There are many things about being a children's book illustrator that I enjoy. One of those things is doing the art for children's books. I also enjoy visiting schools and getting to meet the children and teachers that are familiar with my books. In my school visits, I do a presentation called, "How I Illustrate a Children's Book." I begin by introducing several of the book that I have illustrated. I will then show the class a manuscript with changes made by the editor. Then I'll read a portion of the story. I'll asks the children to listen carefully and to try to visualize what I read to them. . Then I'll show the class what I visualized from the story by doing a quick (thumbnail) sketch, roughly indicating where the type is going to be within the picture. I'll show a pencil version of the book with the type included, which is the dummy book. I will then show a photo copy of the finished drawing which is much more detailed than the thumbnail sketch and is the actual drawing in which I paint with watercolor. I may ask a teacher to assist me by reading the featured book out loud while I show them the original art work from the book. At times I'll pause and explaining other things involved in a particular illustration. The children will get to compare the original art to the finished book. A Q and A session will follow. If time permits I will do a quick drawing. Sometimes I'll bring a book in progress to show the class. For larger groups I incorporate a brief powerpoint or slide presentation. By the end of the presentation, the children and adults/teachers will have a basic understanding of how I approach the challenge of illustrating a children's book from the manuscript to the thumbnail sketches to the dummy book and then the final product. Book Sales I don't require that a school have a book sale during my visit, but do encourage it. Hosting a book signing on the day of an author/illustrator visit reinforces the message that books are important, and leaves a child with a lasting memory of the day. For book ordering contact information please call or e-mail me. Suggested School Visit Curriculum Grades K-3 * Reading the story *basic "How I Illustrate a Book" *Q and A session *Book signing (Books must be pre-ordered) Grades 3-6 * Reading the story *In depth "How I Illustrate a Book" *Q and A session *Book signing (Books must be pre-ordered) Multi-day Workshops * Reading the story *In depth "How I Illustrate a Book" *Q and A session *Next day: Children have a story written *Work with them on dividing text and doing thumbnail sketches *Children do artwork in class and at home *Text typed to fit book ready for class *Putting book together If you're interested in having Robert Casilla visit your school, contact him by phone or e-mail for honorarium and other information. E-mail Address: robert@robertcasilla.com Phone: (203) 312-0635