My illustrator, Gabriel Lehman, comes with me to all school visits. (He also happens to be my husband, so we carpool.)

About a week before our visit, we deliver coloring pages featuring the painting from “Splat”.

Gabriel created a 5’ wooden character with which the children can have their photo taken (and printed on our portable printer for them to take home).

Before reading the story, we pass out color tiles. When the child’s color is mentioned in the book, they get to jump up and go crazy!

We might all get a little excited.

After the story, we turn our attention to Gabriel, and he shows us how he creates the “Splat” character.

Fun fact: Gabriel was 7 when he created this character.

Fun-er fact: I was in kindergarten when I wrote my first rhyming story (also known as a poem). This fact may not be more fun, but it’s my website, so…let’s say it is.

When he’s finished, the class gets to keep Gabriel’s drawing for the children to color.

We love signing the books for the kids. Not to brag, but we even spell our names correctly most of the time.

And, to show our appreciation for teachers letting us come and crash their party for a half hour, we bring gifts!