New England SCBWI
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

Special Features
Besides receiving the numerous awards listed above, THE PAPER DRAGON was included in the McGraw-Hill Reading textbook for fifth grade, 2001 edition; it will also be in the 2003 edition.

Travel
Massachusetts (also in NH much of late spring to mid November)

Selected Works
*THE SNAKES TALES, illustrated by Yumi Heo (Orchard/Scholastic, 2002)
*WHY BUTTERFLIES GO BY ON SILENT WINGS, illustrated by Rob Roth (Orchard/Scholastic, 2001) Kirkus starred review, Dr.Toys 100 Best Children's Products for 2001)
*THE LOUDEST, FASTEST, BEST DRUMMER IN KANSAS, illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith (Orchard/Scholastic, 2000)
*THE PAPER DRAGON, illustrated by Robert Sabuda (Atheneum, 1997) ABA Pick of the Lists ALA Notable Book; Booklist starred review; NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Book; Parents Choice Honor Book; Storytelling World Honor Book; SCBWI Golden Kite Award for picture book text and Sabuda's illustrations
*BATWINGS AND THE CURTAIN OF NIGHT, illustrated by Mary GrandPre (Orchard, 1997) ABA Pick of the Lists; Kirkus starred review
*HOW SNAKE GOT HIS HISS, illustrated by Mercedes McDonald (Orchard, 1996)
*PAPA ALONZO LEATHERBY (Simon & Schuster, 1995) (out of print)
*BLACK, WHITE, JUST RIGHT, illustrated by Irene Trivas (Whitman, 1993)
*THE HEART OF THE WOOD, illustrated by Sheila Hamanaka (Simon & Schuster, 1992) (out of print)

Fee
Generally $350 for half day (up to three groups); $550 for full day (up to five groups). Note: These fees are negotiable, as are fees for workshops and talks for adults.

Homepage
http://www.margueritewdavol.com

Program Description
*PreK-6: Programs vary in content and detail according to each age level, but on every level I discuss with children where ideas come from, the writing process, and the importance of words. I demonstrate how a story becomes a manuscript and then how a manuscript becomes a book. I prefer speaking with groups of fifty or fewer for 45-60 minutes each and will meet with several groups in one day. I quickly establish rapport with children who invariably participate eagerly and respond with excitement. The children and I also may explore topics specific to my books, e.g. bats, snakes, China, tall tales, etc. I often work with older children on specific writing techniques and genres. I'm happy to pursue teachers requests so my visit fits in with the curriculum. I am a storyteller and always tell an original tale, as well as talk about my books. My goal always is to encourage children's creative thinking and to further develop their love of books and a desire to write.
*I enjoy tailoring programs for older children and adults, but I also have a number of specific topics for programs I can present. Contact me for details.