Stories have helped communities endure potato famines, depressions, and wars. They unite people of all ages. While all of my presentations draw on the power of books and writing to engage participants, each is as different from the others as the communities they serve. One event might focus on the best new books of the year, another on ways to enhance family communication. Other communities might want to encourage early reading, to understand through experience the pressures of writing tests, or even to take an armchair tour with books representing countries from around the world. All events provide an opportunity to slow life down and celebrate the pleasures of reading and writing.

Examples of Family & Community Booktalks

Workshop Title: "Once Upon a Lap"
Audience: parents/families/teachers of preschool to 2nd grade
Description:
The workshop begins with a presentation of books for young children that encourage reading and thinking. I demonstrate books that teach important skills like prediction with the use of rhythm, rhyme; suggest ways to discuss values; offer titles for helping children over life’s little bumps, and recommend techniques to support children in becoming life long readers.
Length of Presentation Time: 75 minutes

Workshop Title: "Family Fiction Fun"
Audience: families of students grades 3 and up
Description: This event begins with a book talk for families, or organizations, based on a bibliography that meets their needs and desires. Together groups choose one story to examine what makes writing work. Then we turn our talents starting a collaborative story beginning with a character we make up and ending with a satisfying resolution
Length of Presentation Time: 75 minutes

Workshop Title: "Wilde Awards Live"
Grade Levels: teachers, parents, anyone who loves children’s books
Description: Every year, Susie Wilde brings you the best books of the year, for everyone ---babies to young adults.
Length of Presentation Time: 75-90 minutes