1. An attentive and well-prepared audience

Students should be familiar with many of my books and will have done some sort of art project before my visit.

2. A really DARK room!

This is essential for showing images and keeping the group's attention.

3. A nice big screen

The bigger the better, even if it is a white wall.

4. A rolling projector cart

5. A long extension cord

I prefer the cord to the side or back, not under my feet as I present.

6. A great big easel and drawing pad

I will leave the signed drawings for your school, so the bigger and better the paper, the better souvenier you'll have.

7. A table (approx 3'x5') at the front of the room

8. one or two small bottles of water
.
I bring my own microphone/sound system, projector
and special drawing crayons

I am lucky to have quite a bit of artwork saved from my childhood. I have proof that I was once an average kid artist-nothing special-like many of them. My slide show emphasizes the importance of practice to become better at anything and tries to be both reassuring and inspiring by showing that the animals and people I drew crudely then are still the same things I love drawing now.

My family and friends are integral to my work and I conclude my slides by showing the varied, amusing and sometimes surprising ways I include those close to me in my book illustrations.

Finally, I involve your students in a participatory drawing exercise. Based on their ideas for characters and setting, I illustrate a story that extends over several pages. I teach basic rules and tricks of illustration such as forward momentum, characterization,and point of view. I try to end with a literal 'cliff hanger' and the words "What Happens Next?" They are encouraged to continue the story.

I try to leave time for a brief Q&A session.

x In addition to speaking I will autograph any books sold by your school and enjoy having lunch with the faculty.

I will send you a personalized bookmark in advance of my visit and I would appreciate it if each student could recieve one. I do not want to be asked to sign scraps of paper on the day I am visiting.

Ashley reads aloud to a classroom of kindergartners at St Mark's School in Marin County, CA

Drawing for an assembly of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in Visalia,CA

Upcoming Appearances

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