I’m a former elementary school teacher who loves having the opportunity to share my picture books with children. I have given over two hundred “visiting author/illustrator” residencies at schools throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

Residencies can last from one day to over a week. During a typical one-hour presentation I talk about the various stages in writing a book, from rough draft to finished manuscript, stressing the importance of revising. If time allows, I do some quick sketching and give students a few tips that they can use with their own illustrations. If desired, I can work with individual classrooms where I do some storytelling and get the students started on a creative writing activity of their own.

	I helped kick off Meadowview Elementary's Book Week celebration on November 12th in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

I have presented to groups as large as 180, but prefer presenting to smaller groups of no more than seventy-five students at a time. I am able to perform up to five presentations per day, each up to an hour in length. My fee is $600 per day for residencies in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, $700 per day plus expenses for residencies outside the Metro area, and $800 per day plus expenses for residencies outside of Minnesota.

Feel free to contact me with any questions; I’d love to visit your school!

Comments from past visits:

“The staff and students are still talking about the three days David spent with us. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed his presentations; he captivated all with his stories and practical ideas. He convinced all of the students (and staff) that they have what it takes to be a writer. The staff found having someone with his expertise and experience added credibility to the lessons he presented. We are already planning when we can have him come back for a longer period of time. We want to make his visit an annual event.”

—Patrick Flynn, principal, Edward Neill Elementary, Burnsville, MN

“The teachers couldn’t say enough wonderful things about David! As one teacher put it, ‘He even had the kindergarteners!’ When David was teaching, the students in grades K through sixth were mesmerized.”

—Christie Walter, Title I reading teacher, Horizons Elementary, Appleton, WI

“Listening to David LaRochelle, I felt like one of the students. He captured the attention of all of us as he turned foolishness into fantasy. He made us laugh, listen, and learn as he entertained us with pictures and words. What a gift he was to all of us. When my fifth graders returned to class, we spent time writing in our Writer’s Workshop journal using inspiration gained from our time with Mr. LaRochelle. The students asked, ‘May we draw, too, and use the whole page like David said?’ I knew then that he had made a wonderful impact on all of us!”

—Paula Zotalis, fifth grade teacher, Faribault Public Schools, MN

“David came into my classroom to work with my honors English students in ninth grade as they prepared to write and illustrate a book for their second grade pen pals. He gave students the confidence they needed to write unique stories and illustrate, without being accomplished artists. His real life examples and experiences inspired my students. Their finished products were excellent. Thanks, David.”

—Anne Schaeffer, teacher, Oak-Land Junior High, Lake Elmo, MN

“David LaRochelle captures the attention of his audience with his ‘down to earth,’ calm, gentle nature. His respectful affirmation of student ideas provides an environment that encourages students to think, imagine, and create.”

—Audrey Webster, second grade teacher, Lake Ripley Elementary, Litchfield, MN

“David carefully explains all aspects of writing a story and getting it published, yet is careful to explain the struggles he himself has encountered as a writer. Parents and students comment year after year about what a memorable and inspirational experience it was to have him work with our students.”

—Margot Brooks, third grade teacher, Turtle Lake Elementary, Shoreview, MN