Author Visits & Story Labs

7Little Ruth Children’s Collection Story Labs take student learning and fun to the next level through high-energy author visits and interactive activities designed for K – 3 learners.  Our stories leap off the page through movement, creativity, and teamwork, sparking children’s enthusiasm for reading and learning.

Students engage in activities that support:

  • Literacy & Reading Comprehension
  • Creative & STEM / STEAM Thinking
  • Social-Emotional Learning & Self-Confidence
  • Problem-Solving, Teamwork & Community Building

Activities are led by Little Ruth authors and staff. A typical visit includes:

  • An interactive classroom or assembly-style author read-aloud.
  • A student Q&A session with the author.
  • One or more interactive Story Labs where students:
    • Explore story ideas together.
    • Take part in hands-on activities.
    • Work collaboratively in playful ways.

Activities are flexible and can be adapted for assemblies, classrooms, libraries, multipurpose spaces, and group learning settings.   We work with you to schedule and determine the best format for your students, whether for 1 – 2 classrooms in a single visit or multiple classrooms over a few weeks or a few months.

Our 4 Story Lab packages start at $750.

  • Little Learners

    Little Learners

    $1,200 – $1,350

    One with Dee Write or a Little Ruth team member that pairs a lively read-aloud with a hands-on activity.  A guest contributor can also lead the reading in Dee's place, at no additional cost—this might be someone who helped create the book, or who shares the children's language or background.

    Young readers don't just hear the story, they explore it and connect it to their own lives through arts and crafts or activities that build reading comprehension, SEL, STEM, and community. It's perfect for a first-time Story Lab experience.

    Best for:
    Schools, classrooms or programs looking for an engaging author reading and introduction to our hands-on Story Labs 

     What you get:

    • Author-led read-aloud
    • 2 Little Ruth picture books included (additional copies available)
    • 1 story-based hands-on activity facilitated by Little Ruth staff, with all materials included

    Pricing:

    • Standard (~45–50 min): $1,200
    • Extended (~60–90 min): up to $1,350

    Includes local travel. Spanish-language delivery available. Additional classrooms available as add-ons.

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  • Literacy Leaders

    Literacy Leaders

    From $1,675

    An author visit with Dee Write or a Little Ruth team member, paired with a series of hands-on extension activities for up to 6 classes or groups of 25 students or fewer. Activities include arts and crafts, games, and teamwork that build reading comprehension, SEL, STEM, problem-solving, and community. A guest contributor can lead the reading in Dee's place at no additional cost.  

    Best for:
    Districts, schools, and programs wanting an interactive author reading plus high-energy activities across multiple classrooms, grade levels, or cohorts. 

     What you get:

    • Read-Aloud
    • 2 Little Ruth picture books included (additional copies available)
    • 2-6 story-based hands-on activities facilitated by Little Ruth staff
    • Multi-session, multi-day, and multi-week options
    • Individual, small-group, and large group student activities
    • Optional lesson planning guidance
    • Optional student outcomes evaluation tools and guidance
    • Select customization

    Pricing: 

    • From $1,675, based on the number of activity sessions (2 to 6) and the scope of your engagement.

    Includes local travel. Spanish-language delivery available.

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  • Education Visionary

    Education Visionary

    From $5,250 (custom district and school network pricing)

    An author visit with Dee Write or a Little Ruth team member, paired with hands-on extension activities for up to 16 classes or groups of 25 students or fewer, delivered across the school year. Activities include arts and crafts, games, and teamwork that build reading comprehension, SEL, STEM, problem-solving, and community. A guest contributor can lead the reading in Dee's place at no additional cost.  

    Best for:
    Districts, school networks, and large programs seeking a year-long, high-impact literacy partnership across multiple schools, grade levels, programs, or cohorts.. 

     What you get:

    • Read-Aloud
    • 2 Little Ruth picture books included (additional copies available)
    • 7-16 story-based hands-on activities facilitated by Little Ruth staff
    • Multi-session, multi-day, and multi-week options
    • Individual, small-group, and large group student activities
    • Optional lesson planning support
    • Optional student outcomes evaluation tools & support
    • Full customization

    Pricing:

    • From $5,250, with custom pricing based on the number of activity sessions (7 to 16) and the scope of your partnership.

    Includes local travel. Spanish-language delivery available.

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  • School Spirit

    School Spirit

    $750 – $1,200

    Interactive visit with Dee Write or a Little Ruth team member featuring student Q&A to spark excitement and a love of reading–students can ask anything, from what inspired the story to what goes into making a book.  A guest contributor can also lead the reading in Dee's place, at no additional cost. This might be someone who helped create the book, or who shares the children's language or background. 

    Best for:
    Schoolwide events, assemblies, single or multiple classrooms, and programs seeking a joyful, reading-focused experience. 

     What you get:

    • Read-Aloud with Q&A
    • 2 Little Ruth picture books included (additional copies available)

    Pricing:

    • 1 classroom: $750
    • 2 classrooms: $875
    • 3 classrooms: $1,000
    • Assembly (whole grade or school, up to ~300 students): $900

    Choose classroom visits for an up-close, interactive experience (ideal for the youngest readers), or an assembly to reach the whole grade or school in a single session.

    Includes local travel. Spanish-language delivery available. Guest readers available as an add-on.

    Buy Now - LR Store