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School and Library Speaking

I love to speak to students or to children and adults about my books, the process of writing, and the journey of the story from idea to book (see a list of popular workshops below)..  I am available for school and public library visits across the country. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

“I have gotten so many comments from our teachers appreciative of your visit, the clear message you sent to kids that writing is hard work and that real authors revise so many times, and your ability to engage kids at so many different levels!  You made a real impression on both the kids and the teachers. A fifth grade teacher told me that Village School was so lucky to have two strong connections with such a great author who was willing to share all sides of what it meant to be a writer.” ~ Eunice Bentley, Literacy Specialist, Village School, Gorham, Maine

"From a librarian’s perspective, it was wonderful to see the children make the connection from a life lived, to a story written, then all the way to the finished product in book form—all standing right before them!  We are truly grateful for the 'piece of magic that came to life' in our library this past September." ~ Rosanna Webb, LMS, Lindsay ISD, Lindsay, Texas

"Hard to believe that it was just two weeks ago that you were here, that we've had a vaction in between, and that the children are still excited and talking about you as if it were just moments ago that you were with them.  If you had only half the influence on every school you visited that you had on my class alone, you would be a total success.  Your genuine love for chidren and your dedication to your writing are special talents." ~ Barb Richter, Second Grade Teacher, Carder Elementary School, Corning, New York

"We consider your visit to have been the most powerful and far-reaching of any author visit we've had.  We look forward to continued collaboration, especially with our blossoming young authors in the Buzzeo Writing Club." ~ Dorothy Daves, LMS, Glenridge School, Clayton, Missouri

"We had a wonderful time during your visit at Hall School.   The children love your books, as do I!   Most importantly, all of them are more excited now about writing than ever.  Thank you so much for sharing your love of words and writing with us." ~ Andi Bagley, Grade 3 Teacher, Hall School, Portland, Maine

"Your energy and enthusiam are unbelievable.  You are a terrific person, and you really lit up our school for one beautiful day." ~ Megan Moelbert, LMS, Boston Valley School, Hamburg, New York

"Toni's presentations are energetic, dynamic, informative and inspiring. After reading The Sea Chest, our students couldn’t wait to meet her. Toni encouraged students to hold fast to their dreams; this inspiration from someone who has done just that will remain with the children long after her visit." ~ Laurie Dunlap, LMS, Frank Jewett School, Buxton, Maine

"Thank you for your thoughtful and age appropriate presentation to the children.  From your fingerplays and poems to your wonderful clothes and dramatic readings, the children were delighted from start to finish.  And so was I!" ~ Jan Newitt, Kindergarten Teacher, Knowlton School, Ellsworth, Maine

"Toni Buzzeo plans her presentations and materials with attention to every detail. Her careful preparation results in an exciting and enlightening presentation and superior and comprehensive materials.  She inspires students and staff with her enthusiasm and work ethic, showing that excellence is attainable for all.  Her passion for teaching and learning is truly inspirational." ~ Kris Zuidema, LMS, George E. Jack School, Standish, Maine

"Toni's presentation to my class had the children spellbound.  She was an exciting and enthusiastic speaker.  She is personal, humorous, and commanding.   The children learned of Toni's journey as she planned, wrote, rewrote, and rewrote her wonderful book.  They all want to be authors when they grow up and they know they can be." ~ Jane Grohs, Fourth Grade Teacher, Rockport Elementary School, Rockport, Maine

                

POPULAR WORKSHOPS

THE AUTHOR’S PATH

Using photographs and stories, Toni shares her journey from shy child to published author and all stops in between. Grades 1-6. (45 minutes to 1 hour)

THE AUTHOR’S CAREER

Ever wonder about the practical aspects of being an author? What’s an author’s life like? How much do they get paid? What about rejection and revision? Delivered with a strong dose of humor! Perfect for middle school audiences! (1 hour)

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

In the spirit of historical and natural inquiry--using illustrations, text, and research--we explore the challenges behind The Sea Chest and Little Loon and Papa and learn the importance of research for both authors and illustrators. Grades 2-6. (45 minutes to 1 hour).

CREATING MRS. SKORUPSKI’S WORLD

Learn how life experience and an anecdote shared became a successful series of children’s books about a wild and savvy librarian named Mrs. Skorupski.  Where did the characters come from?  How does the school and library setting inform the stories?  And most important of all, how have the plots evolved? Grades 2-6. (1 hour)

PUPPET AND FLANNEL BOARD PLAY
The youngest audiences meet Dawdle Duckling and Little Loon and Papa through songs, fingerplays, puppets, and flannel board stories. Preschool-Kindergarten. (30 minutes). 

SHOW, DON’T TELL, WRITING WORKSHOP

Let action and dialogue reveal character motivation and advance plot. Most skilled writers reveal emotion, character traits, and even setting without telling. Learn how they show us instead! One to four classes at a time. Grades 3-8. (1 hour)

VIRTUAL CHATS

Using AOL Instant Messenger software, chat for an hour with Toni about her writing and her books.  An economical way to connect!  See a sample visit at Manzanita School Library.  (Children, Grades 2-8, and Adults)

WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS

I am happy to add workshops for librarians or teachers to my visit. (See Schedules and Fees for cost and Professional Speaking for selected workshops.  Feel free to suggest others.)