MEET THE AUTHOR!Carol plays calliope music, performs a lively reading of her picture book, WHEN THE COWS GOT LOOSE, tells the nearly true story behind the book (via whimsical slideshow), and concludes with a rousing and moo-ving singalong. Grades PK - 2.
THE TALE BEHIND THE STORY: PICTURE BOOKS AND HOW THEY'RE MADE! Carol reveals the steps it takes to make a picture book happen, from idea to finished book. Included in this journey are early drafts of WHEN THE COWS GOT LOOSE, preliminary sketches by the illustrator, and notes from the editor, as well as a number of writer's props to stir the imagination. PowerPoint slideshow included. Grades 3 and up.
POEMS HAVE FEELINGS, TOO.From sadto madto downright silly,poems explode with feelings. Carol explores the feelings of poetry (and children), and with the help of her (new) Chef Luigi and Emily Dickinson puppets, cooks up a recipe to get students on their way to writing poems with feelings, too. Includes PowerPoint slideshow. Grades 3 and up.
A FLY
Oh me oh my, I see a fly,
Buzz round my window pane,
Why it's been there, a year I swear,
It's driving me insane.
Carol Weis
SHOW, DON'T TELL, AND OTHER TRICKS TO MAKE WRITING COME ALIVE! Writers have many tricks up their sleeves, and in this workshop, Carol gives your students an ample supply of techniques to give their writing some extra zing. Examples of other devices discussed: hooking your reader with a powerful opening; choosing strong verbs; cutting unnecessary adjectives, and theimportance of revising. Includes PowerPoint slideshow. Grades 4 and up.
Carol does private readings for school vacations and/or birthday parties.
She also mentors young writers.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS, EVENING EVENTS,
IN-SERVICE and CONFERENCES PRESENTATIONS
Cow-lady library program:
Carol and her herd of missin' cows -- along with her trusty puppets, Susie-Q and Moo-y -- can't wait to visit your library. They'll play calliope music, perform a reading of WHEN THE COWS GOT LOOSE, answer questions from young and grown-up participants, and provide a fun activity for the young-uns in the audience.
PERSISTENCE: THE PATH TO PUBLICATION, or How I Became an Overnight Success in Twelve Short Years!
Carol discusses her relentless journey towards getting published, and all the spiritual ramifications involved with the process. She claims if rejection letters were bricks, she could build herself a house.
Carol promises to to impart enough wisdom to speed up your adventure. 12 and up.
BIBLIOTHERAPY: Using Picture Books to Help Children Cope. In this interactive workshop, Carol draws on her experience as a writer and school librarian to convey a strong case for using books for children of any age to work through trying times.
POEMS HAVE FEELINGS, TOO!In this presentation, Carol includes anecdotes from a writer's life, numerous ways to use poetry in the classroom, plus hands-on activities for teachers.
Carol with Chef Luigi
Professional Fees
Fees for school visits range from $245/single presentation; $475/half day (two presentations); and $695/full day(three presentations). Travel expenses are added for distance of 25 miles or more. Presentations run about 35 - 45 minutes for younger children, and 45 - 60 (or so) minutes for older audiences, depending on the group and the number of questions. The programming also includes PowerPoint presentations. The author only does single presentations within 35 miles of home. The author is also available for home readings, professional development workshops and presentations, and writer-in-residence programs of three to five days. Please contact author for fees.
Fees for standard library event (reading and activity) runs $235, plus travel expenses 40 miles or more.
COWABUNGA FOR KIDS donates a portion of your school and library program fee to Heifer International. Learn more about the organization at www.Heifer.org.
What some people have said:
“…Carol passes on to the school children a passion for reading and writing that you’d be hard pressed to match…”
Debra O’Leary, parent
“A wonderfully, engaging performer! Nearly a year after Carol read her fanciful story at our library, my 6-year old could still remember lots of intricate details about When the Cows Got Loose.”
Laurie Sanders, parent and library supporter
"It's great. I like it. I like how she reads it like she was an old Texan folk. It's just really fun!"
Lydia Morrison, age 6
“…In her role as poet-in-residence, I have witnessed her gift for sharing the power of poetry with third, fourth and sixth graders. Her love of poetry, combined with her sensitivity for the students, have made her workshops a successful and rewarding experience for all of us. She is consistently well prepared, organized yet flexible. She adapts her workshops to meet the need, interests and mood of her participants. She makes a point to interact with every student and demonstrates a personal interest in the work of each individual…”
Anne Marie O’Reilly
3 – 4 multi-age teacher
Norris School
Poet-in-residence
Poetry Quilt Project
“…Carol’s love of poetry was infectious, as evident in the children’s writing attempts. They were eager to write and share their ideas. Carol was able to instill in the students an appreciation for poetry. She made it meaningful for them by drawing on their personal experience….”
Shirley Anop
Cynthia Diemand
Martha Morris
1 -2 multi-age teachers Southampton, MA
Carol presented 'Poems Have Feelings, Too!' to
30 educators at Berkshire Reading Council's winter meeting at the Crowne Plaza
in January. She certainly demonstrated that poems do indeed have
feelings! We laughed, we cried, we created, and we were inspired to go
back to our classrooms and share it all with our students! Thanks,
Carol!
Cathy Salvini President Berkshire Reading Council Pittsfield, MA
"You had us enthralled at the first Moo! It was great to see our young patrons looking at cows in a different way, after all, we are an agricultural town. You had a beautifully designed and executed program which you custom fit beautifully to our younger crowd. Your website is a hoot! Keep writing and performing!"
Mary Ellen Radziewicz
Youth Services
Woods Memorial Library in Barre, Mass.
“Having Carol visit our summer reading program is always a pleasure. Her energetic, fun spirit is contagious, and both children and adults leave her story times smiling. Whether the group is large and lively, or quaint and small, Carol's presentation is warm, welcoming, and fun for all ages. A reading of "When the Cows got Loose" leaves an audience mooing for more.”
Jason LeFebvre Acting Children's Librarian Holyoke Public Library
"The kids and caregivers had a blast "When the Cows Got Loose" at the Monson Free Library! There was music, puppets, Carol's reading of her fun (and funny) book, and everyone got to make a paperbag cow puppet to take home and treasure."
Thanks again, Carol. It was fun.
Fran Rourke Youth Services Librarian Monson Free Library
"Carol was wonderful. The kids loved saying hello to her puppet cows, listening to her read her story, and making their own paper cows. Even some of the teenagers got in on the fun. She is most definitely welcome to come back and entertain us again.
Andrew Tai Youth Services Librarian Chester C Corbin Public Library Webster, Ma
"We didn't know what to expect. They said she was wonderful".... " She lived up to the expectations." *
Judy Bender, Librarian C. T. Plunkett Elementary School Adams, MA *taken from an article by Tammy Daniels, iBerkshires.com
"...I did want to tell you how much the children loved your presentation."
Roz Pietras, Kindergarten Teacher C. T. Plunkett Elementary School Adams, MA
The Adams Free Library hosted Carol Weis on April 21st. Carol put on a highly entertaining reading of her book "When the Cows Got Loose," she also provided a wonderful cow puppet craft, which was appropriate for all ages. She was very pleasant and easy to work with. The feedback
after the program was enthusiastic and wonderful!
Thank you Carol,
Holli Jayko
Adams Free Library
"Carol was a pleasure to have in our library! Her wild outfit and wonderful puppets kept the children entertained as they listened to her read her story, and they thoroughly enjoyed making cow puppets of their own afterwards!"
Laura Chrzanowski Berlin Public Library
Dear Carol,
On behalf of the Palmer Public Library and its families, I would like to thank you for your great story-time presentation during Children's Book Week. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to see a book and the person who wrote it, at the same time. Your reading was delightful and all the participants were obviously interested and attentive. The children really loved the craft and we certainly had some creative cow puppets produced!
Again, thank you for such an entertaining morning.
Sincerely,
ChristineReim Youth Service Librarian Palmer Public Library
Carol,
So happy that we could have you! You can quote me when I say the children and parents loved your program -- everyone had a good time! You included lots of audience participation in the story (the musical effects at the start were marvelous) and the craft gave everyone a chance to show their creative side, and bring home a neat puppet to boot!
Sincerely,
Ginny Brousseau Children's/YA Librarian Tolland Public Library Tolland, CT
Carol,
We loved having you at our library and have some great pictures up on our Flickr account. Thanks so much for providing a fun and cow filled experience for the kids of Canton. Having a real author in the library helps the writing process come to life foe everyone!
Heather
Heather Baker, MLS Head of Children's Services Canton Public Library Canton, CT
"With a moseying drawl, Carol Weis read her book, "When the Cows Got Loose," and enhanced the telling with audience participation and humor. The craft that followed sparked the children's creativity and generated a unique herd of cow puppets, filled with rainbow cows, monster cows, and more.
A charming program."
Gretchen L. Durley Children's Librarian Terryville Public Library Terryville, CT
Childrenof all ages were enthralled with Carol's lively and interactive reading of "When the Cows Got Loose." She arrived at the library in full "cow-couture" complete with Susie-Q and Wooly Bully, her puppet sidekicks. After the story, the children enjoyed making there own creative cow puppets. It was a great way to wrap up our summer reading program!
Karin Taylor Head of Children's Services Beardsley & Memorial Library Winsted, CT
Making the puppets was my favorite part. Corey, age 10
I enjoyed the presentation. My favorite part was definitely the book, because it was funny and entertaining. Colette, Age 10
A well-rounded program with music, story and activity. I would recommend this program to librarians looking to enrich their community.
"Dressed as the cow-lady,
author Carol Weis and her amusing cast of cow puppetsmoo-ve children into the world of her
farm-meets-circus story, through a personalized reading ofWhen the Cows Got Loose, complete with the children creating some
zany cow puppets of their own to take home. A fun time for all!"
Miss Jan
Milford Public Library
Milford, CT
Carol's program was a delightful multisensory experience for the
3-7 year olds who attended. She introduced her book via a pair of puppets that
had
all the kids and parents laughing heartily. The kids learned many early
literacy skills and enjoyed crafting a cow puppet. Everyone had a great
time with Carol Weis.
Lynn Hidek
Children's Librarian
Henry Carter Hull Library
Clinton, CT
Carol came to our library and thoroughly entertained the children
as she read her book, When the Cows Got Loose. Her costume quickly
grabbed the children's attention, and the puppet making put a smile on
each face. A great program!
Yvonne Kelly
Bethlehem Library
Carol makes the search for escaped cows a fun adventure for the
audience. Her presentation is very interactive, and vocabulary-building
as well. The children had a great time making their own cow puppets to
take home. I have a feeling that the cows will be wandering loose in New
Britain for a long time to come.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Amy Litke New Britain Public Library
BEST SNOW
The best snow
is the fresh snow
the dry kinda’ catchin’
on your tongue snow,
fluffy snow, kickin’ snow,
restin’ on the pine trees
kinda’ sweepin’
off the porch snow.
Aint’ the slushy
kinda' snowball snow,
the buildin’ forts
or people snow.
Just the good
ol’ fashion
kinda’ lyin’
down
angel
makin’
snow.
"Cows in the classroom? You and your students will delight in this author's interactive and age-appropriate visit! Adorned with bovine ears and suit, Ms. Weis has enthusiastically 'mooo'-ved years of young audiences through the process of writing. Her energy makes this educational experience one that I look forward to more and more."
Sue Teece
4th grade teacher
"Thanks for the terrific presentation!"
Pati Mari
Librarian
William E. Norris School
“…Carol has voluntarily presented poetry workshops in the middle grades. Her talent, expertise, and skill are recognized and valued by our staff….”
Norma A. Lewis, Ed.D
Principal
"Carol's sense of drama as she read aloud mesmerized the children in my classroom. Her warmth and sense of humor, as well as her respectful manner with the children, made for a delightful and memorable experience for all of us."
Burleigh Muten
K-1 Head Teacher
The Common School
"A guest poet at our Poetry Cafe for six to twelve year olds, Carol's warmth immediately put everyone at ease. She both "opened" and "closed" the cafe with her lively, personal poems, and as children stood to share their poems, she offered wonderfully observant and supportive comments. Carol's presence added authenticity and excitement to the festive gathering."
Kate Lamdin
Librarian
The Common School
"You were moo-velous. Simply bovine - er, divine. We enjoyed being herded by you. The cow puppets were a great touch and it was really fun hearing you read your book the way you hear the voices. The adults especially liked having you talk about the process from your daughter's cow sighting to seeing cows in a circus on the pages of a whimsical book. Good luck with future publishing ventures!"
Kay Lyons
Children's Librarian
Greenfield Public Library
"Thank you so much for visiting the Brimfield Public Library! The children had a great time listening to the story, finding clues on the cover of the book and creating their very own cow puppet. I think the parents had fun, too! :)
Thanks again!"
Rebecca Wells
Director, Brimfield Public Library
"Cowabunga! What can be more fun for children than a hilarious story, a cow puppet craft, and a jazzy cow costume? Carol Weis, a.k.a. the Cow Lady, - an absolute hit at the library!"
Amanda Diurba, Children’s Librarian, Grafton Public Library
"Thanks for coming out to our library to read “When the Cows Got Loose”. There were lots of giggles and smiles as you read. The children LOVED your cow costume and ‘reading’ cow puppet! Everyone was very creative with coloring their cow puppets. I didn’t know cows came in that many colors!"
Wendy Payette, Director
East Brookfield Public Library
"Carol Weis' reading of When the Cows Got Loose was highly entertaining. She brought so much energy and amazing zest for her craft. The children were highly engaged and so were the adults. I look forward to inviting Ms. Weis back to read for us."
Alicia Daniels Florida Free Library Florida, Ma 01247
Carol Weis, better known as “The Cow Lady” visited our library during Ellington’s spring vacation week. She was everything I had hoped for and more! Dressed in black and white spots, with cow hat and parasol, the Cow Lady greeted each child with her two cow-puppet friends. Music played in the background as Carol introduced her book WHEN THE COWS GOT LOOSE. The children were completely absorbed into her reading and the dramatic illustrations of the book. She did not rush through it, but gave her audience time to enjoy each escapade as it unfolded. Completing the program, Carol had prepared materials so that each child could create a cow paper-bag puppet to take home. It was a wonderful hour of fun for everyone who attended! Thanks Carol!
Pat Grundman Hall Memorial Library Ellington, CT
Carol,
I thoroughly enjoyed your visit and story-time with the children here at Andover Public Library. I saw wonderful smiles on all faces present as a result of the story, as well as, the making of the cow puppets. You did a terrific job and I would recommend you for other venues in a heart beat.
Cathy Campen Director of Programs
Thank you for a fun program! The children enjoyed it and so did the parents! Your book is delightful and has been a big hit here in the library.
Nancy Brewer Children's Librarian Ledyard Public Libraries 860-464-9912 nbrewer@ledyard.lioninc.org
It is sometimes difficult to attract kids inside for an event on a lovely summer day. I was happy to see that though the group was small, they all seemed enthusiastic and they enjoyed having the person who wrote the book read it to them. They had fun making the cow puppets. Thanks for putting it all together!
Sandra E. King Children's Librarian Brooks Memorial Library 224 Main St. Brattleboro, VT 05301 sandy@brooks.lib.vt.us
The children here at the Derby Neck Library in Derby, CT had a wonderful time with Carol Weis' "Cow-Lady." They listened to calliope music and got to play with the wonderful cow puppets. Carol read her enchanting story, "When the Cows Got Loose," and helped the children make their own cow puppets with lots of fun materials.
We've had so much positive feedback from everyone who attended the program! Thanks for making Saturday morning so much fun!
Deb Young Youth Services Librarian Uxbridge Public Library Uxbridge, MA
“Carol was organized and adaptable. She kept the children
enthusiastically engaged from start to finish.”
Barbara Renna Babcock Library Ashford, Connecticut
"This is fun. I'm glad we went to this." 5 yr-old Sophia, from Babcock Library event.
Thank you again for a great program! The children and parents loved your
story and making cow puppets. Your energy and passion was contagious.
It was a moo-velous time!
Steve Fowler
Thomaston Public Library
Thomaston, CT
Thank you for coming here. Loved every minute of it and so did the audience!
Suellen Heinrich
Children's Librarian
Guilford Free Library
Guilford, CT
to mad 
to downright silly, 
poems explode with feelings. Carol explores the feelings of poetry (and children), and with the help of her (new) Chef Luigi and Emily Dickinson puppets, cooks up a recipe to get students on their way to writing poems with feelings, too. Includes PowerPoint slideshow. Grades 3 and up.
and in this workshop, Carol gives your students an ample supply of techniques to give their writing some extra zing. Examples of other devices discussed: hooking your reader with a powerful opening; choosing strong verbs; cutting unnecessary adjectives, and the importance of revising. Includes PowerPoint slideshow. Grades 4 and up. 
donates a portion of your school and library program fee to Heifer International. Learn more about the organization at 
