Patrick Jennings

What Tiger will do when he visits your school:

• Hold large groups of students (grades K-12) absolutely spellbound with riveting, side-splitting stories, anecdotes, drawings, and slide shows.
• Lead exciting workshops that will have students yelling, “Get out of my way! I want to write!”
• Incorporate classroom curriculum into presentations whenever possible. (Note: some subjects that have not fared well in the past include the gastrointestinal tract of the frog, tetherball, and pi.)
• Have informal lunchtime chats with students, provided that under no circumstances is he obligated to consume any foodlike substances prepared in school lunch kitchens.
• Answer incisive student questions like, “Do you know anybody famous?”, “Are you rich?” and “Dude, where did you get those shoes?”
• Sign books, so order heaps.

What he won’t do:

• Sell raffle tickets.
• Sign other author’s books. (Don’t laugh. He's been asked.)
• Bus duty.
• Rap.

Will he do "virtual" school visits (via Skype, e.g.):

      Yes, he will. Contact him at the address below to discuss length and possible cost.

What adults have said about him:

From the blog of fifth grade teacher, Jordan Henrichs:

"On Monday morning our fifth graders had the opportunity to sit down with Patrick (Or Pato as we are now allowed to call him because we are friends) and listen to him speak about writing books, wanting a dog, and the deaths of many pets. He was wildly engaging and the students loved him!

While reading GUINEA DOG, I was marveled at Jennings's dialogue and the way he was able to create such an authentic, realistic first person narrative. As someone who aspires to write their own novel(s) for children someday, this was my burning question I wanted answered. Give me tips! How do you get inside the mind of a pubescent boy? I didn't take advantage of the opportunity to ask him because I didn't need to. Within minutes of meeting the man the answer was obvious. He's a big kid himself!

A former preschool teacher, Jennings loves children. He hosts writing groups of children in his own home (Pato's Cave) and he admitted to learning more from them than they probably learn from him. The presentation he gave us was totally centered around the kids. No PowerPoint presentation. No bulleted outline to follow. Just Patrick Jennings and an easel. We arrived at 9 o'clock for an hour long experience (his first of many throughout the week) and at 9:45 he glanced at his watch and asked "How long do I have you for?" It felt like we had only been listening to him for 15 minutes! (We didn't leave until 10:20, stretching out 20 more minutes than we should have). He was so personable and so engaging. He really made the kids feel like he was there for them. He even jotted down some of their names to possibly use in future books!

We have hosted a lot of authors through Cedar Valley's Youth Read and entering this year, Patrick Jennings was probably the one I knew the least about. That being said, he is easily the one I have enjoyed the most.

Now I have some reading to catch up on . . . 15 books worth!"

 

“Rave reviews came to us from students, parents, and teachers. Patrick is a dynamic, vivacious, and exuberant presenter.”—Marie Weltz, young authors conference coordinator, Mt. Vernon, Washington

“Patrick made each child feel important, continuing to answer questions even as students were filing out. Since his trip I have not been able to keep his books on my shelves. I can guarantee that he will be returning.”—Beth Thames, school librarian, Aldine, Texas

“Parents and students were buzzing in the days after Patrick's visit. I received, the very next day, a letter by one of the mothers in attendance, who wrote: ‘It is by exposure to real-life authors like Patrick, who are engaging and passionate about their work, that further excites children to read and to dream about what they might create and achieve.’”—Tina A. Kubasek, teacher, Whittier, California

What kids have said:

“I believe your achievements are a credit to your talent.”—James, age 10, Edmonton, Ontario

“Trust me. All my class likes your books. They like you better than any other author.”—Tara, 5th Grade, Beirut, Lebanon

“It was fun very fun. I liked it when you scared us.”—Jesse, 3rd Grade, Tucson, Arizona

“I loved your presentations at my school. Are you rich?”—Vincent, 6th Grade, Schertz, Texas

Where to contact him:

pjennings@patrickjennings.com

Or you can contact Scholastic at 1-800-SCHOLASTIC to arrange a visit and as well as order the scads of books you'll be selling during it.

Drawing of Tiger by Danitza

Upside-Down Photo of Tiger by Odette

 

© 2004 Patrick Jennings