For the younger grades
A combination of music, story, and pictures of life on the farm. Add a few cow facts, some cow jokes, and writing tips for the older students, and you have Maryann Weidt’s school presentation. Younger children are fond of telling Maryann their stories about visiting a farm, petting a cat, seeing a cow. Students are enthralled by listening to this experienced children's librarian read Daddy Played Music for the Cows and doing her best to yodel. A little yodeling and a lot of laughs, your students won't even know they're learning something about books and writing—not to mention cows and life on the farm.

For the older grades
and conferences for writers and teachers
Researching and writing biographies like Oh, the Places He Went, a biography of Dr. Seuss, and Mr. Blue Jeans, sharing the childhood that made Levi Strauss the king of denim, and Voice of Freedom: a Story about Frederick Douglass. How much research is enough? How does a biographer make choices about what to include in the book? Maryann's vocation as a librarian adds a fascinating dimension to this discussion.

For small groups of students
Writing workshop that provides tips from Maryann’s experience, along with writing exercises.

You've Been Rejected? Congratulations!
a presentation for writers
Why rejection is the writer's best motivator. Maryann shares her experiences along the road to having 12 books published, including fiction and nonfiction.