I love sharing my passion for books and the natural world with readers of all ages! My events are a dynamic, behind-the-scenes look at my entire bookmaking process, from the initial ideas and on-location research to the hundreds of hours put into the final art. Using sketches, photos, humor, and footage from the field, I deliver a unique presentation on what I do and what I’ve learned: What goes into a nonfiction picture book? How do I use inquiry to find my voice? What kinds of failures have led to my biggest breakthroughs? I am happy to work with you to customize my talk to fit the needs of your event. Please use the form below to contact me about speaking at your school, library, or conference. Thank you!

Praise for Katherine’s Author Visits

  • Best author presentation I have seen! Everyone was totally engaged!

    — Third Grade Teacher, Illinois

  • My students can attest to the quality of information in Katherine Roy's author visit. They still talk about the author that talked about elephant poop.

    — John, School Librarian, Oklahoma

  • Did [our librarian] tell you that two kindergartners spent the very next free period they had after your talk starting their own books about animals? And that the demand for your books during library post-visit could be heard from space???? Your presentation is truly special and inspirational (and not just for the kids!)

    — Dana, School District Librarian, Oregon

  • I thought it went really well. She knew how to talk to young children and keep them engaged! In my experience, many kids, especially boys prefer nonfiction, so it's a good way to incorporate nonfiction lessons and dialogue into our lessons as we prepared for her visit.

    — First Grade Teacher, Illinois

  • I was so inspired by you in Las Vegas last August that I am planning a research unit with a 6th grade ELA teacher using Elephant, Sharks, and Otis and Will as anchor texts. My colleague was awed by these books and is excited for the collaboration. Thank you!!

    — Soraya, Teacher Librarian, Clark County, Nevada

  • I have talked to [my colleague] a lot about your assembly and how much my kids and teachers enjoyed it. My students still talk about your assembly and the little kids keep asking if you will be back soon to talk to them about you other books. It is so cute.

    — Annette, Teacher Librarian, Clark County, Nevada

  • Your presentation is fantastic and the students are still talking about it.

    — Monica, School Librarian, Clark County, Nevada

  • That was one of the best assemblies I have seen. She really knew how to interact with the kids. Not just talking to them the whole time, but adding things that were funny, like the elephant poop, how elephants use their trunks, and then the quiz! Great restart to any kid who might have lost focus!

    — Fourth Grade Teacher, Illinois

  • I loved your presentation. The children in my class (a grades 1/2 mix) were enthralled. One of our students, who has a very difficult time sitting still and being focused, barely moved at all he was so interested in what you were saying. Thank you so much for coming.

    — Linda, Elementary School Teacher, Vermont

  • It was such a joy to listen to your presentation. You are a dynamic teacher!! I found all your information to be so interesting. Every creative process is unique, and learning about yours was wonderful. Thank you!

    — Annie, Elementary School Teacher, Vermont

  • Everyone so loved your visit, and many students have noticed you and your books in other venues. We all eagerly await your forthcoming books!

    — Sally, Library Media Specialist, California

  • Thank you SO much. That was fantastic. So wonderful to see your process. We had a few minutes for them to talk about what they learned and what surprised them. Many comments about how much work and effort and devotion goes into your work. Thank you so much again. It was fabulous!

    — Isle, Teacher Librarian, Massachusetts

  • Thanks again for coming and sharing your enthusiasm, artistic and author craft and your love of research, science, learning and writing/illustrating. I think you inspired a lot of kids and have them thinking about research in ways that they will always remember. You have such a natural wonderful easy way about you with kids.

    — Library Media Specialist

  • I thought your presentation was engaging to all the different age levels. You had the students talking, raising hands and asking questions. It was great. They were all so interested. We will go over everything with the students this week to reflect on their learning and your visit.

    — Cally, Library Media Specialist, Vermont

  • That was amazing, you gave a wonderful presentation, the kids loved it, thank you so much.

    — Teacher, Chamberlin Elementary

  • Thank you so much, it was so interesting to learn your process, you were so dynamic and engaging with the kids. We loved it!

    — Teacher, Thetford Elementary