Leslie Helakoski, Author/Illustrator

Lawton, MI
email: lelhel@hotmail.com
website: www.helakoskibooks.comBooks
The Big Chickens (Dutton, 2006), a picture book, illustrated by Henry Cole
The Smushy Bus (Millbrook Press, 2002), a picture book, illustated by Sal Murdocca

Forthcoming Books
Woolbur (HarperCollins, 2008), illustrated by Lee Harper
Big Chickens Fly the Coop (Dutton, 2008), illustrated by Henry Cole

Programs appropriate for All grades, Libraries, and Bookstores

Program Description
K-3: Leslie reads from her math based picture book, The Smushy Bus, or shows slides of the book pages, while the class acts out the story and uses manipulatives to simulate the math grouping in the story. This program makes math fun and alleviates math fears while addressing story writing. Question/answer segment follows.

Grades 3-12: Leslie's powerpoint presentation includes slides of her books in progress, simplifies the writing process, and focuses on re-writing. To illustrate her point that imitation precedes creation, she includes a segment on inspiring stories and artwork, both classic and picturebook art, and challenges the audience to identify what aspect of the original art has shown up in her own work.

Workshops: Grades 4 and up. Creative Writing and/or Illustrating - breaking down barriers and opening minds. Working in smaller groups on getting minds started and making stories visual.

Group Size:
Accomodates all group sizes. Workshops in smaller groups.

Fees: Generally, $100 per fifty minute session (will do up to three or four a day). Plus travel.

Speaker Availability: Full Year

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