2010-08-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hello and thanks for visiting my school visit blog!

I'm Barb Odanaka---children's book author, world traveler, journalist and skateboarder. I also have an alter ego: Skateboard Cow!

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!

My first book, published by Putnam.

Telling students about where I get my ideas.

My latest book, from Simon & Schuster, stars Skateboard Cow!

Skateboard Cow is one bodacious bovine!

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!

Like students, authors must revise, revise, revise!

I share a few writing samples from my youngest days, including my very first book report, which, after mistakenly copying my selected book word for word, taught me one of life's greatest lessons: Listen to your teacher!

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.

Popping an ollie, per a student's request.

Kids love Skateboard Cow's tricks!

All my books were published with major publishers--Putnam and Simon & Schuster--and have perfect 5-star customer ratings (unsolicited!) on Amazon.com. I have been on Good Morning America, National Public Radio, CBS' The Early Show 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.)

Watch CBS News Videos Online

One of the highlights of my show is when I put the school principal (or other willing authority figure) on a skateboard for an introductory lesson. Don't worry--I bring a complete set of safety gear (and then some) and keep a tight hold of my special "student" as I gently roll him or her across the stage. This makes for a fantastic photo opportunity and a scene the students (and staff) rarely forget!

Another principal gets on board.

Skateboard Cow offers some pointers.

Principals get rock star treatment after their skateboard lesson!

For the younger crowd, I typically concentrate on my shorter, second book, Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes The Trash!, which focuses on a day in the life of two hungry trash trucks.

Like all my books, Smash! Mash! Crash! is written in a rollicking rhyme with lots of fun wordplay. Here's an excerpt:

Gooey, gloppy. Slimy, sloppy.
Truck's a rolling bug buffet.
Flies a-buzzin' by the dozen--
Lapping up that cheese souffle´.

Depending on the age and stage of the audience, I can also work in lessons about the importance of recycling, and some "fascinating facts" about trash. I have a large bag filled with a variety of "trashy" props that little ones really enjoy, like my ever-growing collection of soft, plump rodents.

A few of my child-friendly props--I've got dozens.

A preschool storytime.

Of course, like all authors, I love to autograph books for my young fans. I feel autographing in person is best so I can make that face-to-face connection with each child. For an author, there's nothing like getting to meet and greet each young reader as they watch, wide-eyed, as a real-live author signs their book!

An enthusiastic fan!

Book sales can be handled directly by the school, a local bookstore, or myself. Some schools order my books directly from my publishers then sell the books themselves as a fundraiser. Click here to see a sample book order form, sent home with the students 1-2 weeks before my visit.

I hope this has given you some idea of what I offer during my school visits. In the days to come, I will add detailed descriptions of my various school programs, offer advice on how to turn an author visit into a school fundraiser, and provide tips on how to put together the best book event possible.

If you'd like to learn more about me or my books, please visit my website: www.skateboardmom.com

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at barb @ skateboardmom.com

Happy reading!

Barb Odanaka

My cat, Leopard, oversees every word I write!

Skateboard Mom book trailer

A Crazy Day at the Critter Cafe from Patty Pantalones on Vimeo.

Bonus feature!
Skateboard Cow goes to camp and rides the ramp!

Skateboard Cow rides the mini ramp! from Skateboard Mom on Vimeo.

Author Visits by Barb Odanaka!