Hello and thanks for visiting my school visit blog!
I'm Barb Odanaka---children's book author, world traveler, journalist and skateboarder. I also have an alter ego: Skateboard Cow!
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| Children love having their picture taken with Skateboard Cow! |
I have performed more than 100 shows for schools, libraries and community events. You can learn more about me on my website,
www.skateboardmom.com. This blog specifically details my in-person appearances.
I'm based in Laguna Beach, California, but have traveled around the U.S. to entertain and inspire school children. I perform as "Skateboard Mom" as well as "Skateboard Cow." Both are characters from my books. I can also perform as just plain "Barb Odanaka," if that's your preference!
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| My first book. |
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| Telling students about where I get my ideas. |
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| My latest book, starring Skateboard Cow! |
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| Skateboard Cow is one bodacious bovine! |
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| Kids love Skateboard Cow's tricks! |
Although I may look silly, I take my school appearances very seriously. After all, I know that my performance might be just the thing to inspire a child to become a real-life author like myself someday! I also know that children need inspiring role models, so I emphasize the importance of hard work, diligence and patience--as well as the wonderful feeling one experiences at a job well done!
My presentation can be customized for any audience, but typically it starts with a lively reading of my books then a brief talk that combines my passion for reading and writing with my love of skateboarding. I tell the students that learning to read and write well is like learning to skateboard. There will always be setbacks, some more painful than others! But if you stick it out, and keep at it, the rewards will be great. And great fun!
I use a slide show to illustrate my points--from how a book is conceived, written and illustrated, to how authors deal with "dry spells" (I jump on my skateboard, of course). I also touch on my former life as a
Los Angeles Times reporter, as well as the nonprofit group I founded called Skateboard Moms, which, through its "Rolling for Reading" raises money for children's literacy groups and delivers new books to kids in need. And of course, I top it off with a few skateboard tricks--either indoors or out.
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| Popping an ollie, per a student's request. |
I have been on Good Morning America, National Public Radio, The Early Show, CNN and many others, and I am happy to share with the students a brief clip from those shows. The multimedia experience offers an exciting introduction before I roll onto the stage. If there is time, I love to take questions from the audience.
One of the highlights of my show is when I put the school principal (or other willing authority figure) on a skateboard for an introductory lesson in skateboard safety. Don't worry--I bring a complete set of safety gear (and then some) and keep a tight hold of my special "student" as I roll him or her across the stage. It's a fabulous photo opportunity and a scene the students (and staff) rarely forget!
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| Another principal gets on board. |
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| Skateboard Cow offers some pointers. |
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| Principals become rock stars after their skateboard lesson! |
For the younger daycare/preschool crowd, I typically concentrate on my second book,
Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes The Trash!, which focuses on a day in the life of two hungry trash trucks. Like all my books, it's written in a rollicking rhyme with lots of wordplay that young ears love. Depending on the age and stage of the audience, I can also tie in lessons about the importance of recycling, and some fascinating facts about trash! I also have a large bag filled with a variety of trashy props that the little ones really enjoy.
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| Preschool story time. |
Of course, like all authors, I love to autograph books, especially for my young fans! I feel autographing in person is best so I can make that one-on-one connection with each child. Book sales can be handled by the school, a local bookstore, or I can sell them directly. I provide the school with a book order form and a color flier that can be sent home with the student approximately two weeks before the event.
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| An enthusiastic fan! |
I hope this has given you some idea of what I offer during my school visits. In the days to come, I will add separate pages to this blog describing my various school programs in detail, and offer tips on how to put together the best author event possible.
If you'd like to learn more about me or my books, please visit my official website
www.skateboardmom.com If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at barb @ skateboardmom.com
Happy reading!
Barb Odanaka
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| My cat, Leopard, oversees every word I write! |
