JAMES RANSOME & LESA CLINE-RANSOME

BIOGRAPHY I BOOKS I PRESENTATIONS I BOOK ORDERING

James Ransome's Presentations:

What is the length and content of my program?
40 to 60 minutes. This is how I structure my program: I make opening remarks that last about 2 minutes.  During my slide presentation, I discuss my introduction to the field of children's books, the variety of projects I have illustrated, the artistic influences on my work, where I work, how I do research, and the different stages of the children's book process. I like to take questions for 10-15 minutes and end with a drawing demonstration that includes student participation. The program usually lasts about 40 minutes for grades 1-2 and 45-60 minutes for grades 3-8. For kindergarten children, I do not present slides. Instead, I prefer to do a 10-15 minute question/answer session and drawing demonstration for a small group. To give my best to the students, three sessions a day is the limit. Detailed schedule must be sent to me at least two weeks prior to visit. Please group students according to grade level for presentations.

What do I need to have on hand the day of the presentation?

---Slide projector with an extra bulb

---Easel

---Ten 27x34 (AMPAD) sheets of paper per presentation

---Two (non-toxic) colored magic markers of different colors

---Drinking water or fruit juice (cranberry, apple or ruby-red grapefruit preferred)

---A room that can be darkened for an effective slide presentation

Flight preferences: Window seat, non-smoking. Early morning flight (any time after 6:00 AM from Stewart) or next to the last flight the evening before.

Lesa Cline-Ransome's Presentations:

Mrs. Ransome's presentation complements her husband's and offers a glimpse into the collaborative efforts of this husband and wife team.  Her needs and preferences are similar to Mr. Ransome's.

Honorarium:

$2,200 a day, plus expenses* - for James (this may be somewhat negotiable)

$  800 a day, plus expenses* - for Lesa

*Included in expenses: The car service for James Ransome typically charges $150 from his home to LaGuardia.  As an alternative, he can drive to Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY, and the gas mileage would be cheaper, but all of the flights from this airport have connections at hubs and they are more expensive. Jet Blue and US Air are the main airlines from Stewart. The car service he uses is On Target Richie Transportation (telephone 914-739-5208). The flights are so inexpensive from LaGuardia, it is sometimes worth the $150 to get there.  Also, all flights from LaGuardia are direct, so there is less possibility of missed connections/delays. 

To further discuss the honorarium, please contact Balkin Buddies via phone or email.

Please note that the honorarium should be presented to the Ransome's following the last presentation on the last day.

For further information, especially about the 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:

Ellen Rubin
Library Media Specialist
Wallkill Senior High School
90 Robinson Drive/PO Box 310
Wallkill, New York 12589
845.895.7150
Fax: 845.895.8021
erubin@wallkillcsd.k12.ny.us

Hannah Owen
Deputy Director
Youth Services Librarian
Hickory Public Library
375 3rd Street N.E.
Hickory NC 28601
Tel. 828-304-0500 ext. 246
mail HOwen@ci.hickory.nc.us
Hannah said of his April 3, 2006 appearance: James's programs were wonderful. He really engaged the children. His combination of a visual presentation and hands-on activities was perfect. I would highly recommend him to other schools and libraries!