After my first week at kindergarten I walked out the main entrance of Roosevelt Elementary school and started toward home. I decided I'd had enough of school. But Miss Bailey, the very old principal, explained that I had to stay until the teacher let us go home.
Now I like going to school, especially to share my excitement of writing.
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Since 1979 I have published over 40 books for young people. I have visited hundreds of schools in U.S. and as well as schools in Spain. My work as a naturalist in Yosemite National Park is a constant source of inspiration for my writing.
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My programs for the youngest children include singing, story telling, and reading a couple of my picture books, Snug as a Bug and Baby Bear Isn't Hungry. Grade 2-6 assemblies usually have a strong writing and science/ nature focus, with an emphasis on Cricketology, Fish Watching with Eugenie Clark, and What's the Matter in Mr. Whisker's Room? In all sessions I demonstrate how I draw characters from my early books. Students really like this. (I've illustrated 6 books and am currently illustrating a middle grade novel) The goal of all of my presentations is to get students excited about writing and science as creative processes of exploration and discovery. To do this I lead them on a step by step journey of how I create a book. Visit my website www.bugauthor.com for my schedule and more details about my books.
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What Schools Say About My Program
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"Michael Ross is a wonderful presenter. He tailors his presentations to fit his audience and he captures their attention right at the start. The students enjoyed learning about the book publishing process and Michael did a great job answering their questions. I heard many positive comments from teachers. Thank you, Michael, you really excited the kids and helped them realize how much effort goes into creating a good book."
Naples Park Elementary School Naples, FL
"Michael Elsohn Ross opened wide eyes with nature inspired settings, insects, mammals, energy, and water. His glowing interaction with our multi-ethnic, K-5 students contained songs, questioning, live art, and accessible content which rooted an authoring bug in us all. Canyon Oaks Elementary Napa County, CA
Even months after his author's visit, students show lasting enthusiasm for Michael Ross, and his books. Book circulation and enjoyment for science still prevail.
The Elementary Librarians of Stillwater Public Schools, Oklahoma
"Mr. Ross is an excellent visiting author! He related to all grade levels from Pre-K to 5th grade. The kids were so excited about a real author who made science fun and interesting. The teachers were inspired by his ability to relate and integrate science into the curriculum. Bushland Elementary, Bushland, TX
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| Family Nights and Teacher In-services:
I can do a family night for no extra if I have several schools scheduled in the same district. I set up exploration centers (based on open ended activities in my books) for parents and students and then given a short power point program on the importance of creative exploration in the arts and sciences.
I am happy to present teacher in-services on early childhood science, inquiry-based science, and writing
Honorarium:
My fee for one full day (3-4 sessions) is $995 plus $100 for lodging. For trips outside of central California I charge travel expense. If I have more than one school scheduled in an area then the fee drops to $945. If there are two schools in a district or area that want to share me for a day I can present two assemblies at each school with a fee of $525 per school.
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Awards and Recognition: (a sample)
- 2008 CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center) list Mama's Milk
- Arizona Young Reader Award 2007 Nominee- What's the Matter in Mr. Whisker's Room?
- Bank Street College - The Best Books of the Year 2004 - Snug as a Bug
- Book of the Month School Library Journal 2003- Salvador Dali and the Surrealists
- Science Books & Film 2003 Best Books List: Kitchen Lab, Indoor Zoo
- Eureka Booklist 2001- California State Library Association- Nature Art with Chiura Obata
- Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children for 2001-for Pond Watching with Ann Morgan (Selector's Choice), Exploring the Earth with John Wesley Powell
- Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children for 1998-for Bird Watching with Margaret Morse Nice
- Scientific American Young Readers Award 1996- For Cricketology
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