Classroom visits are incredibly rewarding, and picture books are a powerful and accessible model of writing and artistic expression for students of all ages. Erik LOVES sharing ideas about the creative process, and considers good teaching as much a part of his job as making books.
Erik's visits include relevant topical information about his stories, the inside scoop on how a life-long love of art turned him into a writer, and some insights into how he works and tries out new ideas.
"I thought the presentation was outstanding and perfectly appropriate for our students. I was thinking back on the other authors that we had some years ago, and I think Erik was the best; he seemed to connect so naturally with the children."
- Twin Lakes Elementary
Over the last 25 years, Erik has visited individual classes, done assembly-style presentations to entire schools, and helped to facilitate district-wide writer's workshops. He is comfortable leading mini-drawing lessons (k-12) and is happy to discuss how this might fit into a visiting day.
SET-UP NEEDS/SUGGESTIONS:
• A central location
• A screen for the slide presentation
• An easel with paper or whiteboard (with appropriate markers)
Erik has a BFA and K-12 teaching certificate from Carleton College in Northfield, MN. When not working on books he visits schools and libraries, coaches xc running and skiing, and explores the world by foot & bike with his wife Sarah, daughter Keeley, and dog Max (who doesn't actually join them on bikes -- because if he DID there'd be a book about it!)
FEES ETC:Daily $650. A full day is 4-5, 45-60 minute sessions. Fees are always negotiable. Travel and lodging arrangements are required for visits more than 2hrs from Winthrop, WA -- which is MANY places :)
To arrange a visit please contact by by phone or email 509.429.2491 or erik.s.brooks at gmail.com
LIMITED AVAILABILITY! In the fall of 2018 I started teaching art full-time at my local high school and junior high. While this has certainly made me even MORE comfortable in front of a classroom and extra adept at sharing what I love about making books with kids, it has logically (and sadly) reduced my reasonable availability for school visits. That being said, we have a mid-winter break and a spring break that have sometimes allowed me to do a school visit or two in the midst of the teaching year. I have also had success with some online ZOOM visits that squeeze right into a prep period or before/after school depending on your time zone. Use the email above to inquire and thanks so much for visiting this page.
PS I also know a bunch of great folks in the kids book world that I could recommend if we can't figure something out :)
