We love our work, and we love sharing it with people of all ages. Our books are child-friendly introductions to some of the complex issues that come up around gender identity, such as clothing, school bathrooms, and pronouns. In addition to these topics, we enjoy sharing our experiences as writers, published picture book authors, and book bans. All of our talks are grounded in our personal, lived experience as well as interviews with other parents and professionals. Our audiences range from kids pre-K through elementary school, middle schoolers, high schoolers, college students, and adults. We speak in person or online at schools, conferences, libraries, faith communities, and other organizations. Our sessions for younger kids are typically 25-30 minutes, for older students 45 minutes, and for adults, our presentations are in the 45-90 minute range. We are happy to design a session that fits the unique needs of your particular group.
To arrange a speaking engagement, please contact How Now Booking.
Sample Presentations:
Storytime: Pre-K
We read Jacob’s New Dress, followed by a guided Q&A. Discussion topics might include our experience as authors, working together, or themes from the book. Our emphasis is on cultivating an environment where children feel safe to express themselves, explore what they like to wear and do, and appreciate and support others. Also: stickers! (20 minutes)
Jacob’s New Dress: K-2nd
This presentation centers around the true story of our son, Sam, a little boy who loved dresses. We discuss societal expectations, our family’s journey, and how we came to write our book. We read Jacob’s New Dress, followed by a guided Q&A. Our emphasis is on cultivating an environment where children feel safe to express themselves, explore their identities, and appreciate and support others. (25 minutes)
Building a Culture of Kindness, One Book at a Time: Older Elementary, Middle & High School, College, Adult
Our signature talk for older kids and adults (second grade and up) covers what inspired us to write our books. We discuss kids & gender identity, The Great Bathroom Debate, pronouns, our history as banned authors, and a review of the state of book banning in our country—and what we can all do about it. A great option for older students, a Keynote, or Professional Development. (45-90 minutes including Q&A)
Banned and Proud!: Older Elementary, Middle & High School, College, Adult
We’re picture book authors who write about kindness and respect, yet our books are banned in 26 states, in Malaysia, and by the Department of Defense. Why would anyone ban kids’ books? This talk for adults and older students looks at the many issues around book banning. Where is it taking place? Why is it taking place? How do libraries, public schools, and free speech interact? How do book bans affect kids? What does it feel like to be banned? And wait–how did one of our books go all the way to the Supreme Court?!!? A great option for older students, a Keynote, or Professional Development. (45-90 minutes including Q&A)
Jacob’s Missing Book: K-Adult
Since 2020, there has been an unprecedented explosion of book banning across the United States. This presentation centers around Jacob’s Missing Book, which tackles the topic of book bans from a kid’s-eye point of view. What happens when a child’s favorite book is taken away? How do teachers and librarians explain complex adult conflicts to kids? What is so important about stories that books are taken away? Adaptable for all ages. (25-60 minutes including Q&A)
I Have to Pee, so Let Me Be!: K-Adult
What’s the worst part of the day for kids who don’t fit gender norms? Using the bathroom at school. This presentation centers around Jacob’s Room to Choose, our book about everyone being able to use the bathroom safely. We discuss how people react when they’re confronted with people who don’t look the way they expect, and how to navigate the world with respect and kindness. We lead a lively quiz on the history of public bathrooms—ranging from gross-out fun to surprising facts—showing that what we consider normal now has not been this way for very long at all. A fun and engaging program that is adaptable for all ages. (25-60 minutes including Q&A)
Behind the Scenes: How We Became Authors and the Path to Getting Published: K-Adult
Where do our ideas come from? What is a writing day like for us? How do two people work together to write one book? How do we work with our illustrator, our publishers, our agent, and our fellow authors? This talk for students and adults can be tailored according to the age and needs of our audience. (25-60 minutes including Q&A)
Custom Presentation: K-Adult
We’re happy to work with your organization to come up with a custom program that suits your individual needs. That could include a conversation with other authors or a fabulous drag queen. (45-90 minutes including Q&A)