School Visits

I ADORE talking to children! Are you interested in having me come visit your school? I have been to over 250 schools in 28 states over the past 3 years and talked to over 250,000 children. To see what to expect from one of my visits, please watch the videos below. Please mail me with any questions you may have and to talk about scheduling a possible school visit with me! whatifmonster@gmail.com

Testimonials

Michelle Nelson-Schmidt is a very inspirational speaker to students. Michelle brilliantly uses her characters and stories to communicate important messages to kids. Michelle inspires students to follow their dreams by sharing her dream with them. Hands down one of the best convocations to appear at our school.

Thanks,
Brent Minton, Principal
Bradie Shrum Lower Elementary, Indiana

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Michelle Nelson-Schmidt was a delight in working with our students. Her insight and enthusiasm was absorbed throughout her presentation. The post assembly workshops engaged our students from all grade levels even our high school creative writing & visual art classes. Our students have been inspired by her pinkie promise to always do their best, work hard, and to follow their dreams. Bob & What If Monster are very popular critters during library check out times and are often hugged &carried around. Michelle’s talent of sharing her passion is truly a special gift. I hope everyone can experience her books and presentation soon.

Martha Beckort, School Media Specialist
Lanesville Community School Corp, Lanesville, IN

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“We were amazed with the presentation given by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt at our school. Michelle kept the students engaged and excited about the writing and illustration process. The children had many wonderful questions based on her presentation and personal story that she answered with professionalism and excitement.

We would be honored to have her visit us again in the future.”

Jodi Anderson
DCS Montessori Librarian
Denver, Colorado

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On behalf of the Ryland Heights Elementary PTO-THANK YOU for inspiring OUR children to dream with color, animals, words, and passion! They loved your presence! THEY LOVED YOU!

Sincerely, Billie McDaniel,
Ryland Heights PTO President
Erlanger, Kentucky

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“Michelle’s energy and fun personality make her a delightful, entrancing speaker for students of all ages. She held the attention of our PreK4 – 5th grade audience all the way through her presentation! Her bright & colorful paintings and illustrations drew “ooohs” and “ahhhs” while her highly relatable story about following your dreams and pursuing your goals was a positive & inspiring message for all to hear.”

Stephanie Freiss
Librarian
Grace Episcopal School
Monroe, Louisiana

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Dear Principals and Media Specialists,

I’ve been a Media Specialist for 19+ years and have had many author/illustrator presentations at my schools. Michelle Nelson-Schmidt is at the top of my list for presenters who really excel with professionalism in handling all arrangements, and excellence with teaching and touching my students and staff. My students and teachers loved her and said she was one of the best author/illustrators they had ever seen.

She kept their attention and delighted them with her stories and with the connections she made between her life, her books, and how the students could use them to enrich their own writing.

Though her books seem sweet and simple, the teachers and I enjoyed reading them in support of lessons in “sparkle words” or adjectives. We also used them to support a standard about poetry and rhyming words. Our students wrote their own “sparkle word” sentences to describe themselves and other pets. She made writing seem fun and the students couldn’t wait to get started.

Michelle brought over a dozen of her own paintings to enhance her presentation plus the stories behind each one. Students were encouraged to ask questions to connect what she said with their own lives and work.

Michelle was very generous with her time, meeting me one evening near my home to bring me more books. She even donated some to my library so more students could read them.

Michelle’s books, presentation, and presence are delightful. Any school would be enriched by having Michelle visit. Your students and teachers will thank you and they use what they learn to become better readers, writers, and artists.

Jeanne Auensen
Media Specialist
Davis Elementary School, Marietta, GA

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We loved, loved, loved having you visit with us and discuss your books Dogs, Dogs and Cats, Cats! We were very excited by your love of animals, your passion for art, your larger than life pet portraits, and your unique story of how all of this lead to you becoming an author and illustrator of children’s books! Thank you for your gift of time and sharing your talents. We remain excited about your visit and anxiously await future books and an opportunity to have you back again!

Lena Lee
Media Specialist
Rice Creek Elementary School
Columbia, SC

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Michelle Nelson-Schmidt visited our school and our kids really loved her personal stories of how she became an author/illustrator! She brought in many of her original paintings to share, and there was a definite “wow factor” as she revealed them to the audience. I would highly recommend her to present to both early childhood and upper elementary students!

Jan Faile
NBCT ECYA Library Media Specialist, 2002, 2011
Lake Carolina Elementary
Columbia, SC

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Michelle did a great job of keeping the students excited and engaged. They loved seeing the artwork that she shared and were enthralled to hear how she began her career as an author. Michelle’s love of illustrating and writing showed through in her presentation. Michelle was a real treat for all our students.

Susan Hardy
Librarian
Bluff Park Elementary
Hoover, AL

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Thanks so much for coming to the Boys & Girls Club of NCL! We enjoyed you so much. We now have kids that want to be an “author”! Your presentation was inspiring and fun. Your heart for children is evident. Can’t wait for your next book!

Janet Binns Wilson
Director of Resource Development & Marketing
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Louisiana
Ruston, LA