ACCELERATED READER TITLES:
The Doggonest Christmas
(Windmill Press, 1988)
The Doggonest Vacation
(Windmill Press, 1990)
The Doggonest Puppy Love
(Windmill Press, 1992)
Josh, The Story Of Wonder Dog
(Windmill Press, 1993)
Steamer And Shelly Go To Pot
(Windmill Press, 2001)

WORKS IN PROGRESS:
Josh, Wonder Dog Runs For President R Is For Recess

AWARDS:
Josh, The Story Of Wonder Dog
(Librarians' Picks '97, Accelerated Reader)

THE PROGRAM:

GRADES:
PK - 8

LENGTH:
Richard's assemblies are approximately one hour in length, with a maximum of two assemblies per day. The length of the assembly can easily be tailored to meet the school's requirements. Multiple assemblies are scheduled before and after the lunch break.

AUDIENCE SIZE: Richard is comfortable with audiences up to five hundred people.

THE ASSEMBLY:
The school is provided in advance of Richard's visit with complimentary copies of his books, suggested activities and materials for preparation of the students. Activities are suggested for every age, or the teacher can make up her or his own.

The school conducts a poster contest, with the winner having charge of Recess during the assembly. As community outreach, the school is encouraged to hold a dog food drive for a local animal shelter.

The children are assembled to John Phillip Sousa marches. Following introductory remarks and directions by a designated faculty member, the audience stands for the Pledge To The Flag and The Star Spangled Banner. Richard and Recess are then introduced, with Recess leading the way to "Who Let The Dogs Out" is played.

Richard speaks for about five minutes, after which the contest winner is announced and called up from the audience. Richard then speaks for another twenty minutes or so. While light and entertaining, his talk encourages self-esteem and the pursuit of dreams. The kids get to interact with Richard, and even let off a little steam.

Richard covers a variety of subjects, including how he came an author, his preparation for writing for children, the rewriting process, and Josh's journey from common mutt to superstardom. Richard details how Recess succeeded Josh, and his ambitious plans for his new best friend.

Following Richard's talk, there is a question/answer period. Then Richard leads the audience in singing "Hero Pup", a song he wrote about Josh. A song sheet is provided in the materials, and it is helpful if the students are familiar with the song. Finally, everyone in the audience has an opportunity to pet Recess as they exit the room. (The school later gives Richard a petting affidavit for The Guinness Book Of World Records.)

Richard devotes an entire day to each school he visits, and thrives on interaction with the kids. Students discover that authors are real people, and not just celebrities on stage. During the lunch break, Richard eats with the students, remaining in the cafeteria for all lunch periods. He prefers to eat a cafeteria lunch, to show kids that he eats the same food they do (after all, kids do have their preconceived notions). Richard moves around the cafeteria, spending a few minutes at each table. (Recess is not present in the lunchroom for this activity).

If a second assembly is required, it is scheduled after the lunch break. In the event of multiple assemblies, it is recommended that the grades for each be staggered, as in K,2,4 and PK, 1,3,5. Richard has found that younger children bring to the program an enthusiasm which is infectious, while the older kids do better with question and answer.

Additional Programs:
Richard and Recess are available to speak at conferences and public libraries. Richard's fee for conferences is $1500.00 per day, plus expenses. His fee for appearances at public libraries is negotiable.

FEES:

APPEARANCE PLANS: Richard offers three plans for compensation, one of which should accommodate the needs of most schools.

PLAN 1. School pays no speaker fee, but offers Richard's books and related items for sale. School guarantees the dollar equivalent of 75 Josh books for one assembly, or 125 Josh books for two assemblies. Sales of related items are included in the dollar equivalent. School receives a complimentary set of autographed books.

PLAN 2. School pays a speaker fee of $350.00 for one assembly, or $600.00 for two assemblies, and offers Richard's books and related items for sale. School guarantees the dollar equivalent of 50 Josh books for one assembly or 75 Josh books for two assemblies. Sales of related items are included in the dollar eqivalent. School receives a complimentary set of autographed books.

PLAN 3. School pays a speaker fee of $750 for one assembly, or $1350.00 for two assemblies, and offers Richard's books and related items for sale. There is no guarantee regarding sales, and the school receives a complimentary set of autographed books.

BOOK PRICING: Richard's high-quality books are offered at substantial discount for school visits. Josh series books are offered at $13.00, and Steamer And Shelly Go To Pot at $9.00 cover priced at $16.95 and $13.95 respectively. Also offered are autographed posters, dog tags, pins and trading cards, priced between $3.00 and $7.00.

MULTIPLE ASSEMBLIES: School may combine different plans for multiple assemblies.

TRAVEL EXPENSES: If the visit is more than 75 miles from Richard's hometown, School pays $250.00 to help defray his expenses. Airfare where applicable is additional.

SET-UP REQUIREMENTS:

Richard will require a six or eight foot long rectangular table, and two adult sized chairs. A glass of water would be appreciated. Richard brings everything else with him, including his own sound system. If his speaking area is more than 75 feet from an electrical outlet, Richard will also require additional extension cords.

A faculty member, preferrably not the principal, should be designated to assist Richard with set-up, participate briefly in the program, and introduce Richard and Recess.

AUTOGRAPHING:
The children will not be present when Richard autographs their books. This permits him to spend the day interacting with all of the students, and not just those who purchase books.

A WORD FROM RICHARD LYNN STACK:

"A special person once wrote,

' A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. '

I have been blessed with the ability and the opportunity to have an impact on many children. I consider this a wonderful privilege, as well as an awesome responsibility. But hey, Recess and I probably have more fun at school visits than the kids!"
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR RICHARD STACK:

226 Homewood Road
Linthicum Heights, MD
Zip Code: 21090
Toll-free: (800) 932-6112
In Maryland: (410) 360-0600
Fax No: (410) 691-9742
Email Address: heropup@hotmail.com

LINKS TO RICHARD'S FAVORITE SITES:

To visit Richard's latest illustrator: www.colorcove.com

To visit other Maryland authors: http://www.mdkidspage.org/authors.htm