LOOKING FOR AN AUTHOR VISIT
OR RESIDENCY?
PROGRAMMING:
As a midwest published author, nothing gives me more pleasure than to visit with students and teachers to share my personal story as well as my most recently published work, What Happens at School When You're Not There. Having spent 25+ years in the elementary school world as a custodian, I know how to engage with students of all ages. I can also customize your author visit to meet the needs of the school and/or grade levels. Whether you would like me to highlight my personal journey, address the writing process, talk about my approach to illustrations, or focus on perseverance and following a dream, I am flexible and open to ideas! In fact, I can explore all of these if you are looking for a 3-5 day author-in-residence experience. I am also happy to offer a book purchase program and will autograph all books in advance.
FEES:
Fees are negotiable based on specific school needs so please contact me if you are interested in setting up a visit. I am willing to travel throughout the midwest and beyond. Testimonials will provide you insight into the impact I can have on your students and staff.
TESTIMONIALS:
If there were one word that could sum up our day at Sprague today it would be DREAM. “Dream Giant-Sized Dreams”, said Mr. Ed Denecke, author of What Happens at School When You're Not There, as he spoke during three different grade level assemblies today. He encouraged us all to, “Find a Hero in Our Hallways!” and today we truly did. Mr. Ed’s author visit to Sprague was the culmination of a 17-year journey to write, illustrate and publish a children’s book. Ed spoke of the struggles he overcame, the people along the way who helped him and the relentless perseverance it took to make this dream come true.
Students and staff were truly mesmerized as they listened to Mr. Ed read his book and tell his story of trial and triumph. Among the audience sat Ed’s wife, daughter, sister and mother. Countless retired teachers came to watch and celebrate as their former custodian and friend took the stage to share his story. Mr. Ed spoke of two former students who in particular had encouraged and motivated him to pursue his dream. He spoke of Stefan who had written him into his childhood story and literally turned him into a Sprague Superhero and he spoke of another student with Muscular Dystrophy who showed him that one setback was not cause to give up on a dream.
Mr. Ed’s visit was an inspiration to every person who has ever been told they were not good enough, or strong enough or smart enough to accomplish something. May all of our students, like Ed, have the courage and tenacity to “live a life that really matters”, for when you believe in yourself, dreams really can come true.
Donna Sabin
Laura B. Sprague Librarian
Lincolnshire, Illinois
Students and staff were truly mesmerized as they listened to Mr. Ed read his book and tell his story of trial and triumph. Among the audience sat Ed’s wife, daughter, sister and mother. Countless retired teachers came to watch and celebrate as their former custodian and friend took the stage to share his story. Mr. Ed spoke of two former students who in particular had encouraged and motivated him to pursue his dream. He spoke of Stefan who had written him into his childhood story and literally turned him into a Sprague Superhero and he spoke of another student with Muscular Dystrophy who showed him that one setback was not cause to give up on a dream.
Mr. Ed’s visit was an inspiration to every person who has ever been told they were not good enough, or strong enough or smart enough to accomplish something. May all of our students, like Ed, have the courage and tenacity to “live a life that really matters”, for when you believe in yourself, dreams really can come true.
Donna Sabin
Laura B. Sprague Librarian
Lincolnshire, Illinois
Edward Denecke is an amazing author who captures the minds and hearts of all! His personal story behind his first book, "What Happens at School When You’re Not There?" will inspire everyone to “dream giant-sized dreams.” As a school custodian for 25+ years and fondly referred to as “Mr. Ed”, he knows how to tell good stories that captivate his audience, both young and old. As a school principal, I truly appreciated his ability to tailor his presentations to meet the needs of our students. His visit was a source of inspiration for all who attended and now we anxiously await his next story to be published!
Christine Adler
Laura B. Sprague School Principal
Lincolnshire, Illinois
Christine Adler
Laura B. Sprague School Principal
Lincolnshire, Illinois
On October 2, 2014, Mr. Ed received a warm homecoming welcome from Half Day Students and staff when the former Half Day custodian returned as visiting author Edward J. Denecke (although he said we could still call him Mr. Ed). Third graders were treated with the story behind the story of his newly published book What Happens at School When You're Not There? Mr. Ed explained that many of the ideas in the book started out as stories he made up to tell to students at Sprague and Half Day right here in District 103. He also gave thanks to many D103 staff members who helped him along the way to getting his book published. Mrs. Sweet helped suggest art materials, Mrs. Lighthall turned an early version of the book into a musical, Dr. Adler helped get his website up and running, and the list goes on.
Students who received a sneak peak of Mr. Ed's book during library classes were able to write their own rhyming stanzas in the style of the book. Mr. Ed shared several of these examples with the students and asked to see more as they are finished. It will be exciting to share student work with a published author.
Mr. Ed shared stories of former students who inspired and continue to inspire him to this day. He also explained that it took many years, many story drafts, and many disappointments before he finally made his dream came true. In a framed poem written just for Half Day, Mr. Ed challenged us to "Plant the Seeds of Big Dreams" with the important message that if it's worth dreaming about, it's worth working for. All of us at Half day are thrilled to have had the opportunity to see Mr. Ed's dream become his reality because success could not have come to a kinder or harder working person. Half Day School is proud to call him a friend and inspiration! Congratulations, Mr. Ed!
Patty Lathrop-Doty
Half Day School Librarian
Lincolnshire, Illinois
As a P.T.O. volunteer, I had the sincere pleasure of hosting Mr. Denecke for one of his school visits. I was blown away by “Mr Ed’s” ability to engage even the youngest of audiences. During one of the assemblies, one of the parent volunteers walked in to a silent room and was surprised to see the children mesmerized by Ed’s expressive storytelling. “I didn’t even think the kindergartners were here yet, the room was so quiet!” she exclaimed. Yet, Ed’s presentations are hardly monologues. He encourages students to participate, assigning them interactive roles to engage them throughout his visit. He teaches everyone in his audience a very important life lesson – the most important things in life are earned through hard work and perseverance. In a world inundated with technology and immediate gratification, Mr. Ed’s lesson is an important one to take away.
I also had the privilege of observing Mr. Ed interact with a smaller group of 1st grade students in a round table setting. He was so patient and engaging with this group of “student ambassadors”, it was amazing to watch. This was a group of students that did not have the pleasure of experiencing Mr. Denecke when he formerly worked at their school, yet he was able to transport them to the days when he walked through the halls and told tall tales of the nocturnal adventures of various characters who are now featured in his book! He also allowed each student to “pull his custodian keys” a tradition he told the students about from the days he walked the school hallways.
Overall, Mr. Denecke’s school visit left teachers and students with a memorable author’s experience that I would highly recommend to other school districts.
Dr. Rilina Ghosh
P.T.O. Literacy Coordinator
Lincolnshire, Illinois
Ed was an EXCELLENT presenter! My third grade students were actively listening and very interested in everything he had to say! We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the presentation. One student stated, 'You're so good, I'm crying.' We were all so thrilled to see the illustrations from start to finish. Our students finally understood how much work it takes to make their writing great!"
Jennifer Ledley
Ridgemont Elementary First Grade Teacher
Mt. Victory, Ohio
Jennifer Ledley
Ridgemont Elementary First Grade Teacher
Mt. Victory, Ohio
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Mr. Ed's assembly was great! Students learned about the results of working hard and never giving up. Mr. Ed was entertaining and engaging. Students really enjoyed the assembly! Tanya Fergus Fairhaven Elementary School Principal Mundelein, Ilinois |
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