Events
September 30, 2023 - Chappaqua Children's Book Festival 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
April 1, 2023 - Poughkeepsie Book Festival, Poughkeepsie, NY 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
January 28, 2023 - Story time with Kirsti Call at lala books, Lowell, MA 2 p.m.
November 8, 2022 - 10 a.m. - Wellesley Books- story time with Kirsti Call and Carrie Finison
November 12, 2022- Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, MA. The Fair will run from 1-4 pm.
October 6, 2022 - Winchester Authorfest, Winchest MA public schools - author presentation and book signing
School Visits
I am a retired fourth grade teacher with 35 years experience. I have my Masters’ degree in reading and language, and have been a published author since 2008. I do an interactive presentation for one classroom or an assembly, talking about writing and tips for improving a student’s writing, the writing process, revision, being an author, etc., including many points I know are important for elementary students to hear. Writing, reading, and language standards will be touched on during this program.
Grades 3-5: 60 minutes, with time for Q and A.
Grades K-2: 30-45 minutes, with time for Q and A.
Fees:
Whole day, within 50 miles of Andover, MA: $850.00 with a negotiable fee to go back into individual classrooms to work on their writing with them on a different day.
For schools more than 50 miles from Andover, MA a moderate flat fee (to be discussed) will be added for mileage, meals, and lodging if needed.
A basic school visit includes three presentations per day and a book signing.
Skype visits are also available if an in-person visit is not possible. Contact cekster@aol.com to discuss author visits further.
Carol is also available to present the workshop - "Using Picture Books to Enhance Curriculum for Elementary Students," at faculty meetings, workshops, or conferences.
AWARDS AND HONORS
You Know What? was a finalist for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards 2018 in the Northeast Region.
You Know What? received a literary award: CLEL (Colorodo Library Early Literacy) Bell Picture Book Awards Nominee for Talk (2018)
Before I Sleep: I Say Thank You, Pauline Books and Media, 2015 went into its fourth printing!! It received 3rd place for the Catholic Press Association's Book Awards 2016, and was a finalist for ACP's Excellence in Publishing Awards 2016.
Children's Literary Classics selected Ruth the Sleuth and The Messy Room to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval. The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.