MUSH with Noggin, the Sled Dog! Have you ever wondered… What does it feel like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled through mountainous terrain, crossing the vast Alaskan tundra, hugging the shoreline of the great Bering Sea? What does it take to care for a team of Alaskan huskies? Could my dog be a sled dog, too? Musher, Karen Land, will answer these questions and more when she and Noggin, the Alaskan husky, visit (your school/library name, date, time). Dog mushing, a traditional mode of arctic transportation, is a unique subject perfect for every classroom. From STEM (climate change and environmental studies) to literature (Gary Paulsen and Jack London) to the arts and physical education, the options for exploration are endless. Land is an Outdoors columnist, songwriter, public speaker, and three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as well as many other sprint and endurance races in Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Maine. Since 2000, Land has traveled to nearly every state with her dog sled, mushing gear, Arctic clothing, and beloved dogs, giving over a thousand school and public library presentations. “Tethered to my string of dogs, trusty leaders find the trail, together we are free…” —from “Into the Northern Lights,” lyrics by Karen Land

From color-changing creatures to extreme environments to far-out foods, Alicia Klepeis loves to research fun and out-of-the-ordinary topics that bring the world to young readers. Alicia began her career at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. She is the author of over 200 children’s books, the majority of which are nonfiction. Her recent nonfiction titles include Go Wild! Frogs; Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts; and Polar Bears & Penguins: A Pretty Cool Introduction to the Arctic and Antarctic. She was featured on PBS Books’ Author Talk for Kids series about her book The Science And Technology Of Ben Franklin. Her fiction works include the wildlife-focused collections Secrets of the Forest and Secrets of the Ocean: 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired By Nature. She is also the author of the picture book Francisco’s Kites/Las cometas de Francisco, which was named to the Tejas Star Reading List. A former middle school teacher, Alicia loves doing author visits and regularly presents to kids from PreK – Grade 8. Her programs include Amazing Animals, Making Nonfiction Fun, and Let’s Go There! She is more than happy to tailor her presentations to a school’s interests and curricula. She is currently working on projects on the topics of nocturnal animals, popular musicians, and world history. She lives with her family in upstate New York where she can often be found eating fruity candy while reading a book or writing a letter to one of her many penpals.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! The Edge of your seat fun Reading Encouragement show with an educational message for grades (Pre-K) K-6 “Get students excited about reading!” 45 minutes (show times can be adjusted to accommodate school schedules) Step into a world where action, adventure, mystery, biography, history, comics, and fantasy come alive through an original, one-of-a-kind performance by Amore. This fun-filled show combines amazing magic, illusions, comedy, music, and interactive audience participation, all woven together with an inspiring message about the power of libraries, books, and reading. Students will be captivated by Amore’s personal story—how a magic show at his local library sparked his lifelong passion for magic and reading. As a child, Amore discovered countless books about legendary magicians, fueling his dreams and teaching him the secrets of the craft. This unforgettable experience inspired him to create a magical show that celebrates the wonders of books and the joy of reading. Prepare to be amazed as you witness incredible feats like a gravity-defying levitation reminiscent of Peter Pan, passing through Alice’s Looking Glass, and becoming a wizard, a pirate, or even the Cat in the Hat! Teachers join the fun too, helping Amore perform a thrilling Houdini escape straight from the pages of history. For a spectacular finale, the audience will watch Amore transform into a beloved comic book hero right before their eyes. From start to finish, this electrifying show combines illusion, magic, and imagination to create a memorable experience that will leave your students inspired and enchanted. Take a new chapter from the book of magic and experience Amore’s ”Extra! Extra! Read All About It!” The perfect P.A.R.P. program! Warning! Excitement, laughter, amazement and reading will result from watching this show!

Are you looking to inspire and motivate your students to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams? As a seasoned speaker for large groups and classroom settings, I offer a powerful and personal presentation that will resonate deeply with young people. My topics include advocating against bullying, developing self-belief, curating effective storytelling, and the importance of sharing your personal story. Additionally, I provide practical guidance on effective writing techniques, helping students to develop their writing skills with confidence and clarity. Drawing from my own experiences of overcoming challenges such as a broken family, poverty, and mental illness, I provide a relatable and inspiring perspective. My goal is to empower students to find their voices, believe in themselves, and create a life where they follow their passions and make a positive impact on the world. By sharing my story, I aim to offer a lifeline to those struggling, inspire hope, and stress the importance of asking for help. From small writing sessions to public speaking workshops, I offer a unique variety of experiences that will impact any age group!

THE WESTERN NEW YORK BOOK ARTS CENTER promotes greater understanding of printing and book-related arts through education, creation, and exhibition for a broad and diverse community. Located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, just a block away from the downtown library, our Center is a vibrant place of creativity! We boast a rotating gallery showcasing the work of local artists working in book & printmaking, an artisan shop representing 75+ regional artists, stocked with handmade wares like handprinted cards, posters, apparel and handmade books of all kinds. The gem of our center is ouR studio, where we host hands-on origami & hand stitched bookmaking workshops, and classes in screen print and letterpress printing by hand on our antique presses - for students of all ages. create a letterpress printed poster with your own custom saying, hand-print a t-shirt or tote bag with your custom design, or bind a handmade journal to use back in the school classroom! in classes students will learn about the history of the craft they're engaging with, and work with specialty artists' tools to create a work of art by hand from start to finish.

Just Buffalo Literary Center has led the way for literary arts education in Western New York. One of Just Buffalo’s greatest strengths is our ability to reach students of all ages and abilities—gifted and talented, at-risk, or special needs—and we’re proud to work with public, private, Catholic, and charter schools, as well as community centers throughout Western New York.

Author Ben Mikaelsen He does Zoom/Skype/Google Meet sessions 30-45 mins for $250.00. He does an introduction of himself and then talks about the book the students are reading and then opens it up for Q & A.

Sweet Sprig: Hands-On Natural Skincare Workshops for Teens With 25 years of artisan skincare experience Give your students the chance to connect science, creativity, and self-care with Sweet Sprig’s natural skincare workshops. Led by a seasoned maker with 25 years in the skincare industry, these engaging, hands-on classes teach teens how to craft their own facial care products, body scrubs, and candles—using safe, eco-friendly ingredients. Each workshop blends elements of chemistry, sustainability, and wellness in a way that resonates with today’s students. Teens will learn: How to make customized skincare using natural ingredients The science behind emulsions, essential oils, and preservation Responsible sourcing and sustainable packaging practices The importance of self-care and self-expression Workshops are ideal for health, science, family & consumer science, or art classes, and can be tailored to your curriculum or event. All materials are provided. Students leave with finished products, newfound confidence, and real-world skills they can use at home.

Scuba Steve will read and discuss portions of his book(s) with students, there will be video and photos to bring the books to life. Scuba Steve will engage with the students, speaking and answering questions about what inspired him to become a professional scuba diver and environmental conservationist and how he was able to redirect this passion into writing books as well as his writing process. Additional topics will include current issues facing the marine environment, its inhabitants, and what each of us, even children, can do to help. Proceeds from book sales go to his “Read4Reefs” program to help ensure their sustainability and future.

Think Wellness NY has been partnering with schools across New York State since 2017, providing impactful, mindfulness-based enrichment programs that promote academic success, student well-being, and a positive school culture. All of our offerings are grounded in mindfulness and are designed to help schools address key challenges such as stress, anxiety, behavioral issues, emotional regulation, and low morale. Our programs support Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), improve focus, and enhance students’ readiness for learning and life. Our enrichment programs for students (Pre-K through 12th grade) include: Wellness Week Our signature offering, Wellness Week, brings a full week of rotating sessions in Mindfulness, Yoga, Guided Meditation, and Journaling directly into the school day. Designed for PE push-ins, health classes, or special scheduling blocks, Wellness Week helps students: Manage anxiety and reduce stress Improve focus and academic readiness Strengthen emotional awareness and self-regulation Build long-term wellness habits Customizable to each school’s schedule, this turnkey program includes all materials and is taught by certified professionals. Youth Music Program This calming, creative program introduces students to the joy and healing power of sound. We bring a wide variety of instruments—drums, shakers, chimes, and more—for students to explore. Through rhythm, sound play, and mindfulness techniques, children build focus, emotional expression, and sensory awareness in an engaging, non-competitive environment. Mindful Art Program Our hands-on art sessions incorporate calming techniques and reflective prompts that support emotional growth. Projects such as “Gratitude Cards” using food dye and shaving cream help students express emotions, connect with inner calm, and develop creative confidence. All materials are provided. Mindful Nature Program Designed to cultivate peaceful attention and sensory engagement, this program can be done indoors or outdoors and gets students interacting with natural materials. Activities like “Nature Impression Cards” and soil-based art encourage students to get their hands dirty while learning to observe, reflect, and slow down. Yoga for Kids Developmentally appropriate yoga classes for students of all ages. These sessions promote self-regulation, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. All sessions are trauma-sensitive and mindfulness-based, with a strong focus on breath, body awareness, and inner peace. Staff Wellness & Professional Development Mindfulness and Burnout Prevention for Educators Offered as a 1-hour, 3-hour, or full-day training, this workshop equips teachers and school staff with practical, evidence-based tools to: Reduce stress and burnout Improve emotional resilience Model mindfulness in the classroom Strengthen schoolwide wellness culture This professional development program has been delivered to thousands of educators across New York and is a powerful tool for supporting staff morale, mental health, and retention. All sessions are taught by trained professionals and include all necessary supplies. Think Wellness NY is a NYS-approved vendor and eligible for BOCES contracts where applicable. Custom scheduling options are available.

Deon Butler is a former NFL player, Author and Literacy Advocate.

Exciting multimedia school assembly programs featuring LIVE performance of rock and roll songs by three talented musicians. Educational content is reinforced by large computer projections of photos and videos. In schools since 1984, "READING ROCKS" promotes literacy; "BIG 80s" features STEM themes and "Mistletunes" is a multicultural December program.