| I've written and illustrated more than fifty children's books. These include beast feast, winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, insectlopedia, a national bestseller featured on National Public Radio and The Today Show, mammalabilia, winner of the Claudia Lewis Poetry Award and a New York Times "Best Illustrated Book of the Year", and Dinothesaurus, which received starred reviews from School Library Journal, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly.
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This spring my new book UnBEElievables: Honeybee Poems was featured on NBC Learn, and my title Poem Runs: Baseball Poems was starred in a Publishers Weekly review. Next fall Shiver Me Timbers will be published. It's already received starred reviews from School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews. I have presented my poetry at The White House, Carnegie Hall, and The Museum of Modern Art.
I've also visited more than 500 schools as an author/artist. In my high energy presentations to students I illuminate the entire process of creating a book, using humor and audience participation to generate excitement and understanding. I discuss where I get my ideas, and show my original artwork, as well as the printer's proofs. I demonstrate how the editor and designer work with me to improve the text and art of the book.
From there I move on to poetry, relating its different elements, such as rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration. I recite poems from my books of humorous verse while holding up blowups of the illustrations. I then finish with a large‑scale drawing demonstration (kids love it!) and answers questions. I gives up to four presentations in a day, each one lasting about 45 minutes.
For more info email: Laugheteria at aol.com
An in-depth interview of Douglas Florian can be found at: http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1624
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Shiver Me Timbers! poems by Douglas Florian pictures by Robert Neubecker (Beach Lane)
"Arr! 'Tis a bonny day indeed when piratical inclinations are recorded with such florid nastiness as that found in this stellar collection of seagoing poems for salty dogs. It's hard to imagine a pirate poetry book half as much fun as the one conjured up here."
-- Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2012, *STARRED
"Kids, boys especially, will be charmed by these feisty poems."
-- School Library Journal, August 2012, *STARRED
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| UnBeelievables: Honeybee Poems and Paintings (Beach Lane)
"Florian (Poetrees, 2010, etc.) bestows yet another pleasing mix of punny poems and colorful collages that blend whimsy and fact.... Spreads like "Swarm" epitomize Florian's skill at combining pithy rhymes, well-chosen facts and playfully tongue-in-cheek pictures.... Design is crisp.... Florian shines again here."
-- Kirkus Reviews, March 6, 2012
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| Poem Runs: Baseball Poems (Harcourt)
"This one's a blast."
Publishers Weekly starred review
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| Dinothesaurus: Prehistoric Poems and Paintings
Four starred reviews
"This smart marriage of dinosaurs and poetry will delight a wide audience."
School Library Journal starred review
Awards and Nominations
Bank Street Best Books of the Year,
Beehive Award Master List (UT),
Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee (KS)
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Poetrees
"Trees recieve a witty and informative rhyming appreciation...the poems live up to his usual high standard...Readers and listeners will learn and laugh."
Kirkus Reviews
A CBC/NSTA Outstandng Science Book for Children
Comet, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings (Harcourt)
Featured on Oprah.com
"Stunning mixed-media illustrations accompany a series of poems that celebrate the wonder and mystery of space."
"Kirkus Reviews starred review
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| Comet, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings (Harcourt)
Featured on Oprah.com
"Stunning mixed-media illustrations accompany a series of poems that celebrate the wonder and mystery of space."
"Kirkus Reviews starred review
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Fees:
My fee is $1800 for three presentations and $2,000 for four presentations
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Testimonials:
"Douglas Florian has written a wide variety of books, especially poetry that will appeal to all ages of children. Both before and after his visit his books fly off the library shelves. I highly recommend his visit to any school!!!"
Margaret Menger P.S. 182 Queens, New York City (a school I visited eight times)
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"I must tell you that you have an innate talent where you foster full participation in a wide range of students (grades K-7) by using an extensive repertoire of strategies that meet their interest and prior knowledge learning experiences. Your innovative presentation created an atmosphere that was felt around the entire school."
Gloria Smith, Retired Assistant Principal, P.S. 1 Bronx, New York and currently Director of Early Childhood Center of Greenburgh Hebrew Center, Dobbs Ferry NY.
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For more information:
Please contact Douglas at Laugheteria at aol.com
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