I often speak to writers, teachers, librarians and the community at large. I share my writer’s journey and the stories behind my stories, reader-writer connections and my working knowledge of the children's book world.

Interested in hearing me speak?

Visit: http://www.lewisu.edu/academics/coe/hershenhorn.htm

I recently presented at:

• SCBWI Carolinas
• SCBWI-Northern California
• Hug-A-Book Foundation
  Chicago, IL
• Northwestern University, Arts and Crafts Conference
  Chicago, IL
• SCBWI - Austin
  Austin, Texas
• Scholastic Book Fairs Workshop
  UIC Chicago, IL
• ABLE Kids’ Lit Conference
  Northeastern University
• Advanced Reading Development Demonstration Project
  Chicago, IL

• Judson College, Elgin, IL
• The International Reading Association, Annual Conference,
  San Antonio, TX
  Featured Author
• The Illinois Reading Council, Annual Conference
  Springfield, IL
  Featured Author
• The Missouri Reading Council, Annual Conference
  Lake of the Ozarks, MO
  Featured Author

• The Illinois Young Authors Conference, Normal, IL
  Featured Author
• The Illinois Book Fair, Springfield, IL
  Featured Author/Workshop presenter
• DePaul University, School of Education, Chicago, IL
• University of Illinois, Circle Campus, School of Education, Chicago, IL
• Off Campus Writers Workshop, Winnetka, IL
• Chicago Women in Publishing, Chicago, IL
• Nathaniel Hawthorne School, Chicago, IL
  Teacher In-service

• The Midwest Literary Festival, Aurora, IL
• SCBWI, Los Angeles Annual Conference
• SCBWI-Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
• SCBWI New York Metro
• SCBWI-Arizona
• SCBWI-Houston
• The Terra Museum, Chicago, IL
  
• The Public Library Association Annual Conference, Seattle, WA
• Lewis University, Romeoville, IL
• Chicago Public Schools: Prinicpal For A Day

Where can you see me next?

Friday, September 5
Kildeer Elementary School, Long Grove
Celebration of the 2008 winning books and their young authors in Scholastic Book Fair’s Kids Are Authors Too Contest.

Friday, November 8
Illinois School and Library Media Association 2008 Conference.
Sheraton Chicago Northwest, Arlington Heights, IL
“SO, You Want/Need/Wish To Bring An Author/Illustrator to Your School?!”
Children’s book author Esther Hershenhorn, Regional Advisor to the 900-member Illinois Chapter of the international professional organization The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, shares sure-fire ways to help you plan, fund, orchestrate and prepare for a successful Author/Illustrator School Visit - a memorable, often life-changing investment for your school, library, students and their stories.
Times/Location TBA; visit http://www.islma.org/conferences.htm#conferences

I have also been a Guest Speaker at:

• Cook Memorial Public Library, Libertyville, IL
• The International Reading Association, Annual Conference
  Orlando, FL
• Northern Illinois University's Children's Literature Conference,
  DeKalb, IL
  
• Butler University Children's Literature Conference,
  Indianapolis, IN
• The Illinois Library Association, Annual Conference,
  Chicago, IL
• The Illinois Public Library Association, Annual Conference,
  Chicago, IL
• The Association of Jewish Libraries, Annual Conference,
  Toronto, Canada
• Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
• Columbia College, Chicago, IL
• National-Louis University, Chicago, IL
• SCBWI-Florida
• SCBWI-France
• SCBWI-Illinois
  
• SCBWI-Iowa
• SCBWI-Michigan
• National Writers Union, Chicago, IL
• The Harold Washington Public Library, Chicago, IL
• The Sulzer Library, Chicago, IL
• The Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst, IL
• The Evergreen Park Public Library, Evergreen Park, IL
• The Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale, IL
• The Mokena Public Library, Mokena, IL
• The Mt. Prospect Public Library, Mt. Prospect, IL
• The Plainfield Public Library Plainfield, IL
• The Prairie Trails Public Library, Prairie Trails, IL
• The Wilmette Public Library, Wilmette, IL
• The Mt. Prospect Public Library, Mt. Prospect, IL
• Temple Beth Or, Deerfield, IL
• The Union League, Chicago, IL
• The Friday Club, Chicago, IL
• The Women's Resource Fair, Evanston, IL
  

Thinking about booking me for your next conference or workshop?

“The movies have Julia Roberts and the recording industry has Barbara Striesand.  Children's books have Esther Hershenhorn — a sweetheart all our own.  If you have the opportunity to hear her speak, seize it.  Her sincerity and devotion to children, teachers, and librarians is unparalleled.  Esther not only knows her craft, she knows how to help others understand and care about it, too.  The children's book community is better lit because Esther's star is shining within.”

Steven L. Layne, Ed.D.
National Literacy Consultant & Author
President, Illinois Reading Council

“Esther's warm, enthusiastic presentations to our members were well-received with rave reviews on our conference evaluations. Many said they felt more knowledgeable and inspired after her talks. Her handouts were packed with helpful information. Esther's nurturing personality and sense of humor are great assets for any writing event.”

Connie Heckert
Regional Advisor, SCBWI-Iowa

“I can whole-heartedly recommend Esther Hershenhorn as a presenter.  She has done several wonderful programs here at the Wilmette Library, generally about writing children's books.  Besides being inspirational and sincerely involved with both her subject matter and her audience, she is also thoroughly professional in all her business dealings.  She never shows a shred of ego and always encourages the success of others.  Her ultimate 'bottom line' is helping develop children's love of reading.”

Lauralyn Persson
Head of Youth Services
Wilmette Public Library
Wilmette, IL

"When Esther speaks about writing, the audience listens.  Her generosity offers insight into both the practical and magical aspects of craft and she leaves all audience members confident about Possibility.  Her personal journey of tenacity serves as an exemplary model for beginning and experienced writers alike.  That Esther is also entertaining and warm becomes the wonderful bonus all attendees can't help but enjoy.  Esther is the rare combination of a writer who truly knows how to teach, and a teacher who truly knows how to write." 

Kerry Leaf
President, Off-Campus Writers
Winnetka, IL

For a description of my fees and travel expenses, contact me at: esthersh@aol.com.