Please visit my website by clicking HERE.
I'm Barb Odanaka—children's book author, world traveler, journalist and skateboarder. I also have an alter ego: Skateboard Cow!
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| Children love having their picture taken with Skateboard Cow! |
I have performed more than 100 shows for schools, libraries and community events. You can learn more about me and my books on my website, www.skateboardmom.com. This blog details my in-person appearances. (If you want just the basics, click here.)
I'm based in Laguna Beach, California, but travel around the U.S. to entertain and inspire school children. I perform as "Skateboard Mom" as well as "Skateboard Cow." Both are characters from my books. Of course, I can also perform as "Barb Odanaka," if that's your preference!
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| My first book, published by Putnam. |
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| Telling students about where I get my ideas. |
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| My latest book, from Simon & Schuster, stars Skateboard Cow! |
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| Skateboard Cow is one bodacious bovine! |
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| A hidden battery-powered fan keeps Cow nice and puffy. |
Although I may look silly, I take my school appearances very seriously. I know that my performance might actually inspire a child to become a real-life author like myself someday! I also know children need inspiring role models, so I emphasize the importance of hard work, diligence and patience--as well as the wonderful feeling one experiences at a job well done!
My presentation can be customized for any age or audience but typically starts with a lively reading of one of my books. I follow that with a brief talk combining my passion for reading and writing with my love of skateboarding. I tell the students that learning to read and write well is like learning to skateboard. There will always be setbacks, some more painful than others! But if you stick it out, and work through the tough stuff, the rewards will be great. And great fun!
I use a slide show to illustrate how a book comes to be--from the first "aha" moment to the finished treasure. I talk about the importance of revision and how working with an editor is like working with a teacher--they are there to help you do your best work!
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| Like students, authors must revise, revise, revise! |
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| An early writing project (hopefully I've improved). |
Depending on the age and stage of audience members, I might include a few words on my former life as a Los Angeles Times sports reporter, or the year I spent writing travel stories while backpacking around the world. As a middle-aged woman who rides a skateboard, I enjoy demonstrating how stereotypes are not to be believed! Of course, I top off every show with a few skateboard tricks--indoors or out.
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| Popping an ollie, per a student's request. |
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| Kids love Skateboard Cow's tricks! |
All my books were published with major publishers--Putnam and Simon & Schuster--and have excellent customer ratings (unsolicited!) on Amazon.com. I have been on Good Morning America, National Public Radio, CBS' The Early Show, BBC and many others. If desired, I can bring an abbreviated clip from one or more of those TV segments. It can make for a fun introduction as I roll onto the stage.
Over the years, I've found that many students don't actually believe that a "mom" like myself can ride a skateboard---until they see it in person. I relish the opportunity to show both boys and girls that anything is possible, regardless of age, stage, gender, etc.
Some schools incorporate my assembly into a lengthier Social Studies project for older children about women's history or gender stereotypes. This clip from The Early Show makes for an excellent resource for that. Where else can you find an 80 year old granny skateboarder? (Note: this starts with a 30-second commercial.)
