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Marsha Diane Arnold
 Biography
Marsha Diane Arnold is an award-winning author whose books
include Heart of a Tiger, The Pumpkin Runner,
and Quick, Quack, Quick. Among her books' many honors
are the Ridgeway Award for Best First Book by a New Author,
several state Children's Choice awards, IRA Distinguished
Book, and Smithsonian Notable Book. The media has referred
to her as "a born storyteller" and "the writer
of children's books adults can't wait to read to their kids
and grandkids."
From her home in Sebastopol, California,
Marsha travels nationally as a speaker for schools, conferences,
and young author festivals. She weaves storytelling, information
on the writing process, and a delightful slideshow into an
entertaining, inspirational presentation. Teachers have called
her presentations "enlightening" and "right
on target with student age levels." Marsha's vision is
to show students the fun of reading and writing and to inspire
them to follow their own unique visions and dreams.
Honorarium
$950 per full-day for three to four presentations within the
San Francisco Bay Area
$950 per full-day plus travel expenses for three to four presentations
outside the SF Bay Area
$600 per half-day for two presentations within the San Francisco
Bay Area
Program description
Students love to peek inside my idea files, where a jumble
of scribbles and scraps live. I share how I capture ideas
and encourage students to begin an idea file of their own.
I show the process of creating a book by demonstrating how
the story and illustrations evolve from a scribble into a
beautifully illustrated book. My entertaining slideshow shares
"the stories behind the stories." Reflections on
rejections and perseverance are also shared. I want students
to know that those who succeed in reaching their dreams often
fail more than anyone else, because they never give up!
Size and number of
groups
I accommodate audiences of all sizes. I most enjoy speaking
to groups of 75 to 150 in a library setting, as it is a more
intimate event and there is more interaction. However, I am
flexible and like to meet the school's needs. I have spoken
to small groups of only one classroom and up to 300 students.
Number and length
of presentations
I usually do three presentations of 45 minutes to one hour
in a full day along with autographing. However, I will often
add a fourth presentation of just 15-20 minutes for the kindergartners.
I sometimes do half days, which consist of two presentations.
Age or grades of
groups I prefer to work with
As my current books are picture books and early readers, I
usually speak to grades K-6. However, I have also spoken to
junior high students, high school students, and adults about
my books and the writing process.
Equipment needs
- Carousel slide projector (for schools
in SF Bay Area or those I drive to, I bring my own slide
projector)
- Big screen
- Room that can be darkened
- Rolling projector cart and long extension
cord, if needed
- Microphone (lapel mikes are my favorite)
- Table at the front of the room, for books
and visual aids
- Bottled water (room temperature is fine)
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 How
to Order Books for a Visit
Order
from this booklist 
 Selected
Titles
Edward G. and the Beautiful Pink Hairbow
Illustrated by Karen Stormer Brooks
(Random House, 2002)
Evelyn J. loves to trade things, and she'll
trade anything to get Cynthia Lucinda's beautiful pink hairbow—even
her little brother!
Heart of a Tiger
Illustrated by Jamichael Henterly
(Dial Books for Young Readers, 1995)
"Arnold's picture book debut is impressive.
The story's strong suit is child appeal. This very satisfying
story will lend itself to groupsharing."—School
Library Journal
"An inspiring tale"—Houston
Chronicle
Hugs on the Wind
(Abrams Books, 2006)
Little Cottontail misses his grandfather, so as he plays in
the meadow he thinks of ways to send hugs and other messages
to him. This lyrical picture book celebrates a child's special
connection to the world around him, and the power of nature
to comfort
Prancing, Dancing Lily
Illustrated by John Manders
(Dial Books for Young Readers, 2004)
The cows in Lily's herd are always dignified
as they walk from the barn to the pasture. But Lily would
much rather prance and dance. One day Lily decides to leave
the farm and venture out on her own.
Quick, Quack, Quick
Illustrated by Lisa McCue
(Random House, 1996)
Quack does not like to be quick. He's always
the last duckling. But one day Quack's slow ways save his
family from the claws of Cat!
Roar of a Snore
Illustrated by Pierre Pratt
(Penguin Books, 2006)
All of the Huffles are fast asleep except for Jack, who hears
a roar of a snore. This cumulative tale is told in effortless
rhyme that invites children to anticipate the refrains, while
the colorfully goofy artwork complements the story's good-natured
humor.
The Pumpkin Runner
Illustrated by Brad Sneed
(Dial Books for Young Readers, 1998)
"Arnold's protagonist is inspired by
a real 61-year-old Australian farmer who won a 542-mile race
in 1983. Arnold's engaging style make this book, like its
star, an easy winner."—Publishers Weekly
The Bravest of Us All
Illustrated by Brad Sneed
(Dial Books for Young Readers, 2000)
"Connects the terror of the tornado with a family story
of courage and love"—Booklist
Ruby Jane is afraid of everything; Velma
Jean is brave. But when a twister blows through, it leaves
behind a surprising truth—courage comes in many forms.
The Tail of Little Skunk
Illustrated by Michael Terry
(Random House, 2002)
Every morning Little Skunk hears Big Bear
roar from the top of the mountain. What will Little Skunk
do if Big Bear comes?
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