School Visits

Children’s author and illustrator Jonathan Miller does more than 200 low-cost—and even free—school visits per year.

He regularly travels throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas. He’s planning his first trips to Kentucky, Louisiana, Indiana, and Oklahoma for the 2023-24 school year and would love to introduce Sammy the Wonder Dachshund to even more new places!

Below, please find more details about Jonathan’s presentations. He encourages students to read, write, make art, and work hard to reach their dreams.

Jonathan’s scheduling director, Anna, will answer all your questions and help you book a visit. Reach her at (843) 822-7599 or anna@sammydogbooks.com today!

Schoolwide Presentations

Jonathan speaks to grades K-5. He typically gives two or three presentations per school, tailoring each by grade level.

In each 30- to 35-minute session, Jonathan:

- Reads one of his children’s books: Sammy's Last Week in Charleston, Sammy on Safari, Sammy in Space, or Sammy’s Family Tree, Vol. 1. (Check out a preview of Family Tree within the Teacher Resources below.).

- Discusses the writing process, including the importance of rewriting. For grades 3-5, Jonathan also touches on book publishing.

-Explains how he creates his illustrations by cutting and layering colorful pieces of construction paper and card stock. It’s a process students love to try themselves!

-Shares original artwork from the books.

- Encourages questions during a Q&A session.

-Offers an optional studio tour and art demonstration during virtual presentations.

Educator testimonials

“The kids were engaged. The teachers thought he was a riot!” —Lisa Wieman, media specialist, Round Hill Elementary in Round Hill, Virginia

“We are THRILLED with Jonathan's visit. The teachers and student body loved every moment of the presentation.” —Jill Ellison, administrator, Thales Academy Wake Forest in Wake Forest, North Carolina

“I suspect that he may well have inspired some future writers or illustrators in our group of students, and that is exactly what I had hoped to achieve!” —Hildegard J. Jessup, head of school, Oak Crest Private School, in Carrollton, Texas

“Jonathan did a terrific job with the kids. He had them engaged and wanting more.” —Destiny Dry, school librarian, St. John’s Episcopal School in Olney, Maryland

“His presentation was engaging, humorous, and taught my students about the writing process. I couldn't keep his books on our shelves!” —Kimberly Miskowski, media specialist, Coppergate School of the Arts in Clay County, Florida

“In addition to his books being truly fun to read, the method in which he illustrates is incredible. Jonathan has a natural rapport with students, and they were eager to ask questions.” —Karen Durand, principal, Saint John Catholic School in North Charleston, South Carolina

“He has a great sense of humor tailored to the grade level to which he is speaking, and his presentation was engaging and informative. Our kids really enjoyed his visit!” —Kenneth A. Blum, media specialist, Oak Grove Elementary, Peachtree City, Georgia

Visit Requirements

To provide visits at a low cost to the school, Jonathan requires the following:

-The school must send a hard-copy book order form home with each student approximately a week before his visit. Students’ books will be both signed and personalized.

-An animated version of Sammy on Safari should be shown to students at least a week in advance; it is available on YouTube here.

-He must speak to at least three grade levels. Typically, he speaks to all grades K-5.

-If the presentations are given on a related arts schedule, homeroom teachers are encouraged to participate with their students; Jonathan makes sure they enjoy the presentations too!