W. Nikola-Lisa If you're looking for a program that combines the performance arts, reading and literature, you've come to the right place.  My background is in music, storytelling, and theater.  I have also worked as a summer youth program coordinator and as an elementary school teacher.  Over the last twenty years, I've written close to two dozen picture books for young readers, including Bein’ With You This Way (1994), Shake Dem Halloween Bones (1997), The Year With Grandma Moses (2000), Can You Top That (2000), Summer Sun Risin’ (2002), How We Are Smart (2006), Magic in the Margins (2007), and soon-to-be-released The Dancin' Fox (2010). For my author/storytelling programs, I combine all of my experiences in education and the arts in an action-packed program aimed at inspiring young readers to “catch the literacy bug.”  I juggle scarves, play the harmonica, sing, use puppets, and don silly costumes to demonstrate the various stages and processes related to my writing and publishing experiences.   No venue is too large or too small to address the needs of your audience.  I have given a variety of author/storytelling presentations in classrooms, schools and libraries, at book fairs and young author festivals, and at national and regional literacy conferences.  In any venue, my goal is always the same: to inform the audience—young and old—about the writing and publishing process at the same time I entertain them through the magical world of story.   As one elementary school principal noted after one of my recent presentations, "Nikola brings text to life with music, story and theater.  He captures the audience and takes them on a journey into the creation and life of his books.  An exceptional children's author who hooks students into the reading and writing process."   For more information about my author and storytelling programs, and my current program rates, please visit my website listed on this page.  Also, feel free to call or email me for additional or more specific information. Contact Information: Phone:773.802.4832 E-mail: nikolabooks@gmail.com Web Page: http://www.nikolabooks.com Click here to return to Speakers Directory Click here to return to Main Page