I love talking to kids (and adults) about reading, writing, the author life, my journey to publication, and my books. I have conducted sessions at schools, libraries, bookstores and literature fests both in the US and in India.
I can speak about any of my 20 books, published both in the United States and in India, all of them written in English.
I’m currently booking virtual visits anywhere in the world, and select in-person visits. My fee will depend on the session, the size of the audience, and the needs of the community. If funding is scarce, here are some ways to raise funds for an author visit. If this doesn’t work out, please feel free to reach out and we can discuss alternatives.
TESTIMONIALS
Shruthi’s presentation was engaging, fun, and inspiring. Our students loved hearing about how an idea becomes a book, especially one as joyful and clever as Kadooboo!
-Julie Chavez, Librarian, Fairlands Elementary, Pleasanton CA
Shruthi Rao is as warm, sweet, and funny as her book. Her heartfelt presentation is informative and full of fun and laughter. I have not been able to keep KADOOBOO! on the library shelves since. Five stars!
– Rebecca Hanley, Librarian, Altamont Creek Elementary, Livermore CA
The students had some great takeaways such as the importance of revising their writing, how much fun it is to read funny books, and a few students even said [Kadooboo] was their new favorite book. I have a lot of Indian students and as some were walking out they said, “I’m Indian too”. I love they felt connections and represented in books.
– Katie Delamarter, Library Media Specialist, Flower Mound, TX
Here are the presentations I currently offer. I’m happy to customize them, or add new ones based on your needs. Please use the form to reach out.
STORYTIME (15 min)
A read-aloud of one of my picture books – WHEN SCIENCE STOOD STILL, THE FIRST GIRL ON STAGE, or KADOOBOO!
All ages
MEET THE AUTHOR (30 min)
A read-aloud of one of my picture books + Q&A
Ages 3-8
THE MAKING OF AN AUTHOR (45 min)
Interactive presentation on my journey to be an author, Q&A, read-aloud/discussion of my books
Grades 1-5
THE MAKING OF A BOOK (45 min)
The journey of a book from idea to publication, with examples taken from my own books, Q&A.
Grades 1-3, Grades 4-7
BEING DIFFERENT (45 min)
My own journey of growing up with a stutter, and how I learned to accept and embrace that I’m different. I will talk about my book Manya Learns to Roar (Penguin Random House India) and how the main character that I wrote helped me become more confident in real life.
Grades 1-3, Grades 4-7
ELEMENTS OF A STORY (45 min)
An interactive session on all that you need to write a story. We’ll have writing prompts and discussions.
Grades 1-3, Grades 4-7
THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH IN A STORY (FICTION AND NONFICTION) (45 min)
Why even a fictional story needs research if you want to get your facts right, with examples from books.
Grades 1-3, Grades 4-7
WRITING NARRATIVE NON-FICTION (45 min)
How to use research and write a piece of nonfiction that reads like fiction.
Grades 1-3, Grades 4-7
READ LIKE A WRITER (45 min)
I pick up a popular book or two (chosen by the classroom or the audience beforehand) and read the book like a writer does. Learning to observe what works in a book, and why, helps make your own writing better.
Grades 1-3, Grades 4-7, Grownups!
