Lori Ries

Fun Fiction for Ready Readers


Books/​ Autographs

Librarians can contact publishers directly to pre-order books to be autographed with kids. Please order ahead to be certain books are available for signing.

Charlesbridge Book Orders: (800) 225-3214
Boyds Mills Book Orders: (877) 512-8366


"Lori presented a two day workshop for our school in early September.
She instructed our older students in the craft of writing and shared her stories with our younger ones. Our entire student body fell in love with her. We laughed because our kindergarteners called her "Mrs. Pickles" and they still ask about her now three months later. She had a positive impact on our students with her gentle, caring and loving way. During lunch recess, Lori went outside and played with the children. They have adopted Lori as "their friend" who just happens to write books. She made everyone believe that they, too, could be a writer. And, isn't that what it's all about? I would highly recommend Lori as a guest author for any school without reservation."
-Judi Gardiner
Bridger Elementary

" With her playful spirit and charming stories and her way with kids Lori is a wonderful ambassador for children's literature."
-Eileen Spinelli, Children’s Author

"The kids were enthralled with the presentation, and were drawn by Lori to interact with the writing process discussion, and to ask questions."
-Jo Lloyd, Highlights for Children

"Such a delight to have you come in and share the life of a writer. What a joy."
-K. Fisher
Mary Woodward Elm.

Presentations



Common Questions

What do you do for a school visit?

School visits are generally two-day visits. I visit the school for two full days, and work with the school's schedule for class arrangements. For K-1st grades, Attention spans are generally shorter. We read stories, playing with characters and with an emphasis on "imagination." Grades 2-3, are able to maintain a longer focus, so I've crafted a presentation for this age called "Cooking up a Story" where we get into Character, Setting, and Plot. For grades 4th-5th we do a full on writing workshop called "Story Building" where kids learn how to create strong characters, they'll make up their own delicious settings using sensory writing, and learn about the conflict and tension needed for strong story. Volunteers share aloud with classmates, and it's a fun hour. With all classes I show them how books are made, and we talk about the books and characters they love in their personal reading.

If you're interested in an author visit, I do work with teacher schedules and content. I can tailor a presentation to meet your specific needs.

I do have a pre-visit packet I send out to the school ahead with book order information, Book Bites, (ways to use books in the classroom) and illustrator line drawings, which are way fun for kids.

Can you travel?

For the school year 2009-2010 I can travel, but will keep the number of out of state school visits small. If you wish for me to come visit your school, and you are outside of Oregon, please give me plenty of notice as I plan my calendar months in advance.

How long are presentations?

For K-1 30 minutes

This is sometimes expanded to include a Mrs. Fickle activity, either planting a small seed, or making a pickle ornament to hang on a Christmas tree, as is (said) to be a German tradition. Teachers have supplies on hand, and I am there to assist.
Please let me know if you plan to include an activity.

Presentations for grades 2-4 run about 35-45 minutes.
Topics vary.

Grades 5 and 6 presentations last about 60-70 minutes.
Students will need a flat surface for writing. Actual tables where students can sit, and work together, work best as we do group exercises to learn about the writing process.

Topics

Author Readings
Story Building
Imagination
How books are made
Hands on Writing Workshops
Our favorite Books
Where ideas come from
A Writer’s life

Set up

K-1 Story time chair, small table, classroom or library setting

2-6 Gym or library setting, screen, table for laptop and projector, microphone if needed.

Please prepare for the author visit by getting children acquainted with the books. This way when I come to your school, the students will be excited to see into the world of publishing and how these particular books were created.

*New for school visits, learn to draw Aggie! Now kids can draw Aggie with a step by step guide from Frank Dormer! (I recently noticed you can download this from the Charlesbridge website! See links on the right.)

Creating great books takes a great team!

*Welcome Banner Created By Mary Woodward Elementary




Lori's Books

Coming Soon
Tita y Ben
New from Charlesbridge in 2010
Aggie the Brave
New from Charlesbridge in 2010
Available
Good Dog, Aggie
Cybil Award Finalist
Punk Wig
New From Boyds Mills Press! Oregon Book Award Finalist/ Bank Street College Best Books of the Year 2009
Aggie and Ben, Three Stories
Horn Book Fanfare List: Best books of 2006/2007 Oregon Book Award Finalist Nick Jr. Family Magazine's Best Children's Books of 2006/ The Bank Street College Best Books of the Year 2006/
Mrs. Fickle's Pickles
Parenting Magazine Best Books November 2006 Parenting Picks
Fix It, Sam!
Bank Street College of Education's Best Books of the Year/ The Friends Medallion 2007 Special Award
Super Sam!
Children's Choices 2005