Author & Illustrator Visits for Schools

Meeting the person behind a book changes how students see reading and creating. When an author tells the true story behind the pages, or an illustrator draws alongside the whole gym, kids start to believe they can write and draw their own stories too. Our author and illustrator visits bring that experience to your school, booked through Academic Entertainment with one point of contact from start to finish.

Featured authors and illustrators

Dion Leonard: Finding Gobi

Finding Gobi is the true story of a little dog who joined ultrarunner Dion Leonard during a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert, then went missing. Dion is a New York Times bestselling author and three-time children's book award winner, and he even brings the real Gobi along. It is a natural fit for reading units and themes like perseverance and kindness to animals, for Pre-K–12.

Mark Kistler: Dare to Draw and Draw Artemis!

Emmy Award–winning illustrator, author and PBS television host Mark Kistler gets every student drawing. In Dare to Draw, students in K–12 follow along with pencil and paper as Mark builds their confidence step by step. His Draw Artemis! program connects drawing with NASA's mission to the Moon. California schools can see how Dare to Draw fits Prop 28 arts funding.

Joe Wos: Once Upon a Toon

In Once Upon a Toon, Multi-Emmy Award–winning cartoonist Joe Wos draws stories live as he tells them, so students watch a picture book take shape in real time. His work has appeared in newspapers, books and on television, and the program works for every grade from Pre-K through 12.

Richard Hight: Art of Inspiration

Speed painter Richard Hight creates large paintings in minutes, set to music, while sharing a message about character and possibility. His work has been published in books and magazines, and he is also available for teacher in-service and family nights.

How to get the most from an author visit

• Read ahead. Share the author's book or artwork in classrooms a week or two before the visit so students arrive excited and ready with questions.
• Tie it to a writing or art unit. Have students create their own stories, comics or drawings afterward while the inspiration is fresh.
• Plan for books or prints. Ask us about book or print sales so families can bring a piece of the visit home.
• Make it a family event. An evening session lets parents share the experience with their kids.
• Pair it with a reading celebration. Author visits are a great centerpiece for a reading month or literacy night.

Also in this collection

Alongside our authors and illustrators, this collection includes speakers whose personal stories carry the same power, such as Finding Your Purpose with Samuel Picou and Nick Scott. Tell us your grades and goals and we will help you choose.

All Author Visit Assemblies

Dare To DrawK–12, K–6, K–8#1 In-Person Visual Arts K-12 assembly is now scheduling dates! Voted “Best Assembly Ever!” At thousands of schools! Mark Kistler launches your…Once Upon a Toon w/Joe WosK–12, K–6, K–8, Pre-KOnce upon a Toon is a unique blend of Storytelling and live Cartoon Illustration blending original stories and live cartoon illustration by…Diversity CircusK–6, Pre-KCircus-themed, elementary character education school assembly teaching we are all different and we are all the same! In-Person or Virtual/Online for Schools…Nick Scott – Motivational SpeakerK–12, K–6, K–8, Pre-K, StaffNick Scott inspires students with his journey, emphasizing the importance of starting right. His programs cultivate leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills, empowering…Art of Inspiration with Richard HightK–12, K–6, K–8, Pre-K, StaffDiscover Your Originality and Celebrate Your Differences with The Art of Inspiration. Get ready to be captivated by a masterful storyteller who…Finding Your Purpose3–12, K–12, K–6, K–8, Pre-KAnti-Bullying School Assembly - Your difference is the vehicle to your destiny; there is purpose in the pain, accomplish your dreams! In-Person or…Draw Artemis!K–12, K–6, K–8Draw NASA's Artemis! Students come equipped with paper, pencil, and a clip board - Mark Kistler expertly guides them through an extraordinary…Finding Gobi by Dion LeonardK–12, K–6, K–8, Pre-KDion & his dog Gobi will entertain, educate & inspire your students with their heartwarming true story. Finding Gobi, a little dog…

Related resources

• Reading Assembly Programs: Guide to Engaging School Events
• Why Art Still Matters in Schools
• Ways to fund your school assembly

Looking for more? Browse all school shows, or see our reading, writing & math assemblies and music & arts assemblies.