Invite me to visit your school or organization!

If you would like me to visit your school or organization please contact Carmen Oliver: carmenoliver@thebookingbiz.com

Photo courtesy of The Carmel Hill Fund and Washington Heights Academy

Creator Corner with Eric Velasquez! Learn about OCTOPUS STEW with me.

 

Eric Velasquez brings storytelling, art, and inspiration together in an engaging multimedia presentation perfect for students, educators, and book lovers alike.

Eric Velasquez is the author and/or illustrator of over 35 books. He is the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award, the Pure Belpre Award, the Walter Award, the Jane Addams Award, and the Carter G Woodson Award.

Eric’s author visits begin with a brief welcome, then take audiences on a visual journey through a dynamic presentation. He shares how his love of illustration began—despite being a reluctant reader in elementary school—when comic books opened the door to literacy and ignited his passion for drawing. From there, Eric offers a behind-the-scenes look into his career as an award-winning illustrator and author.

He discusses:

  • His path into the world of professional illustration

  • The wide range of projects he has illustrated over the years

  • How research shapes his storytelling

  • The step-by-step process of creating a children’s book from the perspective of an author and illustrator

Select presentations also feature a special treat: music inspired by his celebrated book Grandma’s Records, along with a live drawing demonstration that brings his creative process to life right before the audience’s eyes.

The program concludes with a 10–15 minute Q&A session, giving participants a chance to connect with Eric, ask questions, and explore their own creativity.

School Visit Presentation Options

Assemblies (30-45min – K-12)

In Eric’s multimedia dual-language presentation (English or Spanish), he discusses how comic books led him from being a reluctant reader to a successful reader and inspired him to draw in elementary school. This newfound interest sparked his interest in the field of illustration and he talks about the variety of books he’s illustrated and written. He also shares the importance of research, attention to detail, and taking rough sketches to finished art. He tailors his presentations for each grade and leaves time at the end for a drawing demonstration and Q&A with the audience.

Photo courtesy of Meet The Writers, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Meet The Writers, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Meet The Writers, Inc.

Workshops (45-60min -2nd+)

The Alternate Cover Sketch (45min – Grades 2+)

After reading Octopus Stew, Eric explains the guidelines and the process for creating a cover sketch for a picture book.  The students are instructed to create an alternative cover sketch for the Octopus Stew. The cover must include an octopus, a grandma and Ramsey. However, for students who are up to the challenge the cover sketch can have a character that is based on themselves, much in the same way the main character Ramsey is loosely based on Eric in Octopus Stew.

Materials 11”x17” paper and #2 pencil and eraser.

The Mini Book Dummy (45-60min – Grades 3+)

After reading Octopus Stew and or The Polar Bear and the Ballerina Eric instructs the students on how to create a 16-page mini book dummy. Using an 11x 17 sheet of paper, a pair of scissors and a pencil. The goal is to tell a 14- page story by creating images and a few words. The mini book will consist of a front cover and back cover as well as 14 interior pages.

Materials 11”x17” paper and #2 pencil and eraser. Handouts for this project are available.

 

What is the length of the program?

45 to 60 minutes

What does an Author Visit with Eric consist of?

  • Opening remarks (2 minutes)

  • PowerPoint presentation (30-45 minutes) covering how he became interested in illustration. 

  • Eric also discusses the research and process of creating a children's book.

  • Some presentations include music from Grandma's Records and a Live Drawing Demo

  • Q&A (10 to 15 minutes)

What should be on hand the day of the presentation?

A PowerPoint projector or Smart Board and a room that can be darkened enough for an effective presentation. I will also need a microphone.

Tip Before the Visit:

  • Read 2 to 4 of Eric's books to students.

  • Have students write down 2 questions that pertain to one of the books.

  • Create art projects inspired by Eric's books (ex: students create book covers based on his books).

How do I bring Eric to my school or organization?

Testimonials

  • “This Program was an Inspiring work of an integrative curriculum with one of the best author/illustrators of the children’s book genre, Eric Velasquez. The students had an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.” -Director of ENL, Dual and World Language, Bay Shore, NY

  • All of our students loved Eric Velasquez’s visit. The teachers enjoyed it as well...they loved the art sketch piece and also learning about other cultures that many of our students identify with. They really took advantage and asked the author/illustrator great questions. Recommended 100% - Cheston Elementary School/Easton, PA

  • The students absolutely loved Eric's presentation.  He was entertaining, approachable, and gave them a great sense of what it entails to be an illustrator. Teachers were equally enthralled, they loved that he captivated the students with his story. Eric’s was one of the best author/illustrator visits that I've seen. His engaging personality and wonderful story really speak to both students and teachers. - Windward Manhattan School/NYC

  • We are still walking on air after this week's Author Visit! Students, teachers, paraprofessionals and other staff were all equally captivated by Mr. Velasquez' presentation - and by his brilliant talent, intelligence, humor and kindness. He taught by example, not only about the writing and illustration process, but about patience, perseverance and maintaining a growth mindset - important values that are essential to each student's personal, social and academic success. - PS/IS 366: Washington Heights Academy

  • The students were totally engaged during the assemblies. Eric was very engaging for all K-5 grades. They especially loved the artist demonstration at the end. Eric’s use of music, his childhood stories, and his readings made a big impression on our students- so much so, that our Library-Media specialist was almost tackled at the end of the first assembly because so many children asked her for drawing books. - Julian Curtiss School Greenwich, CT