Have Swag Will Travel: Planning Library Visits, Webinars, and Other Outreach, by Kathy MacMillan

Hello readers! I am delighted to bring you today's interview with author Kathy MacMillan. Kathy and I have several interests in common including kidlit, libraries and American Sign Language. I first interviewed Kathy in 2014 and again in 2020, and she has featured my work on her information-rich blog multiple times (Lucy's Blooms here, my potty-humor books, here, and my Story Time with Signs and Rhymes series, here ). Fun Fact: Kathy and I will be publishing house siblings when my next book, MAMA'S HOME, comes out with Familius in 2026! 

by Kathy MacMillan and Ekaterina Ladatko

Kathy's latest book, NITA'S FOOD SIGNS, (the third title in her Little Hands Signing series), came out on February 4, 2025 (illustrated by Ekaterina Ladatko, Familius), but she has MANY books to her credit. I've long said that one of my favorite parts of being an author is connecting with young readers at school, library, and bookstore visits, and in my Birth Stories for Books series, I often ask authors for one piece of advice related to planning successful book-related events. Since Kathy and I already took a deep dive into her path to publication for NITA'S DAY, Kathy's first book in the Little Hands Signing series, we decided to use today's conversation to take a deeper dive into planning book-related events and promotions. So let's get to it! 

Dawn Prochovnic: Welcome back to the blog, Kathy! I'm so happy for you to be here. And congrats on your latest book! 

Kathy MacMillan: Hi Dawn!  Thanks for having me!

DP: You offer a wide variety of innovative, collaborative virtual and in-person events. You present regularly at public libraries, you offer a variety of webinars and eCourses, and I even recall a fun and informative Instagram Live event with fellow author, Tracy Gold, when your book SHE SPOKE first came out. I’d love to learn more about your experience planning/implementing one or more of these events.  Let's start with libraries: 

Reflecting on the (many!) library programs you have facilitated, both traditional, and virtual, are there any elements/activities that stand out that the young readers (and/or their parents/caregivers) seemed to enjoy the most? 

KM: Anything interactive! So many authors (and people in the general public) think that storytime is just holding up a book and reading it, but there is so, so much more to it! An effective storytime includes lots of opportunities to connect and interact with your audience. That can mean pausing to ask questions, singing songs together, using props, or inviting volunteers up to help act out a story – or all of the above! If there is nothing for the kids and families to do but sit there, I consider that a failed program.

I have been presenting storytime programs that teach American Sign Language at libraries and schools since the early 2000s, so all of my programs (even my workshops for adults and writing programs for teens) include some American Sign Language. It’s a great way to get kids moving while still being engaged with the content. 

© Maryland State Arts Council 2023, MSAC.org

When it comes to programming and presentations, my motto is “Connection over perfection.” It’s much more important to be engaged with your audience than it is to get through everything on your plan. You have to be tuned in to the group, and if they need a wiggle song where I planned a story, then they get a wiggle song!

DP: Such great advice. And I LOVE that motto! 

Do you have any fun anecdotes and/or pictures to share from your past events? 

KM: Here are some pictures of various programs and storytimes I have done. The problem with being very animated, and with using a lot of ASL in my programs, is that inevitably there are a lot of pictures of me making weird faces! 

© Maryland State Arts Council 2023, MSAC.org

Image provided by Kathy MacMillan

Image provided by Kathy MacMillan

DP: Love it! 

Do you have any event mishaps or cautionary tales that other storytime/book event planners might benefit from knowing about (or simply get a kick out of)?

KM: This story comes from a writing workshop for middle schoolers, but it’s a great example of leaning into participation and of being resourceful. In a writing workshop about plotting, I had planned to show a clip of the movie Cars to illustrate effective finales. We set everything up ahead of time and worked around the school’s firewall, and everything was working fine. But in the workshop itself, the video wouldn’t play. So I got a couple of volunteers to come up and act out the scene instead. It was hilarious and so much fun that I ended up doing that for all my future presentations, instead of playing the clip at all!  Sometimes last-minute inspiration to get around an obstacle can yield the best activities.

DP: What a great story! I can just imagine how much fun that part of the program is for the participants!

I noticed on a recent promotional piece for a library story time that "all attendees will receive a free book," funded by the Friends of the Library. How did that fantastic arrangement come to be?  

KM: This was a very cool initiative by the Friends of the Newark Free Library (DE). They had several authors presenting over the course of the year, and the Friends provided money to purchase copies of each author’s books to be distributed at the programs! 

I have also been able to do book giveaways at some of my programs which were funded through the Maryland State Arts Council’s Arts in Education program. This is a fabulous program, and many other states have something similar. Basically, the way it works is that the teaching artist has to apply to be a part of the roster (and it’s a pretty intense process, so if you are brand new to doing arts or literary programs in schools and libraries, you might want to wait to get some experience before you apply.) Once you are on the roster, schools, libraries, and nonprofits can access grant funding to cover teaching artist fees and program materials (including books to distribute.) The best part about the Maryland program is that the application process for the teachers and librarians is super easy, with the teaching artist handling most of it.

DP: Those are great tips! Thanks for sharing your approach here. 

You also offer a variety of webinars and eCourses. Are there any particular resources you rely on and/or recommend for others who might want to offer remote programming? 

KM: I have taught online courses through the American Library Association for many years, and I vastly expanded my webinar offerings during the pandemic, when library staff needed online professional development. I have had great success with offering online library and educator workshops, and far less success with offering online workshops for writers. I think the difference is that my offerings for library staff and educators are fairly niche; I focus on serving Deaf patrons in libraries, and on strategies for incorporating ASL into storytimes in an effective and respectful way. There are simply very few people offering these kind of trainings, while there are a LOT of people offering online writing workshops. 

So my advice is to figure out what you can offer that very few others can, and then market directly to your audience. I post about my webinars on my website and social media, of course, but most of my registrations come from my direct contacts with library staff and state library organizations.

DP: Super advice, Kathy!

You write in a wide variety of genres, from board books and picture books, to YA and instructional books for librarians and educators. What specific event planning advice do you have for folks like yourself with a wide range of work that is intended for vastly different audiences?

KM: When I first started offering specialty programs for libraries (long before I had books to promote!), I built my storytime programs around public library summer reading programs. That’s because many libraries only have money to pay for outside presenters during the summer. And summer programs are typically all-ages programs. (Even if they are advertised as for a particular age group, you never know who is going to show up!) So for every program I do, I think in options: What if only babies show up? What if it’s all older kids? What if it’s a mix? 

Speaking of summer reading: Many public libraries across the country now use the Collaborative Summer Library Program, which means that many libraries nationwide are now using the same theme. This is great for authors and teaching artists, as it means we can develop one program related to the theme, and market it everywhere! (Even better, the themes are announced several years in advance, giving us plenty of time to plan.) I have had great success sending out a postcard mailing to public libraries in my area and surrounding states with information about my programs in January, and offering a 15% off discount for anyone who books by February 1. Check out my 2025 offering here.

DP: Looks like your summer is going to be loads of fun! 

You also have an ABUNDANCE of book-related EXTRAS (learning extensions, activity ideas, and other educational resources, etc) for young readers and their grown-ups on your Storytime Stuff website. Since Women's History Month is observed in March, (and two of your books, SHE SPOKE and SHE SPOKE TOO are particularly relevant to this topic), can you point us in the direction of some helpful extras on your website that you've developed in support of this observance?  

KM: You can find all the goodies for SHE SPOKE and SHE SPOKE TOO at https://tinyurl.com/shespoke (We snagged that url when the first book was published, so we had something easy to put in the book itself. I just have to make sure to keep the link up to date!).  Our latest additions are SHE SPOKE and SHE SPOKE TOO word searches, made with the free worksheet generator at Education.com.

 She Spoke Word Search (printable .pdf)

 She Spoke Word Search answer key (printable .pdf)

 She Spoke Too Word Search (printable .pdf)

 She Spoke Too Word Search answer key (printable .pdf)

DP: Wow! That tinyurl is jam-packed with great resources and learning extensions!  

Do you have any new projects and/or special events coming up that you’d like to put on our radar? 

KM: I’m so excited to be celebrating Women’s History Month with SHE SPOKE TOO: 14 MORE WOMEN WHO RAISED THEIR VOICES AND CHANGED THE WORLD. You can find an interview with me and my co-author, Manuela Bernardi, where you can learn more about the book here.

by Kathy MacMillan and Manuela Bernardi

I also want to share my most recent book, NITA’S FOOD SIGNS, which came out in February. This is the third book in the Little Hands Signing board book series, which combines family stories with instruction in basic ASL vocabulary. Check out NITA’S FOOD SIGNS storytimes in ASL and English and learn more about the series here.

© Maryland State Arts Council 2023, MSAC.org

DP: I just received an early copy of NITA'S FOOD SIGNS and I love it! (The book design in that series is absolutely marvelous!) 

Is there something you wished I would have asked you that you haven’t had the opportunity to share? 

KM: As someone who spent years on the other side of the library desk booking programmers, my best advice for anyone who wants to perform in libraries is: make it easy on the people who are hiring you! Make sure your program titles and descriptions, rates and policies, and promotional materials are easy to find on your website. One of the best things I ever did was add an availability calendar to my website—I can update it from my phone and it shows my availability in real-time.

And here are a couple of other resources that authors and illustrators who want to connect with public libraries might find helpful:

Working with Public Libraries: A Guide for Authors, Part 1 by Kathy MacMillan (at PubCrawl)

Working with Public Libraries: A Guide for Authors, Part 2 by Kathy MacMillan (at PubCrawl)

Storytime Magic for Picture Book School and Library Visits (Webinar recording; 90 minutes)

DP: Wowza, Kathy. I cannot thank you enough for your willingness to share so many of your event and book promotion experiences and ideas with us. 

Dear readers, you've heard me say it before: the best way to thank an author whose insights have been helpful and/or inspiring to you is to support their work. Follow them on social media. Subscribe to their newsletter. Buy their books. Request them from your library. Read and share them with others.  Let's give Kathy's books some love:

She Spoke Too purchase links:

Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!)  

Bookshop.org   

Amazon.com   

BarnesAndNoble.com   

Familius.com

Nita’s Food Signs purchase links:

Autographed copies from the Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore

Bookshop.org 

Amazon.com  

BarnesAndNoble.com  

Familius.com 

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Image provided by Kathy MacMillan

Kathy MacMillan (she/her) is a writer, nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, editor, and signing storyteller.  She writes picture books (including The Runaway Shirt and the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press), children’s nonfiction (including the She Spoke series from Familius Press and Super Cities!: Baltimore from Arcadia Publishing), middle grade fantasy (the Chronicles of Cavallon series under the pen name Kim Forester), and young adult fantasy (Sword and Verse and Dagger and Coin, both HarperTeen). Her debut novel, Sword and Verse, was a finalist for the Compton Crook Award. She has also published eight resource books for educators, librarians, and parents, including 5 volumes in the bestselling Storytime Magic series from ALA Editions. Kathy lives in Baltimore, MD. Find her online at KathyMacMillan.com or on Twitter and Instagram at @kathys_quill.

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Have Swag Will Travel is an occasional feature of Dawn Babb Prochovnic's blog. Dawn is the author of multiple picture books including, Lucy's Blooms, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?, and 16 books in the Story Time With Signs & Rhymes series. Dawn is a contributing author to the award-winning book, Oregon Reads Aloud, and a frequent presenter at schools, libraries, and educational conferences. Contact Dawn using the form at the left, or learn more at www.dawnprochovnic.com.  

Birth Stories for Books: Nita's Day, by Kathy MacMillan

I am so delighted to bring you today's interview with Kathy MacMillan. Kathy and I have several interests in common including kidlit, libraries and American Sign Language. I first interviewed Kathy in 2014, and she has featured my work on her information-rich blog a couple of times (my potty-humor books, here and my Story Time with Signs and Rhymes series, here). Today, we get the inside scoop on Kathy's Little Hands Signing series, just in time for the publication of a new board book in that series, NITA'S DAY (illustrated by Sara Brezzi, Familius Press, May, 2020).

Dawn Prochovnic: What was the inspiration for the Little Hands Signing series?

Kathy MacMillan: I had previously published a book for parents about signing with children ages birth to six, titled Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together. In the fall of 2016, I was promoting that book at the Baltimore Book Festival, when David Miles, then the publishing director at Familius Press, approached me and invited me to pitch them other ideas of this topic. Familius specializes in books for families, so they were an ideal home for books about signing with children – which is all about communication and bonding! I pitched them several ideas, but the one that stood out was a board book series about a little girl named Nita who signs with her parents.

What excites me most about the series is that it features stories about a family. It shows how communicating through American Sign Language improves their everyday lives. Many of the board books about signing with young children focus only on vocabulary. But in this series, I really wanted to show the how as well as the what. I also really wanted to create a series that could be enjoyed equally by hearing, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing readers.

DP: I really love your vision for the series, Kathy. Can you share some backstory about the journey from “book idea” to “book publication?”

KM: Right from the beginning, David and I discussed having some interactive element to the book – flaps or moving parts. The series was always conceived as having the story on the main spreads, supplemented by sign instruction (through illustrations and text) on each page. It was David’s brilliant idea to use the slide-open format to have the sign illustration appear. Not only does it fit the theme perfectly (because effective communication underlies everything the family does!), but it makes the books far sturdier than the life-the-flap format would be. I have heard from many parents and librarians that their copies of Nita’s First Signs have stood up to months of readings by eager babies and toddlers.

DP: Yes, the format is brilliant, and the illustrations are gorgeous. As we both know, conveying a three-dimensional language via two-dimensional pictures can be very challenging. Can you share what went into the illustration process to “get it right” to your satisfaction?

KM: Normally, the author has very little say in the illustrations of a picture book. That often surprises readers. But it’s actually quite unusual for the author and illustrator to have any contact at all in a traditionally published picture book!

I knew from the beginning that approach would never work here. Because most of the people involved in the publishing process did not know American Sign Language, it was crucial that I be consulted at each stage. When Familius agreed to that up front, and even put it in the contract, I knew they were serious about creating a quality product. Because there has been so much misinformation spread about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, it was vital that we get this right.

And then, when David told me that Sara Brezzi had been selected to do the illustrations, I knew we were on the same page. Sara’s bright, cheery style was perfect for the tone of the books.

I provided detailed instructions and video links for each of the signs, and Sara sent me her sketches of the illustrations as she went. I would give feedback at each stage to make sure we were conveying them accurately. Sometimes we went through two, three, or even ten rounds of back and forth before we worked out the kinks!

In addition, we also had an ASL/Deaf Culture Advisor review each book before going to press. This was a native ASL user who could advise about any problems or misleading information that had slipped through the cracks. I was honored to have renowned Deaf Culture researcher Dr. Barbara Kannapell serve in this role for Nita’s First Signs and Deaf filmmaker and educator Jevon Whetter serve in this role for Nita’s Day.

DP: It is clear that a great deal of care has gone into these books. It used to be there were only a handful of books that incorporated sign language. Now there are many. What would you love to hear a bookseller saying as they handsell Nita’s First Signs or Nita’s Day?

KM: I would love for them to emphasize that learning how to communicate is a young child’s most important job, as it is how they get their other needs met. I would love for them to talk about how these books show how a young child can initiate communication and how much easier it makes the whole family’s life as a result. And that signing with your child sends the crucial message that you are interested in knowing what they have to say!

DP. Yes! Yes! and Yes! 

What would be your dream book review for Nita’s First Signs or Nita’s Day? Who would this review be from? And where would this review be published or posted?

KM: While I love every single review from hearing parents who say how fascinated their babies and toddlers are with the books, and how much they themselves have learned from them, the ones that touch my heart most are from members of the Deaf community. As a librarian and a book reviewer, I have seen so many inaccurate, misleading, and sometimes downright harmful representations of ASL and Deaf Culture. So it was very important to me to get this right. And the reaction of the Deaf community to the first book has been overwhelmingly positive. Recently at a signing, a Deaf woman carefully scrutinized every word and picture in the book and then looked at me and signed, “Thank you for this. This is wonderful.” I swear my heart grew three sizes!

DP: That's beautiful, Kathy. I'm so glad to hear that! What resources and/or next steps would you suggest for readers who want more? 

KM: Check out the series website at LittleHandsSigning.com! I have compiled lots of videos, links, articles and more that will be of interest to parents, teachers, and librarians alike!

DP: Youza! That's a great collection of resources! And thanks for including my Story Time with Signs & Rhymes series on your list of Picture Books about ASL and Deaf Culture.

Speaking of resources, are there more Nita books in the works that we should be on the lookout for? 

KM: Yes! We plan to publish several more books in the series, each on a theme such as food signs, family signs, bedtime signs, or seasonal signs.

DP: I'm so glad to hear that. Now for one of my favorite questions: What have I not asked that you would love for people to know?

KM: I would love readers to know that, in addition to the Little Hands Signing books, I also write nonfiction for children and adults and young adult fantasy. My most recent book is She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World (Familius Press, 2019). This book, co-authored with Manuela Bernardi and illustrated by Kathrin Honesta, features built-in sound clips where you get to hear the voices of 14 amazing women at the touch of a button!

DP: What a timely and innovative book! 

What is the best way for readers to get in touch with you or get their hands on your books?

KM: You can contact me through my website at KathyMacMillan.com. You can also find purchase links for all my books there. They are all available through the usual online booksellers, but you can also purchase signed and personalized copies of all my books at the Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore. Deaf Camps, Inc. is a an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit organization that provides communication-rich camps for Deaf and hard of hearing children and children learning American Sign Language, and I have been a proud volunteer and board member for the last 18 years. All proceeds from books purchased through the Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore support Deaf Camps, Inc.’s scholarship program. So it’s a great way to purchase great gifts and support a great cause!

DP: I will also say they have one of the most magnificent logos I have ever seen (readers, you will need to pop on over to the links above to see it for yourself!)

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Kathy. Best wishes for a successful launch of Nita's Day!

KM: Thanks for having me on your site, Dawn!  And happy signing, everyone!

Purchase Nita’s First Signs at Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!) | amazon.com | barnesandnoble.com | indiebound.org | Workman.com (use code BOOKS for 20% off)

Purchase Nita’s Day at amazon.com | barnesandnoble.com | indiebound.org | Deaf Camps, Inc. online bookstore (signed and personalized copies available starting May 12, 2020.) | Workman.com (use code BOOKS for 20% off)

Join Kathy MacMillan online on Tuesday, May 12 to celebrate the launch of Nita's Day!
11 AM Eastern/8AM Pacific: ASL Storytime on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/kathysquill

2 PM Eastern/11 AM Pacific: Spoken English Storytime on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/kathysquill

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Kathy MacMillan (she/her) is a writer, American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, signing storyteller, and avowed Hufflepuff.  She writes picture books (the Little Hands Signing series, Familius Press), children’s nonfiction (She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World, Familius Press), and young adult fantasy (Sword and Verse and Dagger and Coin, both HarperTeen). She has also published many resource books for educators, librarians, and parents. Kathy serves as the co-Regional Advisor for the Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia Region of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives near Baltimore, MD. Find her online at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram   

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Birth Stories for Books is an occasional feature of Dawn Babb Prochovnic's blog. Dawn is the author of multiple picture books including Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?, and 16 books in the Story Time With Signs & Rhymes series. Dawn is a contributing author to Oregon Reads Aloud and a frequent presenter at schools, libraries, and educational conferences. Contact Dawn using the form at the left, or learn more at www.dawnprochovnic.com.

Cowgirl-Themed Sign Language Story Time Lesson Plan

At long last, it’s time to share a lesson plan for a cowgirl-themed sign language story time.

I’ve written many books and many blog posts that incorporate sign language, but thus far, none of these posts have channeled my inner cowgirl.

That changes today! Yee-Haw!

My picture book, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? galloped into the world earlier this month, and earlier this week, I had the pleasure of sharing some fun cowgirl-themed activities with folks who came out to the WEST Slope Library to help me celebrate.

This post is a mash-up of many different activities you could incorporate into your own cowgirl-themed story time or event. It’s unlikely you will be able to fit all of these activities into any one event, but this way you’ll have lots of ideas to choose from in one handy place!

So saddle up, and let’s get this show on the road.

Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? Sign Language Story Time Lesson Plan:

Welcome, Icebreaker, and Introductions

Supplies/Preparation: Put several copies of Cowgirl/Cowboy Name Generator for Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? (see below) into protective plastic covers. As participants arrive, encourage them to create their Cowgirl/Cowboy Name.  If you typically use name tags in your programming, you could add Cowgirl/Cowboy names to the name tag.

NOTE: Definitely allow participants the freedom to create a different name they prefer if they don't like the name created by the Cowgirl/Cowboy Name Generator.

NOTE: If you have difficulty accessing the image file for the Cowgirl/Cowboy Name Generator, you can access a printable document here. You are welcome to re-print this resource for use in your programs, but I do request that you retain the credits, as listed.

Introduce the Signs You Plan to Incorporate Into the First Story

Where: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WHERE/478/1 (Pointer finger looks/searches)
Cowboy (Can use in place of cowgirl): https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=502 (Think of a gunslinger)
Potty/Toilet: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/toilet (The “T” handshape wiggles)

Fun fact: The sign for potty/toilet (the noun) and the sign for to use the potty/toilet (the verb) are the same.

Howdy, Pardner! Let’s Read: Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? 

by Dawn Prochovnic and Jacob Souva

Invite all participants to sign where, potty, and cowgirl/cowboy each time these words appear in the story, OR break the group into thirds, and assign one section of the room to sign where, potty, and cowgirl/cowboy respectively, each time these words appear in the story.

Invite all participants to make the sounds that appear on every other page of the book.

Introduce/Review Signs in Preparation for Song #1:

Dog: https://www.signingtime.com/dictionary/dog/ (Like you are calling a dog)
Pony (Use Horse): https://www.signingtime.com/dictionary/horse-4/ (Like the horse’s ears twitching)
Snake: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/SNAKE/4531/1 (Like snake’s fangs)
Bison: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/BISON/1015/1 (Like bison horns)

Yee-Ha! Let’s Sing!

Sing and sign to the tune of “Have you Ever Seen a Lassie?” Incorporate some of the animal words from the book:

Should you potty with a ranch dog, a ranch dog, a ranch dog? Should you potty with a ranch dog? NO! That is not the right spot.

Should you potty with a pony? (use sign for horse)
Should you potty with a bull snake? (use sign for snake)
Should you potty with a bison?

*Don’t feel compelled to introduce every possible theme-related word/sign you can think of. Start with a handful of words that fit with the theme and are relevant for your group. Here are some options to choose from:

Yip-Yip-Yahoo! Let’s Read another Cowgirl-themed book!

Some options include:

The Princess and the Pony (Kate Beaton, Arthur A. Levine Books). A humorous story that also includes a tad bit of potty humor.

I Wanna Be A Cowgirl (Angela DiTerLizzi and Elizabet Vukovic, Beach Lane Books, 2017). A cowgirl’s imaginary adventure.

Lexie the Word Wrangler (Rebecca Van Slyke and Jessie Hartland, Nancy Paulson Books, 2017). Lots of wordplay and cowgirl lingo.

Are You a Horse? (Andy Rash, Arthur Levine Books, 2009) A humorous cowboy quest.

I Want to Be a Cowgirl, (Jeanne Willis, and Tony Ross, Holt, 2009) About a city girl who wants to be a cowgirl.

Invite all participants to sign cowgirl/cowboy, horse, (and any other themed words you choose to incorporate) as appropriate throughout the story, OR break the group into sub-groups, and assign one section of the room to sign particular words as they appear in the story (in words or in pictures).

Introduce/Review Signs in Preparation for Song #2:

Ride: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=1832 (Two fingers “ride” on hand)
Hat: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/HAT/181/1
Thank you: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/THANK%20YOU/426/1

Whoo-eee! Let’s sing another song!

Sing and sign to the tune of “She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain.” Incorporate some of the settings and animal sounds from Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?

She’ll be riding in the pasture when she comes. Neigh! Neigh!
She’ll be riding in the pasture when she comes. Neigh! Neigh!
She’ll be riding in the pasture, she’ll be riding in the pasture. She’ll be riding in the pasture when she comes. Neigh! Neigh!

She’ll be riding through the canyon when she comes. Yip-yip-yow-oooo!
She’ll be riding up the hill when she comes. Baaa-aaaah!
She’ll be riding through the sagebrush when she comes. Hissss-sssss!
She’ll be riding cross the range when she comes. Sno-ooort!
She’ll be riding to the lookout when she comes. Big Splaat!
She’ll be riding to the ranch house when she comes. Yee-ha!
She’ll return to get her hat when she comes. Thank-you!

Let ‘er Loose with a Short Shindig (or a Western Wingding, or a Horsey Hoedown)

Turn on some music and dance. Here are some hoot’ hollerin’ tunes to consider:

-Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? Animated Book Trailer and Theme Song (co-written by Dawn Babb Prochovnic, co-written, composed and performed by singer/songwriter/performing muscian, Marshall Mitchell, animated by Jacob Souva).

-Cowboy Music for Kids, from Marshall Mitchell.

-I’m a Cowgirl, from Little Kids Rock.

-Born to be a Cowboy/Cowgirl, from Kidsongs.

-Rodeo Rider, from Kidsongs.

-Cowboy Bob, by Munchkin Music.

-The Cowboy Song, by John Jacobson. Kids Sing version with cowgirl lyrics and some cute dance moves.

-Carlton Moody’s Cowboy Songs for Children.

-Kids Country Song & Dance CD, samples and downloads available from The Learning Station.

-Leah’s Farm, (by Two Little Hands Productions, the makers of Signing Time). This is more “farm-y” than western-y, but it is lively and has some overlap with the western theme, particularly with the animals, and incorporates related sign language.

Extension Activities (Some of Which Can Be Self-Directed/Open-Ended)

Learn to Fingerspell Some Cowgirl Lingo!

Supplies/Preparation: Paper, scissors, tape, index cards, list of cowgirl words and illustrated ASL handshapes for the letters of the alphabet. For cowgirl words: You can find a variety of cowgirl expressions/exclamations in Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, or you can find more words on these lists.

For illustrated ASL alphabet handshapes: You can find free downloads from the Story Time with Signs and Rhymes series at this link, and you can find online ASL dictionaries linked from the desktop version of this blog,  (under “helpful extras” on the right-side column of the blog).

Option #1: Instruct participants to use list of cowgirl words and illustrated ASL handshapes along with other supplies to create “ASL Alphabet flashcards” and then use those flashcards to create “cowgirl words” with ASL handshapes.

Option #2: Instruct participants to use the available resources to practice fingerspelling “cowgirl words” with ASL handshapes.

Sing and Sign Along with the "Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?" animated book trailer and theme song.  Find a detailed lesson plan and links here.

Pin the Tail on the Pony

Supplies: Draw a pony’s back side on white poster board. Make or buy “pony tails.” Use bandanas for blindfolds.

Activity: Participants take turns being blind-folded and pinning (actually taping or sticking) the tail on the pony.

Cowgirl Says (Played like Simon Says)

Activity: One person is chosen to be the leader, or, Cowgirl. Cowgirl stands facing other participants,, but apart from group. Cowgirl gives commands such as “Cowgirl says, hop.” “Cowgirl says, stop.” “Cowgirl says sit.” “Cowgirl says stand up.” If cowgirl gives a command that is not preceded by the word, “Cowgirl,” and if a participant does that command, they are out. (i.e. if leader says “Put your hand on your head” and a player puts their hand on their head, the player is out, re: the valid command would be, “Cowgirl says put your hand on your head.”) Play continues until there is only one player remaining. Be sure to incorporate cowgirl kids of words such as gallop, skip, whinny/say “neigh,” etc.

Variation #1: To incorporate sign language into this activity, use signs for “Cowgirl/Cowboy” and the action words instead of or in addition to speaking them.

Variation #2: If you’d like to incorporate sign language into this activity and add challenge, incorporate commands that require participants to sign (i.e. “Cowgirl says sign horse.”) A player is out if they cannot make the sign.

Giddy-Up, Whoa! (Played like Red Light, Green Light)

Activity: One person is chosen as the leader. The leader stands at a “finish line,” some distance away from other participants (15+ feet). Other players stand across the “starting line,” facing the leader. When the leader calls “Giddy-Up,” the players move toward the leader until the leader turns around, calling “Whoa!” Sometimes the leader calls “Whoa,” when participants are expecting to hear “Giddy-Up.” If a player moves when “Whoa!” is called, they must return to the starting line. Play continues until someone reaches the finish line.

Have some real ponies visit! (this definitely changes the event from simple to complex, but it would be hoot hollerin' fun!)

Image by JacLou DL from Pixaby 

Need More Ideas? Explore the Educators' Guide for Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?. It includes discussion questions, resources for Readers' Theatre, a printable cowgirl-themed word search, and more!

Need the Signs for More Words That Relate To This Theme? Here goes:

Ranch: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/RANCH/4271/1 (Like rancher wiping sweat from jaw)
Pony: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/PONY/2158/1
Coyote: Fingerspell C-O-Y-O-T-E
Hawk: Fingerspell H-A-W-K or sign Bird: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/BIRD/47/1
Animal Horns: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/HORNS%20ANIMAL/1505/1 (shape of horns)
Cowgirl (fingerspelled): https://www.zazzle.com/cowgirl_asl_fingerspelled_sign_t_shirt-235509914240383706
Cow: https://www.signingtime.com/dictionary/cow/ (Like cow’s horns)
Girl: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=908 (Rub thumb on jawbone)

*Don’t feel compelled to introduce every possible cowgirl-related word/sign you can think of. Start with a few general words that fit with the theme and are relevant for your group.

*If you plan to introduce several signs at once, it’s more fun (and easier to learn) if you introduce the signs by singing vs. simply showing the signs and asking participants to sign along/practice with you. You can sing a song such as “This is the way we sign for ranch/pony/cow/girl” to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush,” or any other familiar tune that allows for plenty of repetition.

You can find more cowgirl-themed (and potty and pirate-themed) lesson plans and resources here.

Fun fact: Dawn loves to travel, so get in touch if you’d like her to personally present a story time program of this nature (pardon the pun) in your learning community.

Now giddy-up and have yourself a real good time!

..oh, one more thing.. if you share photos of and/or blog about your story time / event, be sure to tag me so I can share in the fun. Even better if it’s something I can link to in my round-up of resources for my readers!

Instagram: @DawnProchovnic
Twitter: @DawnProchovnic
Facebook: @DawnProchovnicAuthor

Talk Like a Pirate Day Story Time Lesson Plan / Pirate Party Event Plan

Since one of my latest books has a young pirate for a main character, it seemed logical to plan a pirate-themed story time event on International Talk Like a Pirate Day (celebrated on September 19th each year).

Green Bean Books in Portland, Oregon was kind enough to open their doors and welcome me to their beautiful, covered, back patio for a Pirate Party. It was a marrrrvelous time!

I thought it would be fun and helpful to share my activity plan and some photos of the event for folks who intend to host a Talk Like a Pirate Day event and/or pirate-themed program anytime in the future. Here goes:

International Talk Like a Pirate Day Story Time Lesson Plan (and Pirate Party Event Plan)
by Dawn Babb Prochovnic

Props/Supplies:

Pirate Name Generator (see below)
Name Tags
Picture Book: Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?
iPad or Other Device to Play Book Trailer for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?
Paper or Newsprint and Tape to Make Pirate Hats
Props for Photo Booth/Selfie Station, Optional
Costumes, Decorations, and Refreshments, as Desired

Decorations and Costumes

*Since this was a Pirate Party in addition to being a pirate-themed story time, I wore a costume and decorated the display table in the story time area:

Photo Credit, Jennifer Green, Green Bean Books

*The Hannah Anderson store happened to have a promotional offering on pirate gear around the time I was planning this event, so I purchased a children's pirate hat (that happily fit!) from them. My local party store, The Lippman Co., had a good supply of pirate-y items, as I'm sure most party stores do. I got a couple of skull and cross bone bandanas to "pirate-tize" my standard white tablecloth, some pirate flags (which I of course displayed in a roll of TP), and a package of props for a pirate-y photo booth (see below). I also displayed some of my bookmarks (designed by illustrator, Jacob Souva) and some stickers with the image of our book cover (that I purchased through Sticker Mule -- Sticker Mule is GREAT, by the way...highly recommended), and I set out individual packages of Pirates Booty purchased at Target (which was available in their Halloween section, and happened to be on sale for a great price). My Pinterest page has lots of other ideas for decorations and themed refreshments for those who want to go all out!

Welcome, Ice Breaker, and Introductions

*I put several copies of the Pirate Name Generator for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? (see below) into protective plastic covers. As participants arrived, I encouraged them to create their Pirate Name. If you typically use name tags in your programming, you could add pirate names to the name tags.

NOTE: Definitely allow participants the freedom to create a different name combination or even to make up their own pirate name, if they don't like the name generated by the Pirate Name Generator.

NOTE: If you have difficulty accessing the image file for the Pirate Name Generator, you can access a printable document here. You are welcome to re-print this resource for use in your programs, but I do request that you retain the credits, as listed.

Read Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? 

Available Everywhere Books Are Sold

*Before reading, invite  participants to join in by saying the words for sounds that appear throughout the story.

Photo Credit, Jennifer Green, Green Bean Books

*Read the story using varied voices for different characters.

NOTE: I use a fairly normal voice for the pirate character, and I alternate between a higher voice and a lower voice for the Razor Clam and Sea Lion. I use a gruff voice for the Rock Crab, and a very high-pitched voice for the Pelican. I go back to a moderately high voice for the Octopus, a low voice for the Gray Whale, and I use a gruff voice for the Deck Hands. I mention these details in case it's helpful to have a ready-to-go "voice map" in place, but definitely feel encouraged to make up your own silly voices without regard to any of these notes.

*As you can see, I really like to get into character!

Photo Credit, Jennifer Green, Green Bean Books

Ask Post-Story Discussion Questions

*For example, "Have you ever needed to use the potty, but you had to wait for the right time or place? What was the situation? How did it turn out?"

NOTE: A detailed Study Guide that includes a variety of discussion questions and curriculum-aligned activities will soon be available for this book. The guide will be available at this link: https://www.westmarginpress.com/study-guides/

Sing Along to the Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? Song

*The song is available on YouTube, via the book trailer:




*You can find the words to the song in the "Sign Language Sing-Along Lesson Plan."

*Since my earlier books incorporate American Sign Language, it's second nature for me to add a little ASL enrichment into most of my programs. If you want to ramp up the enrichment aspect of your Pirate-Themed Story Time, introduce a few signs to go along with the above Pirate song, as noted in the Sign Language Sign-Along Lesson Plan. If you decide to do this, you will want to introduce the signs to participants and give them an opportunity to practice the signs a few times before you play the song. You may even want to replay the song a couple of different times so participants get to practice and gain a sense of mastery of the selected signs. Three logical signs to incorporate into this song include:

Pirate: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=5287 (Boat + Eye Patch)
Potty/Toilet: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/toilet (The “T” handshape wiggles)
Where: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WHERE/478/1 (Pointer finger looks/searches)

Note: The sign for potty/toilet (the noun) and the sign for "to use" the potty/toilet (the verb) are the same.

*I use the signs for "Where" and "Potty/Toilet" in the first part of the song, and I use the sign for "Pirate" near the end of the song. I also add the signs for "No," "Oh," and "Not," which are described in the Sign Language Sign-Along Lesson Plan.

Tell Some Pirate Jokes and/or Facilitate a Pirate Glossary Q and A

*I incorporated the Pirate Jokes and Pirate Glossary compiled by Amber Creger on the Monroe County Library System's Wiki. One of my favorite jokes from the list is:

"What is a pirates favorite kind of cookie? Ships Ahoy!" Arrr. Arrr. Arrr. Arrrr!

Additional Learning Extensions: 

1. Read More Books!

*Since this particular event was a book launch celebration, I focused on just this one book (plus gave brief mention to the companion book, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?) For other pirate-themed events, there are many fun pirate books to consider. You can find lots of additional ideas by exploring the "Pirate-Themed Lesson Plans/Event Plans/Resources" linked from this page (after you follow the link, you'll need to scroll down about 1/3 of the way into the post for these resources).

2. Facilitate a Readers' Theatre

*Resources for a Readers' Theatre, including a script, will be available in the previously mentioned study guide that will soon be available at this link: https://www.westmarginpress.com/study-guides/. If you need the script before the study guide is available, please contact Dawn directly via a comment below, a DM on social media, or via the contact form on the left side of the blog, and I will share it with you directly. 

3. Sing Another Pirate Song, or a Potty Song, or Both!

*Pirate Song: Sing to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It"

If you're a pirate and you know it, shout, "Ahoy!"
If you're a pirate and you know it, shout, "Ahoy!"
If you're a pirate and you know it, shout, "Ahoy!" and really show it.
If you're a pirate and you know it, shout, "Ahoy!"

Additional Verses: swab the deck... say, "heave-ho" ... say "avast!" ...

*Potty Song: The Potty Dance (Sung to the Tune of The Hokey Pokey) by Dawn Babb Prochovnic (inspired by songs from Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Tot by Bruce Lansky and Catherine Blake and originally shared in the Potty-Humor-Themed Sign Language Story Time Lesson Plan)

You hold your bladder (belly) left.
You hold your bladder (belly) right.
You wrap your arms like this, and you hold on super tight.
You need to find a potty or you’re gonna wet your pants.
You’re doing the potty dance.

You cross your right foot left.
You cross your left foot right.
You squeeze your knees like this, and you hold on super tight.
You need to find a potty or you’re gonna wet your pants.
You’re doing the potty dance.

You search in this place left.
You search in this place right.
You hoot and hop like this, and you hold on super tight.
You need to find a potty or you’re gonna wet your pants.
You’re doing the potty dance.

*This song is really fun to share with a group. It was giggles all around. I highly encourage it!

Photo Credit, Jennifer Green, Green Bean Books

4. Create a Pirate Hat

*You can find instructions for making a basic pirate hat out of newspaper here, and you can find instructions for a myriad of pirate-y hats here. For this particular event, I used regular 8 1/2 x 11 paper, and called the activity "Pirate Hat Origami." I can't believe that I neglected to get a single picture of pirate-hat making!

*I encouraged participants to write their Pirate Name (from the icebreaker) on their hats. (It's a great way to sneak in a little bit of writing practice. Yarrr!)

5. Encourage Extending the Learning to the Home Environment

*You can find a variety of pirate-y craft ideas here. I displayed my "Banana Pirate" sample and encouraged participants to try making their own "Banana Pirate" at home. 

Just for Fun

Have a Pirate Photo Booth/Selfie Station

* As noted above, I purchased a set of pirate-themed photo booth props, and set up an area where participants could take pictures or selfies. I didn't happen to get any pictures of this part of the event, but I'm hoping some of the people who took pictures will send them to me. If they do, I'll add them here later.

Here are the photo props (displayed in a roll of toilet paper, of course!)

Silly Books Can Help Solve Serious Problems

*Although Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? is ridiculously silly, I try to incorporate an opportunity for participants to learn about and/or support more serious issues into most of my events. For example, at a school/author visit, I might talk about World Toilet Day, which aims to raise awareness about the need for universal access to safe toilets. When an event is held at a book store, it's my hope that folks will purchase books, which helps the independent bookstore remain a viable business in the local economy. I also like to use my voice to bring awareness about local non-profit organizations that support reading and literacy. For this reason, I put out a small basket to collect books for the Children's Book Bank (which provides books to local children who need books of their own at home--it's the organization I supported for my 50th birthday... a few years ago!) Of course I'm hopeful participants will support my work and purchase one of my books, but I'm also more than happy to accept donations of any books that are purchased at the store during my visit.

Time for Fond Farewells

*Avast! Before you know it, the mother ship is ready to set sail for home ...  so it's time to wrap up.  I encouraged everyone to take a package of Pirate's Booty to go, and asked that they share one pirate-y word with me as they walked the plank to head back home.

Thanks to everyone who attended this fun event and to the wonderful folks at Green Bean Books who make me feel so welcome and supported each and every time I visit their store!

Here's me, back at home, after a MIGHTY fun afternoon. Yarrr!

Photo Credit: Nikko Prochovnic

Get Ready for International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Here's a Pirate-Themed Sign Language Sing-Along Lesson Plan

Hi friends! I’ve been busy, busy, busy developing resources to celebrate the upcoming release of my two latest picture books: Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? and Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? Since International Talk Like a Pirate Day is just around the corner, (it's September 19th, every year), I wanted to be sure you have some fun (and educational) lesson plans in hand!



Although these new books don’t incorporate sign language like my Story Time with Signs & Rhymes series, in my experience, most books can be enriched with sign language with just a little bit of advanced planning. You can find several examples and resources here, including a detailed sign language story time lesson plan for folks who are interested in some comic relief while toilet training, and a more general potty-themed sign language story time lesson plan.

Given the titles of my books, I fully anticipate they will appeal to folks in the potty-training age and stage, but they're more accurately categorized as potty-humor books, vs. potty-training books. They are geared for young readers ages 3-8, though I suspect they will bring out the inner-comedian in potty humorists of all ages. Case in point: here is one of the funny photos I received from author, Stephanie Shaw, soon after she received her books via pre-order:

Image Source: Author Stephanie Shaw

The caption Stephanie sent along with this photo: "It's not a strain to love these new books." Bah-ha-ha!!! That cracks me up!

Leaning into the humorous aspects of these books, over the past couple of months, I had the unique opportunity to work with two different musicians to create a catchy children’s song for each book. I couldn’t be more pleased with how the songs turned out!

Kids of all ages love to sing and sign AND they love to laugh. Singing and signing along with these silly songs creates a perfect opportunity to incorporate all three of these fun activities.

I shared resources for singing and signing along with the Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? song and some of the backstory about my experience working with singer, songwriter, and performing musician, Marshall Mitchell, on a recent guest post on Kathy MacMillan’s Stories By Hand blog.

For the Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? song, I worked with Annie Lynn, AnnieBirdd Music, LLC. Here is a fun photo of Annie Lynn's studio, with performer, Alexander Wilczewski, when our Pirate song was being recorded:

Image Source: AnnieBirdd Music, LLC

You can read the story of how Annie and I met and developed a friendship on Tara Lazar's blog.

Annie licenses her curriculum-based songs for schools, homeschoolers, choirs, radio, TV, etc. More recently, she has started working with members of the kidlit community to bring children’s literature to life through music. She creates theme songs and karaoke-style sing-along songs that authors can use for school visits, and she creates custom songs for book trailers, like the song she created for the Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? book trailer, which was delightfully animated by illustrator, Jacob Souva:



I’ve provided the song lyrics for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? below, noting in bold some of the words you might consider signing along with. TIP: Don’t feel pressured to sign more words than you are comfortable with. It’s perfectly okay to start by signing only one or two key words, (for example, where or potty) that repeat throughout the song. As your sign language vocabulary (and your confidence) develops and grows, you can add more signs each time you sing. Rest assured, kids are likely to ask you to repeat the song again and again!

Here are the lyrics:

Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?

Lyrics by Dawn Prochovnic

Music written and performed by AnnieBirdd Music, LLC, with Annie Lynn, Walt Wilczewski, and Chris Arms, and starring Red Beard The Pirate, a.k.a. Alexander Wilczewski

(These waves are makin’ me a wee bit uncomfortable!)   

Where does a pirate go potty?

Explorin’ from shoreline to sea.

Where does a pirate go potty?

The pirate who’s wonderin’ is me!

In the sand?

No! 

In a cave?

Oh! 

In a tidepool?

That’s NOT a good spot!

Off a pier?

No!

Bottoms up!

Oh!

Past the lighthouse?

Definitely not!

Where does a pirate go potty?

Blimey, I’m ready to burst!

Where does a pirate go potty?

Waitin’ too long is the worst!

Where does a pirate go potty?

Explorin’ from shoreline to sea.

Where does a pirate go potty?

The pirate who’s wonderin’ is me!

Avast, me hearties!

The pirate whose wonderin’ is me! 


Here are links to some reputable video-based resources for the selected ASL vocabulary words, along with some brief reminder notes to help jog your memory as you are learning the signs:

Burst: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/BURST/3084/1 (Hands make exploding motion)
Explore: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=718 (Palm-down “V” handshapes looks/explores)
Me: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/ME/3864/1 (Point to self)
No! https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/NO/8518/1 (Quickly press first two fingers to thumb)
Not: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=1515 (Thumb brushes chin)
Oh! https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/OH/10071/1 (Fist brushes/punches other palm)
Pirate: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=5287 (Boat + Eye Patch)
Potty/Toilet: https://www.signingsavvy.com/search/toilet (The “T” handshape wiggles)
Uncomfortable: https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=4433 (Not + Comfortable,  hands brush across each other)
Wait: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WAIT/463/1 (Palms up, fingers wiggle)
Where: https://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/WHERE/478/1 (Pointer finger looks/searches)

Note: The sign for potty/toilet (the noun) and the sign for "to use" the potty/toilet (the verb) are the same.

As I mentioned above, I worked with Annie Lynn of AnnieBirdd Music, LLC for the Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? song. Annie Lynn has many award-winning songs about more serious topics such as anti-bullying and STEM-related topics such as the climate crisis. You can learn more about Annie and her work here. If you’re interested in hearing more of Annie Lynn’s music, purchasing and/or licensing her music for personal and/or professional use, or collaborating with Annie to create music for your own creative/educational projects, find out more here.

And, if you loved the book trailer for Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?  check out the book trailer for  Where Does A Cowgirl Go Potty? , too!

Want an early release copy of Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? Comment below, and/or share this post on social media, and tag me @DawnProchovnicAuthor (FB) / @DawnProchovnic (Twitter) for chances to win. I have two early release copies along with classroom sets of bookmarks to share. I’ll give them away sometime after International Talk Like a Pirate Day! 

Pssst....if you live in the Portland, Oregon area, I'll be doing a special Pirate Party story time at Green Bean Books at 3:30 pm on Thursday, September 19, 2019 to celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day. I'd love to see you there!

Last but not least, if you're looking for other pirate-themed (and cowgirl and potty-themed) lesson plans and resources, click here, and if you'd like me to visit your bookstore, library, school, or learning community, get in touch via the contact form at the left, or by leaving a comment below or on social media.

Yarrr!