A standard presentation will last approximately fifty to sixty minutes depending upon the age of the audience. In my address I describe with enthusiasm the pleasures of reading and writing, how these pleasures were first revealed and how they have been sustained. I will also present with slides several of my picture books, telling their literal stories, as well as the stories of their creation; perform as storytelling a tale or two separate from my own texts (often an Appalachian folk tale); and make hands-on suggestions for student storytelling and writing.

Requirements for the large group presentation are a large screen, extension cord, microphone, movable cart, and darkened room.