JESSICA HARPER

Actress, Songwriter, Author

BIOGRAPHY I BOOKS I PRESENTATIONS I BOOK ORDERING

Meet An Author and Her Music

Using slides of childhood pictures, Jessica introduces her audience to the origins of her creativity and ideas, from the first book she wrote (at age six) to her most recent title. And, as several of Jessica's books are based on songs from her award-winning CDs, she'll play the musical version of the book to accompany slides of it's illustrations, making the story-telling process lively and unusual. Jessica also provides teachers' guides and, if requested, materials for a book-related craft.

Jessica's presentations range in length from 30-50 minutes, and can be adapted to appeal to all age groups, from pre-school to adult. Groups can be large or small, although the audio/visual equipment must be adjusted to suit the size of the room and the crowd. She can do up to three presentations a day, and two classroom visits if requested.

Classroom Visits:

Jessica also offers an optional classroom visit (20 minutes). Using her own first drafts, f&gs (folded and gathered sheets), and artist's sketches, she explains the process of making a book, from the moment an idea strikes, to the date of publication and beyond. These visits are best suited to small groups (20 children or fewer.) There would be an additional fee for one or two classroom visits.

Special Equipment:

--Rotary slide projector and screen

--A room that can be darkened

--Extension cords and table for the projector

--A good sound system or boom box with CD player

(For larger rooms, please ask Balkin Buddies about special needs.)

Honorarium:

Jessica's honorarium ranges from $650-$1000 a day (plus expenses) depending on the number of presentations, whether a classroom visit is requested, the location, and the available budget. Please contact Balkin Buddies to discuss these details.

For more information about expenses (travel, hotel, and meals), click the "Arrange An Appearance" button and see "General Information on the Cost of an Author Appearance" as well as the 'Honorariums' section near the bottom of "How to Plan an Author Appearance."

References:

--Denise Ross, librarian at the Oakwood School in N. Hollywood, CA

(818-752-4444),  dross@oakwoodschool.org;

--Tom Doar, head of school at North Shore Country Day School, Winnetka , IL

(847-446-0674),  tdoar@nscds.org;

--Linda Friedman, librarian at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, CA

(310-829-7391), address 1714 21st St., Santa Monica, CA 90404;

--Jamie Barsumian at Mrs. Nelson's Book Store, La Verne, CA

(909-599-4558).