school visits
Marietta Apollonio is the author/illustrator of JACK THE LIBRARY CAT
(Albert Whitman 2023) and WOMBAT AND THE FAMILY TREE (Tommy Nelson Books/HarperCollins 2024). Her stories focus on characters who explore their curiosity and are looking for something—a home, acceptance, growth, their place within a family or community, magic. In creating
an atmosphere inclusive of diverse characters, her illustrations use traditional materials, digital, texture, patterns, and vibrant saturated moments—pulling readers into universal experiences. She spends her time working in the studio, out in the world looking for the sparks for her next idea, mentoring, and visiting schools and libraries. As an author AND illustrator Marietta is incredibly lucky to be able to connect and engage with students (kids AND adults!) using both facets of book making. She is currently working on multiple projects including early readers and illustrated chapter books. In her spare time you can find her reading chapter books and middle grade, teaching kids horseback riding, visiting book stores, and searching for the best dairy free desserts.
Testimonials
“Marietta Apollonio brought her books Wombat and the Family Tree and Jack the Library Cat to life during our Spring Author Series, captivating students and families alike. Her engaging stories, thoughtful discussion of the writing process, and interactive drawing session sparked creativity and joy throughout the room.
It was a truly memorable experience for our school community!”
—Eileen Sprague, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Stoughton Public Schools
*All visits can be done as virtual visits.
Pages and Pencils
Grades PreK-K (20-30 mins)
This shorter presentation is tailored to younger students and includes a review of the parts of a book. reading of one of Marietta’s picture books, followed by a drawing worksheet. This visit can include a Q&A.
Pictures, Process, Plans and Pencils
Grades 1-5: 45 mins-1 hr
This interactive presentation with slides and video clips includes my work as an author/illustrator, incorporating manuscripts, thumbnails, sketches, final artwork, mistakes (we all make them!) and how they were fixed (or not). We’ll discuss where we can find our sparks for ideas and how I generated them for Wombat And The Family Tree or Jack The Library Cat (and other super secret projects!). Followed by a live drawing or draw along, and ending with a brief Q&A. This presentation includes a short wiggle break for the younger audience, and a downloadable idea generating worksheet for classrooms after the presentation.
This presentation can be shortened to be used for 1st graders.
SPARK Your Imagination
Grade 1 -5: 45 mins-1 hr
This interactive presentation with slides, focuses on how I use sparks to create ideas for stories and illustrations, and how we ALL use them to jumpstart our imagination. Using the very first book I created at age 6 and my most recent picture book Wombat And The Family Tree (or Jack The Library Cat) we will explore the sparks for the book, ask questions, and together look at covers to discover what sparks made their way into the book.
Presentation is followed by fun wombat facts, a draw-along (or live drawing without draw-along), and Q&A.
As child (and still now as an adult), I always loved having a book signed by the creator.
I highly recommend supporting a local independent bookstore to coordinate the ordering and delivering of books prior to a visit. Don’t have one in your area? I’m happy to coordinate with my local bookstore.
Virtual visit? I have bookplates that can be signed and sent to the school.
*purchasing books is not required
In Person
Full Day: $900/per day
(within 60 miles of 01451)
Includes: 4 sessions + student lunch + book signing
Half Day: $600/per day
(within 60 miles of 01451)
Includes: 2 sessions + book signing
Single Presentation: $200 each
(local only within 20 miles of 01451)
Pages and Pencils for Pre-K/K local visits (within 15 miles of 01451): $75 per class
*travel expenses (airfare, lodging, mileage) may be charged in addition to honorarium for visits outside of a 1 hr driving distance from 01451)
Virtual
Full Day: $600/per day
Includes: 3-4 sessions
Half Day: $300/per day
Includes: 2 sessions
Single Presentation: $150 each
PreK/K (30 mins): $75 per class
*School to provide virtual platform
Let’s create together!
Interested in an author illustrator visit? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly!