We’ve been keynote speakers and mainstage presenters at college convocations and international conferences. We’ve visited hundreds of schools and colleges.
We love to tell our story and share our experience, whether giving assemblies, running workshops, delivering talks, or doing short-term residencies.
or continue reading for options and pricing
SCHOOL VISITS
Our day-long elementary school visits include two assemblies and a small group session (or two). Supported by illustrated slides, our presentations are lively, funny, inspiring, informative exchanges between an author and illustrator. Each runs 40 or so minutes, followed by Q&A.
In addition to helping arrange pre-orders of signed books, we send a customized video you can use to introduce us to your students, teachers, and families in advance of our visit.
Assembly Options
Pick two for a day-long school visit
Finding the Wonder (and Telling Your Story)
pre-K-2
Using our picture book Everywhere, Wonder as a guide, we talk about the importance of noticing and appreciating the world’s large and small wonders—and using observations and experiences to tell and share stories.
Life and Creativity on the Alaskan Tundra
pre-K-2
We share our picture book Sunrise Summer, talk about our family’s annual summer fishing adventures in Bristol Bay, Alaska—and the process of making a book about the experience.
The Secrets of Collaboration
grades 3-6
Using middle grade mystery series The Real McCoys as a foundation, we explore the principles of collaboration, the process of making and publishing a book, and the fun and possibilities to be had in joining forces with others.
The Power and Perplexity of Language
grades 3-6
We use our middle grade series Cookie Chronicles as a platform for talking about the fun and possibility of figurative language—from metaphors and similes to hyperbole and aphorism.
Small Group Sessions
Included in day-long school visit;
Any grade level
We’re happy to meet with groups of 8-10 students interested in writing and/or art to share stories and answer questions over lunch—or bring us to a fifth-grade classroom to talk about creative careers. The exact configuration is up to you.
School Visit Fees
Our standard fee for a full-day, in-person visit is $2,500 plus travel and lodging. We also enjoy 2- and 3-day residencies consisting of a day of assemblies followed by a day or two of workshops. We also offer virtual visiting options.
We’re happy to work with Title One schools to provide programming that creates eligibility for Parent and Family Engagement Funds.
WORKSHOPS
We’ve led workshops for second graders, graduate students, professional illustrators, and pretty much everyone in between. The formats vary, but core themes are always the same: harnessing the creative impulse in the name of observation, discovery, laughter, and storytelling.
Microflash Picture Books
grade 3 and up (reliably fun for adults, too)
Participants work in groups to jointly author and illustrate off-the-wall books while playing a game of “visual telephone,” followed by discussion of creative principles and visual tropes.
$4 per student materials fee
My Book of Wonder
grade 2 and up
Following discussion of the power and importance of noticing, recording, and sharing their experiences, participants bind and create illustrated journals of their experiences and observations.
$1 per student materials fee
Jim, Joe, Larry, and Super Bob
grade 4 and up
Following a presentation on simple binding techniques, participants write and illustrate Mad Libs–style “mix and match” books in which four illustrated panels recombine in 108 different ways.
$4 per student materials fee
Write and Illustrate a Book
grade 4 and up
Participants learn simple binding techniques, work together to crowd-source an illustrated book, and then work independently to create their own books.
no materials fee
Workshop Fees
We lead up to four workshops as part of a day-long school visit ($2,500 plus travel and lodging).
We’re happy to work with Title One schools to provide programming that creates eligibility for Parent and Family Engagement Funds.
VIRTUAL VISITS
Any of our assemblies and a few of our workshops are available virtually—whether we’re presenting to individual students, to classrooms, or to a larger group. We have a professional home studio setup and hundreds of hours of experience in front of the camera. Having two of us helps keep virtual presentations lively, engaging, and interactive.
Virtual Visit Fees
Costs vary based on the number and type of programs included in the “visit.” Inquire to discuss options and request a quote.
TALKS
Give us two mics and we’ll tell you what we’ve learned across 18 years of running two small presses, publishing 80+ books, and working with four of the country’s most prominent publishing houses. Part information, part inspiration, part comedy show, we’re consistently capable of inspiring college students, energizing a workplace, or creating conference buzz.
The Accidental Entrepreneurs
high school, college, and beyond
How does a children’s book get made? Are there times when the best business plan is to forget the bottom line? Can questionable decisions made with best intentions yield positive results? Is it possible to be rejected by more graduate schools than you apply to? Can reckless childhood dreams become reality? And can Spider-Man help? In this densely illustrated, lighthearted, and candid presentation, we talk about our unlikely journey from homely adolescents to communications professionals to indie publishers to emerging voices in the kid lit world.
Topic of Your Choice
all ages
We’re also happy to create a customized talk on a given theme or topic. Points of interest an expertise include: creative entrepreneurship, collaboration, self-publishing, creative process, building a creative life, working with one’s spouse, and balancing creativity and parenting.
Speaking Fees
Fees determined by context, plus travel and lodging. Let us know what you’re thinking and we’ll send you a quote.
SHORT-TERM RESIDENCIES
Bring us to your school, campus, library, or company for 2-3 days of presentations, workshops, classroom visits, small group sessions, and critiques. We’ll work with you to build a slate of programming that works best for your students, colleagues, employees, or community.
Residency Fees
$2,000 per day, plus travel and lodging.
Testimonials
“Simply put, one of the best author/illustrator presentations in YEARS. I loved it, the kids loved it. It was personable and relatable, timed out well and piqued the interest of the audience. I welcome them to be our visiting authors for the next few years even, to build a rapport with our community.”
—Theresa Booz
Second Grade Teacher,
New Eagle Elementary
“One of the unforeseen joys of hosting Robbi and Matthew, illustrator and author, wife and husband is watching them work together and their openness about their creative and family lives.”
—Sue Dahlstrom
Librarian,
Wayne Elementary
“We were mesmerized by Robbi’s and Matthew’s energy and inspired by their ingenuity. My students left the presentation believing that they too, could become authors and illustrators. I truly saw a boost in class morale, as well as students’ self-esteem and positive mindset as a result of Robbi and Matthew’s visit. We could not be more thankful!”
—Haley Smith
Second Grade Teacher,
H.H. Garnet Elementary
“For a presentation so entertaining that the kids don’t even realize that they are learning, I strongly recommend Robbi & Matthew!”
—”Mr. Steve” Fowler
Youth Services Librarian,
Bellingham Public Library
“Frankly, I’m star-struck. It all started when Robbi and Matthew gave a workshop for my program a few years back. They were engaging and funny. The students loved them! I think I love them, too!”
—Whitney Sherman
Illustrator & Director,
MFA in Illustration Practice,
Maryland Institute College of Art
References available upon request.