"Language is like music," says Alice McGinty. "When I write, I play with words and ideas, and put them together to create something exciting and new."

Alice B. McGinty is the award-winning author of 40 children's books. Currently, she and her sidekick, a guinea pig named Cookie, are visiting schools to celebrate the release of her newest book, ELIZA'S KINDERGARTEN PET (2010, illustrated by Nancy Speir, Marshall Cavendish)

Her recent nonfiction picture book, DARWIN (2009, biography, illustrated by Mary Azarian, Houghton Mifflin) was awarded a 2010 Orbis Pictus Honor and is included on Booklist's 2009 Top Ten Biographies for Youth. Other recent books include THANK YOU, WORLD (2007, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin, Dial Books) and ELIZA'S KINDERGARTEN SURPRISE (2007, illustrated by Nancy Speir, Marshall Cavendish). Ms. McGinty has written about subjects ranging from tarantulas to nutrition.

"Theres nothing I like better than to share my enthusiasm for books and writing with children," says Ms. McGinty. Her school programs are engaging, energetic, and creative. As well as doing traditional author visits, keynotes, and assemblies, her programs include:

Catch the Rhythm: Using poetry, spoken language, books, and song, participants will catch the rhythm of language. We'll write it, clap it, move it, sing it, and drum it! (Grades K - 3, workshop or assembly)

What's So Funny: From outrageous characters to silly situations, we'll explore humor in writing and practice the skills you need to make your writing funny. (Grades 3 - 6, workshop or assembly)

A Kindergarten Surprise: Like Eliza in, ELIZA'S KINDERGARTEN SURPRISE, students will make Mommy dolls and explore art and writing as outlets for feelings. (Kindergarten workshop)

Conference Presentation: The Psychological Connection - Emotional Power in Writing: Explore the elements which give writing depth and power by uncovering the psychological elements below the surface. This program applies what psychologists have learned about human emotion and behavior to the art of children's literature and writing. (Adults' writers, librarians, teachers)

Alice McGinty is Co-Regional Advisor for SCBWI-Illinois and lives in Urbana, IL with her husband and teenage sons. See her website for more information about her publications and programs.

Contact Information:
Email:alice@mcgintyzone.com
Website: http://www.alicebmcginty.com