More than 100 published titles since 1975, including their well-known books:

• The Story of Money
• The Story of Religion
• Taxi
• The Story of Clocks and Calendars
• Snow Day
• How Do Apples Grow

The American Story Series, published by HarperCollins includes:

• The Discovery of the Americas
• Exploration and Conquest
• The New Americans
• Struggle for a Continent
• A More Perfect Union
• Liberty or Death
• The Story of the Statue of Liberty
• The Voice of the People

The Maestros have also collaborated with other authors and illustrators. Betsy Maestro is the author of Coming to America and Why Do Leaves Change Color? from Scholastic. Giulio Maestro has illustrated many books for other authors and has also illustrated some of his own stories and many riddle books (Clarion). He collaborated with son Marco on What Do You Hear When Cows Sing? and Geese Find the Missing Piece for HarperCollins.

AWARDS

Many of the Maestro's books have been selected as Notable Books by the American Library Association and as Pick of the Lists by the American Booksellers Association. Also Reading Rainbow selections and Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies.

PROGRAMS

The Nonfiction Book
From idea to printed page. The program takes students through the process of working on nonfiction, including research, writing, editing, illustrating, printing and binding with many visuals. The focus is on the time and hard work that go into each book, the importance of good editing and attention to detail. The Maestros share many examples of the research materials they collect on their travels. Betsy reads one of the books at the end as Giulio draws at the easel.All of his pictures stay at school for the kids to enjoy. Q & A follows. Students and teachers come away with many creative ideas and the desire to try some research and nonfiction writing of their own. Bookselling and autographing can be arranged.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

The Maestros are also available for teacher and parent workshops, Young Author Day celebrations, Career Day events, small group discussions, and evening sessions. Please ask about options and prices. The Maestros will be happy to set up a program to meet your needs.

GRADES

All ages, Pre K-Adult. The Maestros can adapt their program for any age group and have years of experience in speaking to really little ones (Pre -K) to really big ones (teachers and parents) and all grade levels in between. They are comfortable and effective with a wide range.

LENGTH

• Thirty minutes for K and Grade One
• Sixty minutes for Grades Two and up

AUDIENCE SIZE

150 per group is ideal, up to 600 per day. But will accommodate up to 200 for Grade Two and up. No more than 800 in any one day. K and Grade One groups no more than 150. Multi-day visits are encouraged for very large schools. Can do one full day and one half day.

A WORD FROM THE MAESTROS

"Our school programs help to reinforce what teachers are doing in the classroom in the areas of writing and language arts. We try to help students realize that editing and rewriting can be a positive and cooperative process leading to better quality writing as well as the satisfaction of a job well done. Becoming a good writer takes time and years of practice, but it is a goal each child can reach. Patience and hard work truly pay off! It is important for kids to hear this from professionals outside the home or the school setting.

"Our books are created for use in the classroom, and we are truly passionate about bringing good nonfiction to kids of all ages. Good nonfiction helps kids to make the essential connections that enable them to understand the world they live in. Good nonfiction challenges readers to look at the world in new ways. We love our work and truly look forward to sharing our expertise and enthusiasm with your students."

FEES

Due to the tough economic times, we have lowered our prices and will now cover all travel expense ourselves. So fees are all inclusive and are for two people — an author and an illustrator — for a full day.

• $1350 for three programs in one day
• $1550 for four programs in one day

We offer lower rates for NM, CO, AZ, OK, TX, NV, KS, UT.

We drive to our school visits all over the United states and we make all our own travel arrangements. Just book a visit and we take care of all the details including printing out driving directions from our hotel to your school where we will appear ready and able at least 30 minutes before the first program.

SET-UP AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Two large tables at the front of the presentation area
• A quiet space
• A microphone
• Drinking water and cups

And that's it! We like to have the kids on the floor as close as possible to us whenever possible. Giulio brings his own easel.

AUTOGRAPHING INFORMATION

Once you book a visit, we will provide a book list and all information about ordering books directly from HarperCollins, Scholastic and Clarion. We are able to provide some books ourselves as well. We are happy to autograph and personalize all books sold.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BETSY AND GIULIO MAESTRO

• Biography
• Testimonials
• References

CONTACT INFORMATION

Betsy and Giulio Maestro
MaestroBooks
4 Frasco Court
Santa Fe, NM 87508
Tel: 505-466-1372
Fax: 505-466-3569
E-mail: bcmaes@aol.com
Website: www.maestrobooks.com
www.author-illustr-source.com

Please contact the Maestros by email to request an info packet which will include many letters of recommendation.