Author Visits with Simisayo Brownstone
Overview
I love to visit schools and libraries and sharing my love for writing, story-telling, and African culture. My sessions are highly interactive and will have the kids laughing and jumping out of their seats to participate. In the sessions, I talk about writing, discuss where I draw my inspiration for stories, share sketches and illustrations from the book, and tell traditional African folktale stories.
By the end of each session, my hope is that the kids not only learn a little more about the writing process, but they also leave with a deeper appreciation for the world we live in and the diverse cultures within it.
​
To book an Author Visit, please email me at contact@teniandtayo.com.
Key Presentation Features
The sessions can be customized upon request, but in general they include:
​
-
Behind the scenes moments from the book and an overview of how a book is made.
-
The theme of my first book is courage, so we talk about courage and the different forms that courage comes in. Including the courage to write a book.
-
An interactive telling of some African folklore stories and how courage was involved. We use no books or other materials, just our voices, bodies, and imagination. The whole class gets to participate in some form. This is the most popular part of the presentation.
-
An opportunity to select a random African name along with its meaning. Think of it like an African fortune cookie. This is only included if you book 2 or more sessions.
In Person Session Logistics
-
Each session lasts for 40mins. There is 30mins of presentation and 10mins for Q & A.
-
Ideally the sessions should be limited to 50 kids or fewer, however, if you need to fit more kids into the session, please contact me.
-
Schools should provide a digital projector, screen, computer. I'll bring a flash drive.
​
​
Virtual Session Logistics
-
Sessions will be held via zoom and will lasts for 40mins. There is 30mins of presentation and 10mins for Q & A.
-
Ideally the sessions should be limited to 50 kids or fewer, however, if you need to fit more kids into the session, please contact me.
​
​
Testimonials
"Simisayo Brownstone came to our school with fantastic energy and connected with the students as soon as she began! The students loved seeing original artwork from the book, discussing the origin of character names and were especially engaged during the interactive portion of the visit. The sneak peek of the next book in the series definitely left them wanting more!"
​
- Westside Neighborhood School, Los Angeles, CA
​
​
"Simisayo was engaging, entertaining and provided a workshop for our students that was totally age and developmentally appropriate. She clearly knows how to communicate well with students and got them excited about the writing process. Thanks!!"
​
- Wesmark School, Encino, CA
​
​
To book an Author Visit, please email contact@teniandtayo.com
