Please feel free to contact the author with any questions concerning this or any other information. michael@grasshopperdreams.com
(813)382-4230

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PROGRAM BASICS

  • I present my books to every Kindergarten through 5th grade class (rather than making this an optional, reward or sign-up program… the messages of my program are too important to be missed!)
  • I appreciate presenting to the largest groups possible in the largest room possible. Ideally, this would be accomplished in two shows, but a third show can be added if time/space are an issue.
  • I perform a very riveting, dynamic, high energy, interactive, hilarious storytelling in a one-man play with character voices and vocal sound effects!
  • Accompanying the storytelling is a running Powerpoint slide show of my book's illustrations, creating a stunning play and film simultaneously!
  • My show teaches virtually all character education traits and sings a constant song of literacy!
  • Kindergarten through 2nd grade presentations last 45 minutes.
  • 3rd through 5th grade presentations last 50 minutes (allowing for a very motivational question and answer session).
  • I provide a classy, informative order form that is sent home with the students giving them an opportunity to purchase autographed copies of my books. Books are discounted on a "sliding scale" basis, maximizing affordability based on the socio-economics of the student body.
  • A week later, for nearby schools, I return to fulfill the orders and autograph the books, without interrupting the children’s education. For out of area schools, the orders are sent to me and I ship the autographed books back to the school.
PRICING

I offer a “pay what you can” policy, within a range.

FOR SCHOOLS IN NEED: As long as my limited travel and incidental expenses are covered (in other words, I am not coming out of my own pocket to get to your school), I will waive my performance fee and perform for FREE!

FOR SCHOOLS THAT HAVE MORE OF A BUDGET: Please give what you can in excess of my travel and incidental expenses as an additional performance honorarium.

CONDITIONS:

  1. I must be able to see all Kindergarten through 5th grade students, rather than limiting me to a couple grade levels or smaller groups.
  2. I must be able to offer my books for purchase to all students and staff at a deeply discounted price, of course!

    3. ********PLEASE CALL 813-382-4230 FOR DETAILS********
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why would your program be something we would want for our kids?

A: Because my book and program deal with peaceful conflict resolution, embracing diversity, environmentalism, kindness to animals, sharing, and forgiveness all in a super-fun, interactive storytelling that encourages children to read!

Here are some success stories I’ve heard through feedback from schools:
-Students who were not interested in reading asking for my book!
-Guidance counselors reporting distinct drop in fights and heated disputes
-Distinct spike in library checkout numbers
-Littered campuses cleaned spontaneously
-Distinctly lower water bills

My program also touches upon virtually every CHARACTER EDUCATION trait that I've ever encountered including:

  • Respect
  • Responsibilty
  • Trustworthy
  • Honesty
  • Acceptance
  • Perseverance
  • Cooperation
  • Teamwork
  • Caring
  • Generous
  • Love
  • Friendship
  • Courage
  • Manners
  • Compassion
  • Humor
  • Optimism
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Creativity
Q: Doesn’t this clash with the uninterrupted study outlined in the “No child left behind” regulations?

A: My program, because of its constant encouragement of literacy and focus on my book, is considered an enhancement of the children’s study and not an interruption of it.

My show will encourage your children to read with dramatic results!
Q: Do you have references?

A: But of course! Please click on this link to view each and every school, public and private, I’ve visited so far. As of 8/1/2007 I have been to over 500 schools in 10 Florida counties and several other states!  Over 350,000 kids have seen my show!
 
Q: Is it appropriate for the entire school, and can you hold their attention that long?

A: Absolutely. I have now performed at over 500 schools for over 350,000 children in eight counties of Florida and in several states nationally. At every single school, the entire student population was riveted and captivated by my show, Kindergarten through 5th grade, which demonstrates my book and show's universal appeal. This was a goal of mine from the start!

Actually, I prefer to make the program “mandatory” for all K-5 students, as in the past when it was offered to a limited number of students, those who did not attend had hurt feelings because they heard how neat the program was. Plus, I feel my book’s messages are too important to leave anyone out.

I have performed in front of crowds as large as 475 children, with fantastic results. The children are enthralled, and audience behavior is wonderful because we make an easily reminded agreement at the beginning of the show about what is expected of them.

Q: I’m very busy, is your program difficult to arrange?

A: Not at all. Typically a booking can be created over the telephone in 20 minutes or less. Scheduling your students is probably the most difficult task, but I’ve had schools contact me on a Monday and book me for a Wednesday, so I know it is quite do-able.

The room preparation is absolutely minimal (I bring my own projector and only need a screen, a.v. cart, microphone/p.a. setup, and a bottle of water!), and the book orders require hardly any work at all. I love efficiency and have created a system that is sure to please you with its ease of implementation.
Q: Our students are very poor, and probably cannot afford your book, can they?

A: We can discuss your school population’s socio-economic status, and being that I am the publisher of the book, I can adjust the price to an affordable level for all.

I have been to every kind of school socio-economically, and I am most always pleased with the level of children who were able to get a book.