AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR VISITS In this program CLiF arranges to have a local children’s book author or illustrator visit rural elementary schools and give an all-school presentation in which the presenter shares his/her passion for reading, writing, bookmaking, and storytelling. Collaborating with almost 50 book authors and illustrators, all of whom live in the Twin States, CLiF is able to reach children who might not otherwise have the chance to meet such talented writers and artists. This event is provided at no cost to the school. CLiF has sent dozens of presenters, including Katherine Paterson, Marty Kelley, Jessie Haas, Donald Johnson, Gloria Kamen, and Tracy Campbell Pearson, to more than 50 rural elementary schools throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. After CLiF arranged to have children’s book author Katherine Paterson visit children in Roxbury, VT (pop. 576) a teacher reported: "The reactions (to Katherine Paterson’s presentation) were very positive. They laughed a lot, and they loved her... Katherine is a very funny presenter. Very personable. She read with great expression and enthusiasm and, perhaps, most importantly, she didn’t talk down to them -- she was very down to earth. I think she was very effective. Because of her visit, these children were able to see that authors are real human beings. Before the visit, it was almost as if an author was just an abstract idea. Katherine made the idea of who an author is very real for them." Click here to apply for an Author/Illustrator grant and learn more about deadlines and the application process. You can also view other comments from teachers and librarians whose communities have received a sponsorship.