Speakers' List: Neal Levin

Neal has published short stories, articles, poems, puzzles, essays, cartoons, and illustrations in a wide variety of publications for and about children.

"The Mystery of the Magic Lunch Bag" (short story), in Highlights, 2008
"Pigtail and Duckweed" (short story), in Humpty Dumpty, 2008
"Baby Ate a Microchip" (poem), in Rolling In the Aisles, by Bruce Lansky, Meadowbrook Press, 2004

Programs: Neal visits schools to teach kids how to draw cartoons. He offers popular, one-day afterschool workshops as well as daytime visits. He also works with groups through libraries, churches, scouts, or similar organizations.

The afterschool cartooning workshop lasts an hour and a half and is a one-time seminar, although you may schedule more than one. The workshop serves as an introduction to drawing cartoon characters and also deals with creating original cartoons by the student, humor techniques, and the development of a personal style. A variety of hands-on activities are presented. No experience is required, and students at any level will be able to demonstrate finished drawings by following an easy step-by-step process. Materials are included, and each student also receives sample cartoons to take home.

Group Size: 20-80 kids.

Fees: For afterschool workshops, the school charges each student who registers a fee (usually between $12-20) and the school keeps a portion of the money. For daytime visits, flat fees are generally $150 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour. All fees are subject to change.

Speaker Availability: Neal is available during the school year.