I’m ‘stealing’ all of this fabulous information from the fabulous author, Kim Norman. Thanks, Kim!
Plan art shows based on the book cover. Have a book sale. Hold contests (posters, essays, classroom door artwork, bulletin boards) with prizes like “Lunch with the Author.”
Have a school-wide art contest based on the author’s books. Perhaps the winner’s artwork could even be printed on t-shirts worn by staff on the day of the visit. Display all the art throughout the school in advance of the visit. Ideas for uses of the art would be posters, bookmarks, drawings, cutouts and crafts themed around the subject of the author’s books.
Choose a theme based on the author’s books. You could even hold a slogan contest. Perhaps the winner could receive a free book.
Send a press release about the event to your local newspaper and TV stations. You never know when they’ll decide to send out a reporter who will do an enthusiastic story featuring your wonderful school! (Even daily newspapers print event sections far in advance, so they’ll likely want the press release at least 2 weeks in advance of your event.)
Hold a book sale! Many authors have an already-composed book order form you can print up and send home with the students. Allow plenty of lead-time for this. It’s best if book orders are placed with the publisher (or your local bookstore) at least 2 weeks before the event. This means order forms should be sent home 3 to 4 weeks in advance of the visit.
Kim says, “A little preparation will make all the difference.” She should know because she’s spoken to around 50,000 students! Maybe you’d like to consider inviting Kim to visit your school. FUN!