Kathleen Jeffrey

School Visits

Kathleen would love to visit your school!

Please contact Kathleen if you are interested in an author school visit.

She can do any/all of the following (and also incorporate a special request)

  • Book reading with the book displayed on a large screen if available. Discussion on reactions and thoughts throughout the reading.
  • The writing/publishing process and my collaboration with award winning portrait artist and illustrator Susan Kilmartin.
  • Share pictures of original pencil sketches and how Susan and I worked together to create the book.
  • Character development plus revealing illustrations representing real people.
  • My inspiration for writing the book.
  • Activities from the book using Katie’s breathing boards.
  • Display and discuss several original watercolor/gouache art panels. Each of the matted panels are quite beautiful.

Lincoln-Hancock Elementary School

Quincy MA

Kathleen Belly Breathing with Students
“Our school had the privilege of a visit from Kathleen Jeffrey, author of Katie’s Really Bad Day – A Story About Test Anxiety. As the students came in for Kathleen’s presentation, they were met with large panels of original artwork from the book. They loved the artwork and really enjoyed the opportunity to take a closer look after the presentation. Kathleen read the book, discussed many relevant parts of it, and opened it up for discussion afterwards. Students were thoroughly engaged.

The story of Katie’s Really Bad Day appeals to young students. Many of them are quietly (or not so quietly) anxious about some aspect of the school day. Katie’s story lets the kids know it’s okay to have these feelings and that there are ways they can calm themselves down. Kathleen taught them the breathing exercises that Katie uses in the book. As a bonus, students who love to write and draw also had the opportunity to ask questions about the whole process.”

Highlands Elementary School Visit

Braintree, MA

“Kathleen visited our fourth grade at Highlands Elementary in Braintree. Our students loved learning about Katie’s story, and taking a close look at some of the illustrations used in the book. They were particularly interested in Kathleen’s writing process, and many of them had detailed questions about how to develop a narrative, revise a story, and publish a final edition. Our students loved meeting with Kathleen and learning that they, too, can become authors!”
Caitlin Long, PHD, Principal
“My class loved the presentation. Several told me afterwards that they especially loved seeing the big copies of the illustrations and how they couldn’t believe there were so many steps to getting a book published. One student told me it was his favorite assembly this year.”
Teacher Feedback

Father John V. Doyle School Visit

Coventry, RI

“Kathleen’s visit for Reading Week was wonderful. The students were completely engaged in Katie’s story and the connections made between the author and characters in the book. The breathing techniques shared with them will be helpful for many! The storyboard posters brought the illustration process to life and grabbed the students’ attention. Thank you, Kathleen, for a very special afternoon!”
Francine A. Adamo, Director of Technology

Events

Signing books at NCTE with SCBWI

Signing books with IBPA at the American Library Association (ALA)

Local Author Events

Barnes & Noble
Hingham, MA 02043

“Kathleen was very enthusiastic promoting her book Katie’s Really Bad Day. At the end of the event, a young girl came over to ask some questions about the book. You could see that she was shy and unsure of what to ask. By the end of the interaction, she was bubbling with enthusiasm and proudly carried a signed copy back to her mom to purchase and read that night at home.

We look forward to having Kathleen back for future events.” Ian, Barnes & Noble

Thayer Public Library’s Annual Local Author Book Fair

It was an absolute delight at Thayer Public Library’s Annual Local Author Book Fair! It was a joy connecting with library patrons, signing books, and exchanging ideas with fellow local authors.

New England Library Association Conference (NELA)

Portland, Maine

It was amazing to join fellow independent publishers this week at the Independent Publisher’s of New England (IPNE) booth for New England Library Association (NELA)’s conference, in Portland Maine!