Inspiring Children to Read, Write, and Draw…

Selected for a TOP TEN LIST of Great Author Visits by the Pennsylvania School Library Association!

Michael has illustrated over sixty books, written six, and visited over 1,000 schools.

Even reluctant readers and writers will join in on the fun when Michael visits your school. Michael has illustrated over sixty books, written six, and visited over 1,000 schools nationwide inspiring children to read, write, and draw. He speaks to all grades and has books for every grade level. 

Michael relates very well to children and his assembly program relates to your school’s curriculum. He performs multiple assemblies, lunches with children, signs books, and sketches children’s portraits. His Power Point presentation is a behind the scenes look at creating a picture book; he teaches how to tell a story with a picture. Kid-friendly, Michael likes to meet as many children as he can with a handshake, autograph, or greeting.

“You have truly made a difference in the life of a child,” said one librarian. “He is still writing!”

“A wonderful entertaining program. Mr. Dooling is in a class by himself. Staff, students were thrilled.” —School Administrator

“The best school program I’ve seen in 30 years.” —Teacher

“What an amazing experience. The children were captivated by your presentation. We have to share the impact you had through one story. One of our dysgraphic 3rd grade boys who has a very difficult time both reading and writing was inspired to write and illustrate his own story—using both school and weekend time. He is still writing! He came to library this week and jumped right into making you a thank you note. Normally, when he sees paper and pencil, his defenses go up and he will try any tactic to avoid even picking up a pencil. He is still talking about you. Both his homeroom teacher and his Learning Support teacher have had the same experience. You have truly made a difference in the life of a child. His father even stopped in to tell us how much this little boy was writing at home.” —Librarian

“In 20 years of teaching this is absolutely the best assembly our school has ever had. It was over the top. The kids were totally enthralled with Michael.” —Kris/Teacher PA

“The children were so attentive…you could have heard a pin drop!” —Becky/Teacher NJ “… a student on the autism spectrum truly enjoyed the special moments with you…” —Teacher NC

“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

“The best school program I’ve seen in 30 years.” —Shirley/Teacher RI

“You captivated the audience, from Kindergarten to faculty. Your interaction with the children kept the assembly alive…” —Kathy/Teacher PA

“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

“You have truly made a difference in the life of a child, ” said one librarian. “He is still writing!” “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. To 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.

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