“You captivated the audience, from Kindergarten to faculty. Your interaction with the children kept the assembly alive…”
—Kathy Lavin, Presentation School
GALLERY
LESSON PLANS
BOOKS
BIO
COMING SOON
INDEX
EMAIL
Michael's program and books relate directly to school curriculums and Michael relates very well to children. His program is a mixture of an art lesson and a history lesson.

"The best author/illustrator who has come to my school in 14 years." —Jan/Teacher, OH

"In 13 years of illustrator/author visits only you captured the attention of everyone, including kindergarten." —Renee/Librarian, MI

" His gentle manner and soothing voice convey a meaningful message." —Linda/Teacher, NJ

School Visit Pictures

Michael’s school visit takes you through the whole process of illustrating a picture book. He, and his wife Jane, arrive at 8am and spend the entire school day. He performs multiple 45 minute assemblies, has lunch with students/teachers, and signs books. The program is for all grades (K-8) as each assembly is tailored to the age group that he is speaking to and includes a costume intro, a 15 minute slide show, a 15 minute painting demo, and a question/answer period.

Michael is dressed in a colonial costume and goes on to explain how he, and family and friends pose in costume for various characters in his books. “Everyday at my house is like Halloween,” Michael says.

He teaches:

  • He gives you a line of text, breaks it down and shows you how to illustrate it.
  • How to tell a story with a picture
  • The process of creating a book: researching, models in costume, the dummy, the painting process, working with the editor.
  • The role of the illustrator is like a movie director: he sets the stage, the lights, directs the actors
  • The relationship of the text and the art; why did he make that picture for those words?
He interacts:
  • He asks questions throughout the assembly.
  • He puts his ideas on a child’s level.
He demonstrates:
  • How to draw with simple shapes
  • How to mix colors
  • How to paint a face, explaining the process as he goes along

The program will leave you with a clear understanding of what a children’s book illustrator does. And, since his books are historic in nature, a history lesson, as well.

What Librarians, Principals, PTA Parents and Teachers Are Saying about Michael Dooling’s School Visit

"We all feel yours was the best we ever had. You followed all the basic tenets of a well-planned instructional lesson for children…appeal to a variety of learning styles, well-paced, interactive, engaging…we were so impressed with your skill in handling our children…and your breadth of knowledge."
—Lynda Massingill Colfax School

"A wonderful entertaining program. Mr. Dooling is in a class by himself. Staff, students were thrilled."
—Edward Gibson, Chesterfield School Administrator

“Michael what tremendous talent you have—not only artistically, but in your rapport with children. T o keep the attention of young children is quite a feat, and you accomplish it in such an entertaining, informative way.”
—Jeanne Brown, Librarian Kelly School

“Your visit was a total success!! Teachers and other staff members are still coming up to me when they see me to let me know how wonderful your presentation was. You have a great gift for engaging children and adults alike, both through your art and in person.”
—Pat Parker, PTA Lewisburg Area School District

“Thank you for the wonderful day that you spent with us. The students are still talking about it and our staff has had only positive things to say. Michael, you were so patient and kind to the children. Thanks for a great St Patrick’s Day.”
—Mary Dancer, Librarian New Egypt Elementary School

“Slides, drawings, framed paintings, costumes, and your drawing materials were intertwined with your wit and charm to create an excellent presentation for our multi-aged students, teachers and parent visitors..”
—Loretta Savidge, Principal Samuel Mickle School

“Your visit is an experience that our students will always remember. Your drawings and program were very inspirational…I only wish that every school could have the opportunity to experience your presence and program.”
—Kathy Wislock, Queen of Peace School

“I wanted to share with you the very positive experience my K-5 school had last week with Michael Dooling...I heard very good things from all the different grade levels. And, on top of everything, the Art Teacher came running to meet him, because she heard the fifth graders talking about the assembly and how wonderful it was…”
—Nadine Lipman, Librarian Cohanzie Elementary School.

For additional references or to schedule a school visit you may contact Michael at 856-546-6507 or e-mail him at michaeldooling@comcast.net.

Inspire children to read history and draw!

GALLERY
LESSON PLANS
BOOKS
BIO
COMING SOON
INDEX
EMAIL