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Author Visits

Ken is an award-winning author and illustrator of picture books and graphic novels.  He considers himself a professional dabbler and has tried everything from beekeeping, filmmaking, 3d printing, photography, coding, and race car driving.  

He was born in the Philippines and moved to the US with his entire family during his teenage years. Currently, he enjoys his life as an author/illustrator of picture books and graphic novels for middle-graders to middle-agers. 

Presentation for Middle-Grade

This is a 40-minute visual presentation focusing on Ken’s author journey and how it influenced the creation of the middle-grade graphic novel Mischief and Mayhem. Ken will talk about his home country of the Philippines, his childhood experiences, when his family moved to the U.S., and fulfilling his dreams of becoming an author and illustrator. 

 

Ken will showcase his drawing process through drawing demonstrations and time-lapse videos. After the presentation, Ken will be available for questions and answers.

 

It is recommended that the kids be familiar with Ken’s books to enhance the overall experience. If your library has copies of his books, please display them before the author’s visit. 

 

 

Ken will be available to sign and sketch all copies of the books and pose for photos. If this is something you’d like, please allow time for this. 

 

Presentation for Picture Book Age

This is a 30-minute presentation for a younger age group. Ken will read one of his Picture Books and talk about how the art for the book came together. The discussions can vary depending on the particular book.

Customized Presentation

Presentations can be tailored to the specific group with prior notice. Some options for presentations include:

  • How books are published
  • The comic creation process
  • Making a comic (kids will draw with Ken)
  • Creating memorable characters (kids will draw with Ken)
  • Interactive drawing with the kids (Ken will draw with kids prompts)

When kids draw with Ken, please provide appropriate drawing materials.

Required Audio/Visual Tech (for in-person presentations)

  • Television or projector with HDMI input
  • Microphone for larger audience
  • Wi-Fi access (if available)

Ken will provide either an iPad or laptop with appropriate software for the presentation. For special situations (half in-person/half virtual please inquire in advance).  Please allow a minimum of 15 minutes for setup time.

Honorarium

Within the Las Vegas, NV area:
  • Single presentation: $200 
  • Multiple presentation: $600/day (includes up to three sessions and can be split between two locations)
Outside Las Vegas, NV (3+ hours away):
  • Full day: $1000/day + travel expenses (price can be split between multiple locations!)
  • Virtual visit: $100 (condensed presentation and Q&A) 

Teacher Responsibilities

There will be time for a Q&A after the presentation. Teachers are responsible for deciding the best way for students to ask questions. Examples in the past have included preselected questions students read from note cards, a teacher selecting hand-raisers, and students simply lining up one-by-one. I will do my best to answer every question based on the school’s schedule.

Resources

Ordering Books

I ask that any school having me visit allow students to order my books. Ken works with Las Vegas-based independent bookstore The Writers Block for any book purchases. With enough prior notice, Ken can visit the bookstore and sign the books in advance before they are dropped off or shipped to the school. Please allow up to 30 days for ordering and delivery.

Photo Gallery