Hope describes concrete ways aspiring authors can find their own unique voices.

For educators and parents:

Read to Your Babies: A discussion of the importance of reading, including brief statistics about literacy and strategies to nurture a life-long love for literature.

Revving up Writers: Working on the mechanical aspects of reading and writing sometimes causes children to lose touch with their creative sides. Hope will share fuel- for-thought exercises to get reluctant writers’ pencils racing across the page!

Get More Bang for Your Book! Hope describes creative strategies to incorporate books into all aspects of curriculum using webbing, long-term projects, and cross-discipline teaching. 

Picture Books 101: Publishing Peaks and Pitfalls. An intensive program perfect for anyone who’s ever thought, "This idea might make a good book!" Hope will cover the whos, whats, wheres, whens and whaaaas! of getting a manuscript published.

Tips for Author Visits

The more preparation your school or organization does for a visit, the more valuable it will be for your students or members. Author and Media Specialist Toni Buzzeo's website has lots of suggestions to make your author visit a huge success.