Brothers Mark and Jack Graber, the unique author and illustrator team, would like to bring the joy of creating picture books into your classroom. Ideal for grades K-3, their popular school program is best suited for one grade level per visit and usually takes the entire day depending on the number of children and classes.
For availability, pricing and other information, please email us at mgraber@journeytimebooks.com
Getting Acquainted
Mark and Jack begin in a central location where they introduce themselves to the entire group. They describe to the children a little bit about their lives growing up, and how a certain childhood adventure inspired their book, “The Legend of Moon County.”
Showing their previously published books, “A Raindrop’s Journey,” “Air There and Everywhere” and “The Big Green Meadow” along with some of the original illustrations, such themes as the creative process, finding inspiration and using your imagination are discussed… and just how do these paintings actually become the printed pages of a book?
Using a large pad and easel, Jack spends a few minutes demonstrating some simple drawing techniques that he used to change The Raindrop’s expressions to convey a variety of emotions. Finally, Jack takes a few suggestions from the children and draws a quick sketch of an animal, which he autographs and gives to the children to hang in their classroom.
In The Classroom
Mark and Jack then come into each classroom to read “The Legend of Moon County.” They bring an exciting new approach with them. As Mark reads the story, the illustrations are projected on a screen, enabling all the children to easily follow along as well as hear the hooting owl, the chirping crickets and even the mysterious giant!
Mark stops at a climatic scene in the story, as Moon Owl describes the Giant to the young animals. At this point, Mark invites everyone to draw the Giant as they imagine it, listening carefully to the descriptions. Then the children write a few sentences describing how they think the animals in the story will react when they finally see the Giant. When finished, Mark continues the story and the children see how Jack imagined and drew the Giant.
After the story (and a fun Q & A period that’s sure to follow,) Jack teaches the children, step-by-step, to draw a train in perspective.
Fun & Inspiring
By exploring the process of creating a book, from the first inspirational idea and the rough pencil sketches to the completed, beautifully printed hardcover book, the brothers involve the children in hands-on writing and drawing activities, sparking their imaginations while instilling confidence in their creative skills. They would also like the children to learn the importance of setting goals and experience the satisfaction of achieving them.
For Mark and Jack, the fun is seeing these bright, young faces as they delight in their new achievements.
What Teachers (and the kids) Are Saying
"We wanted to let you know that we had rave reviews about your visit. Everyone enjoyed it immensely. We'll be looking for your new books, as well as anxiously awaiting your next visit."
-- Anne Champagne, second grade teacher, Rensselaer Park Elem., Troy, N.Y.
"Our second grade students have been writing and drawing nonstop since you visited our classroom. You've unleashed the story within each one of them...we can't wait to have you back next year!"
-- Mary Danahy, teacher, Turnpike Elem., Lansingburgh, N.Y.
"My first graders were engaged from the minute the Grabers began sharing their experiences on how they work together to create their beautiful books. I will soon need to replace my copy of The Legend of Moon County because the pages have begun to fall out, it has been read that many times!"
-- Kerry Tymeson, teacher, Lynnwood Elem., Guilderland, NY
"My favorite part was when we drew the train together. It was very, very, very, very, fun."
-- Naomi, second grader
"When I grow up I want to be a writer and a drawer. Did you know I make my own books but they all are about monkeys."
-- Lindsey, second grader
"The Legend of Moon County is going to be the best book ever. My favorite is Chipmonk. He is cool and small."
-- Wade, second grader
"My mom was so happy that you taught us how to draw a train."
-- Stephanie, second grader
"I liked when you made the turtle. But the coolest thing was the train. That was probably the best train I drew. Actually I think that was the only old fashioned train I ever seen."
-- Dalton, second grader
For availability, pricing and other information, please email us at mgraber@journeytimebooks.com
We are listed in the BOCES Arts and Enrichment Directory http://artsineddirectory.org