2008-2009 Workshop Topics & Details

María Luisa Retana and Pat Pollock Rhoads

María Luisa Retana, Author

As a writer and publisher, I have traveled from my home in Bisbee, AZ to an assortment of destinations. I have been to exciting countries including; Canada, Italy, Spain and Argentina. I have also visited some wonderful cities of the world including; London and Paris. In Mexico I have explored Baja California and in the United States, Hawaii and New Orleans. The result of my research trips is the creation of ten bilingual books for children including the 2008-2009 releases of “A Medieval Trilogy.” My readers are the highlight of my career. I feel that every minute of effort I put into my work is worthwhile when children are part of my audience. I, along with one of my illustrators, Pat Pollock Rhoads, indubitably rejoice reading to children. We attentively listen to their interpretation and reaction to the story and the illustrations when visiting schools. It gives us great joy to share our work with them and their teachers. We also delight in sharing our knowledge about the process of creating a book. As a musician and a music lover I incorporate, whenever possible, music and hands-on activities that will encourage creativity during the workshops.

2008-2009 Workshop Fees
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Travel with us to the time when "peasants struggled for survival, Lords ruled the land and magic helped to even the score." The creators will demonstrate the importance of research in writing and illustrating historical fiction. Students will actively participate in a Medieval Fashion Show that will transport everyone back to the 14th century. Together we will sing and design our own Medieval shield. For children, grades 4-6.

2008-2009 Workshop Fees
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"People Call Them Pigs"

For grades K-1, this workshop places the javelina, so often called a pig, into his rightful place in nature. Students will hear a reading of the story in English or Spanish or both, get hands-on experience seeing and touching javelina skulls, learn the Mama Javelina song and color a page from the book. Mrs. Retana encourages questions and cheerfully provides information about this misunderstood denizen of the Southwest Desert.

2008-2009 Workshop Fees
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"Tanili, An Afro Cuban Folktale"

Students in grades 2-4 will embrace the Afro-Cuban culture by hearing the powerful story, playing musical instruments, dancing and learning the lizard's song, "Como Safa, Safa, Sa." This workshop will complement teaching concepts such as cooperation and love of diversity.

2008-2009 Workshop Fees
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"Remembering Our Loved Ones"

Recommended for grades 4-6. Author, María Luisa Retana, and illustrator, Pat Pollock Rhoads, will share their experience of how an idea turned into a book. Students should bring a poem or a short paragraph about their grandparents or an elderly person. Mrs. Rhoads will demonstrate the process of how an idea or concept comes to life in art. Students will then have an opportunity to share their writing and illustrate their loved ones.

One Presentation (in service/library program):

$250.00*

Two presentations (half day school visit):

$425.00*

Four presentations (full day school visit):

$850.00*

Out of State

One Presentation (in service/library program):

$350.00*

Two presentations (half day school visit):

$500.00*

Four presentations (full day school visit):

$1,000.00*