Reviews from Successful Author Visits at Schools

• “Our students (K-5th) loved Curt Nelson's 'Top Secret' program.  The kids came to the library wanting all the books he presented in the program and parents called and emailed saying their children loved the library program.”
  -Karen Huebschman, Teacher/Librarian, Fisher's Landing Elementary, Vancouver, WA

• “I have been bringing authors and illustrators into my building for the past eleven years and his program is one of the best that we have ever had.” - Margo Cunningham, Librarian, Fidalgo Elementary, Anacortes, WA 

• “'Top Secret' was an incredible assembly that was engaging, informing and entertaining! Curt is able to integrate all the library information into his hour-long presentation, while using humor and magic! What stands out most is his ability to entertain and still inform with complete control of the audience!”
  -Lisa Williams, Librarian, Chehalem Elementary School, OR

• “I could tell that you had a teaching background -- Yay!”
  -Michelle Ecker, 2nd Grade Teacher, Albany, OR

• “You came to Helen Baller Elementary today and the reaction was fantastic. We LOVED you! The kids LOVED you! I think you’ve found your calling.”
  -Patty Holt, 5th Grade Teacher, Camas, WA

• “Worthwhile! Quality! A Treat! A polished pro. There was no 'wrong' from you... only joy.”
  -Don Robinson, Teacher, Hamilton Creek Elementary, Lebanon, OR

• “This was a fantastic way to get students excited about reading. And the teachers loved how you ended the show. The students were so quiet and well-mannered [going back to class], and it was Halloween!”
  -Jeannine Fielding, Teacher-Librarian, Lake Shore Elementary, Vancouver, WA

• “Your assemblies were awesome! The kids were engaged, had a great time, and came away really motivated to READ!”
  -Martha Evans Osborne, Music Teacher, Imlay Elementary, Hillsboro, OR

• “Curt is doing something he loves and it shows! I cannot keep magic, spy, and secret code books on the shelves! The bookmarks are so helpful and students use them faithfully. Students are motivated to read and look for books he mentions weeks after the presentation.” - Becky Johnson, Librarian, Wright Elementary, Salem, OR

• “The program contains all the elements to entertain, educate and motivate students from K to 5th. I liked the program, the price, and the many positive comments from staff and students.”
  -Barbara Pieske, Media Specialist, Fircrest Elementary, OR

• “You are awesome.  Don't change a thing!"
  -Jan Peterson-Terjeson, Media Specialist, Nancy Ryles Elementary, OR

• “Kids were writing call numbers down on their hands!"
  -Karna Johnson, Counselor, Highland Elementary, Salem, OR

• “What stands out most to me is the integrity and passion Curt brings and gives to his audience. If you're thinking of booking Curt - Just Do It! You won't regret it! Your kids - and parents - will be asking for more." -Adria Farina-Miller, Library Media Teacher, Richmond Elementary

• “Curt Nelson was exciting, personable with adults and students, well-worth the money, flexible, positive and makes the connections to math and books.  He remembers student's names and establishes a strong connection between fun and math.”
  -Mallory Marquet, Middle School Literacy Coach, Calapooia Middle School, OR

• “Fantastic! Very Professional! You make it so easy for us! My advice to other schools - definitely book Slightly Illusional!”
  -Kathy Chan, Library Teacher, Greenway Elementary, Beaverton, OR

• “The message you convey to the kids is perfect. What stands out most in my memory is your humor and rapport with the kids. Keep doing what you do!”
  -Denise Torres, Librarian, Joan Austin Elementary, Newberg, OR

• “The thing I liked the most about the program was the genuine interest and love shown for the material and relating to the students. Also, we have many ELL students and there was so much action and so many visuals, there was little need for translation. Thank you so very much!!” - Kerry Chama, Librarian, Adams Elementary, Yakima, WA

• “This was a family event and there were people of all ages watching. Looking around, I saw everyone laughing and enjoying the show -- young and old, alike! Curt was entertaining, funny, educational, and professional in every aspect of our dealings with him. Please consider having Slightly Illusional come to your school or library for an assembly or family event. It is a great reading motivation and educational event, and it is such a bargain! Don't miss out on this great opportunity for your students and families!” -Katie Pickrell, Reading and Math Specialist, Twin City Elementary, Stanwood, WA

• “It is very nice to have someone deliver on their promises. From start to finish, it was just a perfect night.” - Kim Carlson, Librarian, Earl Boyles Elementary School, Portland, OR

• “The teachers all said your visit was excellent for kids of all ages & adults. Thank you for your balance of control with the kids, educating them with excellent literature, and of course entertaining them with your visuals. You do an awesome job!” - DeAnn Larson, Librarian, Elger Bay Elementary, Camano Island, WA

• “Curt kept EVERY kid enthralled! Curt sneaks the curriculum into his entertaining shows in a totally ‘painless’ yet totally effective way! I have had nothing but positive comments from staff and students.” - Sarah Brown, Librarian, McClure Elementary, Yakima, WA

• “Curt was exceptionally easy to work with. He is very engaging with students and parents during a family presentation. If you are looking for a fun, engaging and educational program for both students and parents, Go Wild! is a fabulous evening library program.” - Mary Fishback, Librarian, Roosevelt Elementary, Yakima, WA

• “Everything was great (Curt is so good with the kids), but the one thing that stands out is the DVD to get kids excited about the visit. It was excellent.” - Peggy Haskett, Librarian, McKinley Elementary, Yakima, WA

• “Great management of students. Very interesting and educational. Lots of great visuals. Kept students totally engaged -- a totally fabulous performance! I would highly recommend it. I overheard one teacher commenting on how that particular part of the demonstration was just on the grade level theme test.” - Lori Cleveringa, Librarian, Robertson Elementary, Yakima, WA

• “Great assembly and skill dealing with the full range of elementary kids. Teachers, parents, and kids all had very positive reactions.” - Larry Soberman, Principal, Twin Oaks Elementary School, Eugene, OR

• “The kids and teachers loved the presentation. The kids are still coming in and asking for your books AND the books you mentioned in your presentation.” - Casey Sundermann, Librarian, Fir Grove Elementary, Beaverton, OR

• “We need more Curt Nelson's and Leanne's [the magic bunny] in the world!"

  -Andrea Burke, Librarian, Montclair Elementary, Beaverton, OR

  Reviews from Successful Author Visits at Public Libraries

• “Curt Nelson puts on the perfect library program -- completely hilarious and fun, intriguing and engaging, and all about what books can do for you.”

  -Anne Miller, Youth Services Librarian, Eugene Public Library, OR

• “What stands out most in my memory of your performance is your ability to connect with adults as well as children and you are hysterical. You obviously love what you do. The kids were delighted and the parents were just as involved.”
  -Reita Fackerell, Director, Seaside Public Library

• “Great interactions with kids. The emphasis on library use was terrific and resulted in a large number of books checked out that day. Highly recommended!”
  -Patty Skinner, Senior Library Assistant, Astoria Public Library

• “Curt connects with multi-generational audiences. Our library audience consisted of pre-schoolers through senior citizens and all learned and laughed.”
  -Therese Menzel, Langlois & Port Orford Libraries

• “You were prompt and ready to go on time.  The audience loved you and were completely captivated by you.  You related very well to the children.  Parents, children, and staff members all commented on how they enjoyed your program.  The children came away wanting to find the books you highlighted.  Next year we will have to sign up very early or you will be booked up.”
  -Suzanne Goolsby, Senior Library Technician, The Dalles Wasco Co. Public Library

• “Curt, I especially want to thank you for working in what turned out to be far from perfect conditions.  You were flexible and upbeat.  In circumstances that would make most people cranky you remained calm, cool, collected and smiling.  Your professional behavior in this situation was outstanding.  You will have my highest recommendation as a program to book and enjoy.  I especially liked how you promoted books and reading.”
  -Louise Thomas, Director, Kalama Public Library

• “It was a good balance of fun & education, with lots of laughter, which is the best combination for kids.”
  -Natasha Forrester, Youth Librarian, Capitol Hill Library

From the Students

• “I never knew there were such good books!”
  - Student at Helen Baller Elementary School, Camas, WA

• “I loved your teaching about books and intermingling it with fun magic and jokes.  You are the best magician I have ever seen!  I hope you come to the middle school where I will be next year.  On my first recess I am going to get one of those books and one of those book lists.  Thank you so much.”
  - Student at Trent Elementary School, Dexter, OR

• “Thank you - the show was awesome. I would love to check out a spy code book and the book about the girl with the spy notebook [Harriet the Spy].  I think that will get me reading more.  I need it, too.”
  - Student at Fircrest Elementary School, Vancouver, WA

   

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Copyright ©2009 Curt Nelson. All Rights Reserved.