More than just the facts …
Nonfiction is FUN!
Thank you for your interest in my author presentations to schools and libraries. I have programs to fit every age group and grade level. “Tales from the Sonoran Desert” is designed for primary grade students. I use multimedia, puppets and props to do animated readings for younger children—pre-school, kindergarten, or primary and intermediate elementary grade students. Allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for this presentation. I select readings from my growing list of award-winning picture books, including: Gator, Gator, Second Grader, Monster in the Rocks, The Bat Book, Fang and Stinger (An Arachnid Tale), Arizona Way Out West and Wacky!, Rattlesnake Rules, Desert Night Shift (A Pack Rat Story), or one of many other stories.
For older students or for in-service teacher seminars, I offer “More Than Just the Facts—Making Nonfiction FUN!,” my 60-minute, 90-minute, or 2-hour writing workshop. The workshop is focused on the craft of writing nonfiction for young readers, complete with writing exercises for all participants. “Read Me a Story: Cultivating the Art of Listening” is my workshop devoted to promoting the importance of reading aloud to pre-readers.
Since 1994, I have completed more than 1,700 author presentations and writing workshops for more than 1 million students and teachers at schools in 18 states. I've presented to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. I've also presented at professional conferences, for college and university classes and workshops, to service groups such as Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, P.E.O. My programs have edutained adult audiences at state and national parks, museums, libraries, book stores, and other venues as well. My multi-media presentations work well for readers ages 4 to 94...and beyond.
Effective January 1, 2024, my fee schedule is as follows:
Arizona (February or March each year) and Ohio (January; April through December each year):
One 1-hour presentation: $650.00
Half-day at the school: (2 shows) $800.00
Full-day at the school: (3-4 shows) $950.00
*Author visits to venues outside of Ohio may include an extra fee to help offset travel expenses.
My presentations work best in a library setting. Three or four classes maximum (75-125 students) allows for better interaction with the children. However, I have presented to entire schools (K-8) in an auditorium setting. I use a laptop and LCD projector for most talks.
If you are interested in having books available for pre-sale beforehand or on sale the day of my visit, please contact me at (480) 250-9071, or send a note to me at the topstorad@gmail.com email address. As part of each visit, I donate several autographed books to your school's library.
Arizona Teachers: Please contact Linda F. Radke of Story Monsters LLC to schedule a school visit with Conrad J. Storad and the Story Monster mascot.
What folks are saying …
“I wanted to send a very heartfelt thank you for spending the day with us! Our students definitely enjoyed your visit. It is people like you who inspire our students to imagine, be creative, and dream big. So, thank you, again, for all that you have done for our school!”
Akron, Ohio
“I am one of the kids you saw at Esperanza Elementary. I really enjoy your work and I like how much effort and time you take in making these great books. You are one of the people who are inspiring me to want to become an author. I have currently made at least three books-however. I have not published them or anything. (I criticize my writing very seriously). I have never seen a real, professional author in person ever! I thought it was very cool that you came to our school! (Say hi to the Story Monster for me. Haha!)”
Ajo, Arizona
“Thank you so very much for being a part of our Lutheran School’s Week at Gethsemane Lutheran School. I have heard nothing but wonderful things shared by my colleagues. They appreciated your ability to reach all levels of students. Thank you for getting our books to us so quickly! My students can hardly wait to start our literature study on you and your books. There ought to be some great illustrations produced in this one.”