FAQs for award-winning children's book author Scott Sussman

What are your presentations about?

My FIRST PRESENTATION entertains ages 3 to 6. I show the students how reading can be fun, and funny, and explain why exercising our minds and imaginations is important. I emphasize that reading’s not just a scholastic endeavor but includes whatever you enjoy reading: novels, comic strips, magazines, newspapers, etc. My books also have messages and I talk about those, and how reading can build character and help you to be happier, healthier, and more successful in everything you do. The presentation is entertaining, informative, and inspiring.

My SECOND PRESENTATION suits ages 6 to 10. I focus on the writing process, i.e. the tools and techniques writers use to bring stories to life: similes and metaphors, writing with the senses, showing versus telling. This presentation is more interactive as I give the students examples of each technique and then together we work to make humdrum sentences more engaging and dynamic. As a group, we utilize our creativity and exercise our imaginations. We even write a story together.

My THIRD PRESENTATION targets ages 10 to 16. I discuss the magic of reading and writing, the power of words. I also introduce my Keys to Succeed: believe in yourself, manage your time wisely, prioritize, set long and short-term goals and achieve them, learn to listen and follow directions, and have a positive attitude. I then segue into finding and following a dream of your own and how to make that dream a reality.

How long are your presentations?

My full-length presentations last 45 minutes, but if your school schedule requires me to shorter them, I can trim them down to 40, 35, or 30 minutes, and even shorter if necessary for five year olds or younger. Whatever is best for your students and staff is fine for me.

Can you sign the books?

Yes, after each presentation I can sign any books the students purchase. To allow time for the students to line up and “meet the author” while I sign their books, some schools leave 10-15 minute breaks between presentations.

How much work is your visit for us?

After thousands of presentations at hundreds of schools I’ve made the experience as smooth as possible on the coordinator’s end. I provide a sample order form in English (and Spanish, if requested), and on the day of the presentation will need only a table, chair, and microphone.

What are your books’ messages?

SILLY THE SEED

Everyone is special for one reason or another but you have to discover and embrace what’s special about you and then build on that foundation.

WEIRD THE BEARD

Choose your friends wisely because your friends have a major influence on whom you are and they also help determine who you grow up to be.

LERKY THE HANDTURKEY

Learn to see the positive side of every situation, because it’s always there, and know that, if you do your best, whatever happens will be for the best.

FRED AND THE MONSTER (Independent Publisher Award Winner 2015)

Courage can come from unlikely places and often the thing you’re afraid of is just as afraid of you. Facing your fears is necessary to overcome them.

MARK AND THE MOLECULE MAKER

Mistakes are not mistakes if you learn the lesson. So take responsibility for your actions and know that righting the wrong is never too late.

MARK AND THE MOLECULE MAKER 2: The Lightning Jungle

No day exists without night, or right without wrong. One of life’s greatest challenges is to help good triumph over evil.

MARK AND THE MOLECULE MAKER 3: The Underground Mountain

Never give up. Believe in yourself and work hard to succeed, and there’s a chance you will.

THE SHINING ADVENTURES OF SHELPA MCSTORM

Integrity and determination can help you conquer challenging experiences.

Could you share some comments regarding your presentations?

“Scott’s one of the best presentations that an author has ever given to our students, and I’ve seen a few! He was energetic, enthusiastic and engaging.”

-Sr. Cecilia, Director, St. Jeanne de Lestonnac School, Tustin, CA

“My son and daughter, along with the rest of the student body (700 kiddos), were so excited to have a very talented author visit us today. Today all of us (yes, even the teachers and parents present), had our belief in reading validated to a whole new level. Reading is power. Imagination is priceless. Writing words on paper is free and unique. Thanks again Scott Sussman for showing our kids the value of a word.”

-Bertha A. Loaiza, Pence Elementary School, San Diego, CA

“Scott Sussman was totally fantastic! He didn’t charge for the presentation, sent everything ahead of time to preview books with all classes, and had order forms ready to give to teachers in English and in Spanish…making it so easy!!! I previewed books in the library, showed the videos, and had the teachers collect and hold onto the $ and orders til they came to the assembly. Scott made everything easy and seamless. Contact him right away! He was great!!”

-Katherine Tacea, Librarian, Lafayette Elementary, Long Beach, CA

“Thanks so much for your visit. Your presentation was funny and engaging! The students were fascinated with your command over words. Your stories are exciting, touching, and have great morals. Thank you… and maybe we can make this an annual event. Thanks again.”

-William Skelly, Principal, Heninger Elementary School, Santa Ana, CA

“I am in awe of the positive impression you made on my girls during your visit today at Stone Ranch Elementary. They were enthralled by all the stories you shared with them about your writing and life experiences and stories. I wish I could have been there today too, but I feel like I almost was, as my kindergartener and 2nd grader have been sharing your stories, quotes, and snippets with us all evening, and were so inspired that they started excitedly writing their own books! Thank you so much for your generous gifts of time and enthusiasm for the children, and the positive values that you promote through your stories and visits.”

-Jennifer Hill, Mother, Stone Ranch Elementary, San Diego, CA

“Jeanne and I just wanted to take a minute and thank you so much for your visit, your presentations, and your terrific books! Many of the other teachers have also commented on how much their kids enjoyed your assemblies as well as Literacy Night that evening! It was a very successful Literacy Week thanks to a huge part to you! Please keep in touch, and we hope to have you back at California Elementary School in the near future!”

-Jeanne Allen & Vikki Clifford JJ; Kindergarten Teachers & Literacy Week Coordinators, California Elementary School, Costa Mesa, CA

“Scott brings an engaging and funny presentation to the kids with the message of the love of reading and, more importantly, writing. He can adjust his lecture for younger or older kids depending on the age level. So far, he has published six books, all picture books which are funny, but each has its own lesson with a message. Also, his books are perfect for primary classes.”

-Annette Holst, Librarian, Crosby Elementary, Garden Grove, CA

“Thank you so much for providing such an inspiring and motivating experience for our Gators! Our students love your books and truly enjoyed your visit. Your time and dedication to giving back to the community and inspiring young children is truly appreciated!”

-Kasey Klappenback, Principal, Garfield Elementary School, Santa Ana, CA

“My students loved Silly the Seed. We are looking forward to your new books. Thank you also for a very entertaining and educational presentation.”

-Jessica Nguyen, 1st grade teacher, Carrillo Elementary School, Westminster, CA

“You were the high talk of the week! I have to tell you that my student, Roman, has not let Weird the Beard out of his hands….literally!!! He’s taken it to recess and lunch, on the playground, everywhere with him. It’s adorable!”

-Kim Cox, 4th grade teacher, Westminster, CA

“Our grandson’s favorite book is SILLY THE SEED. He loves it, knows every word of the book and makes his parents read it to him every day. Honestly, to get such a rave review from my 3 yr. old grandson is really something. SILLY THE SEED is his all-time favorite.”

-Mary Tesoriero, grandparent

“THANK YOU sooo MUCH for your awesome assembly! The kids raved about you! Keep writing those wonderful books!”

-Teresa Valmonte, Bathgate Elementary PTA, Mission Viejo, CA

“A BIG hit with students and staff. Scott’s stories and words of wisdom are engaging and inspirational. Though he was here months ago, the kids are still talking about him and his books!”

-Tara Minton, Kindergarten Teacher, Lewis Elementary School, Downey, California

“Scott is funny and inspiring! His love for children is evident and his message is clear: Live, laugh, love.”

-Kristen Barnett, First Grade Teacher, Cornerstone Elementary, Redondo Beach, California

“Scott Sussman makes words come alive and he accomplishes this feat not only through his authorship of outstanding children’s books, but by the engaging manner in which he presents to the students.”

-Marc Ecker, PhD, Retired Superintendent, Fountain Valley School District

“Scott appeals to children as well as the young at heart. He and his presentation are educational and entertaining!”

-Brooke A. Howland, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Education, USC

Which schools and locations have you presented at?

ABC Learning Center

San Diego, California

Acacia Elementary School

Fullerton, California

Adams Elementary School

Costa Mesa, California

Adams Elementary School

Santa Ana, California

Adobe Bluffs Elementary School

San Diego, California

Alcott Elementary School

San Diego, California

Alderwood Elementary School

Irvine, California

All-Star Academy

San Diego, California

Alvarado Elementary School

Long Beach, California

America’s Finest Charter School

San Diego, California

AmeriMont Academy

Anaheim Hills, California

Anaheim Hills Elementary School

Anaheim, California

Arnold Elementary School

Buena Park, California

Ashley Falls Elementary School

San Diego, California

Aspire Firestone Academy

South Gate, California

Aspire Gateway Academy

South Gate, California

Aspire Huntington Park Charter School

Huntington Park, California

Austin Jewish Academy

Austin, Texas

Avondale Elementary School

Spring Valley, California

Balsz Elementary School

Phoenix, Arizona

Baskin Elementary School

San Antonio, Texas

Bathgate Elementary School

Mission Viejo, California

Beacon Park School

Irvine, California

Beaumont Elementary School

Vista, California

Beechwood Elementary School

Fullerton, California

Bel-Aire Elementary School

Miami, Florida

Beswick Elementary School

Tustin, California

Birney Elementary School

San Diego, California

Bixby Elementary School

Long Beach, California

Boggy Creek Elementary School

Kissimmee, Florida

Bonsall Elementary School

Oceanside, California

Bonsall West Elementary School

Oceanside, California

Boone Elementary School

San Diego, California

Borton Magnet School

Tucson, Arizona

Bostonia Language Academy

El Cajon, California

Boys & Girls Club Huntington Beach Branch

Huntington Beach, California

Boys & Girls Club of Kingston Branch

Fountain Valley, California

Breeze Hill Elementary School

Vista, California

Bryant Ranch Elementary School

Yorba Linda, California

Buckley School

New York, New York

Cabrillo Elementary School

San Diego, California

Cadence Park K-8

Irvine, California

Cadman Elementary School

San Diego, California

Calavera Hills Elementary School

Carlsbad, California

Calavera Hills Middle School

Carlsbad, California

California Elementary School

Costa Mesa, California

Camarena Elementary School

Chula Vista, California

Canyon View Elementary School

Irvine, California

Canyon View Elementary School

San Diego, California

Carlsbad Village Fair

Carlsbad, California

Carlton Oaks School

Santee, California

Carrillo Elementary School

Westminster, California

Casa de Oro Elementary School

Spring Valley, California

Castille Elementary School

Mission Viejo, California

Chai Tots Preschool

Irvine, California

Chaparral Elementary School

Ladera Ranch, California

Cherokee Point Elementary School

San Diego, California

Chet F. Harritt School

Santee, California

Christ Church Day School

Coronado, California

Christ Lutheran School

Brea, California

Christ Lutheran School

Costa Mesa, California

Christ the Cornerstone Academy

San Diego, California

Cielo Vista Elementary School

Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Circle View Elementary School

Huntington Beach, California