“After sharing my origin story, I provide a visual history of the artwork, from a first grader’s portrait of Snoopy, to my current series of bestselling children’s books, “Fiona the Hippo”. I speak to select pieces from my elementary, middle, high school and college careers as well as talking through examples from my professional journey. Next comes an explanation of the illustration process; explaining how and where I work, the tools of the trade, and how the books are put together. The PowerPoint Presentation inevitably leads to a great Q&A time!”

“I ask the students (and teachers) attending my presentation to bring paper and pencils or crayons with them, and we have a “draw-along”. I take them step-by-step through creating a portrait of my favorite dog, Marley, or everyone’s favorite hippo, Fiona. This has been a huge hit with the kids (and adults)! Everyone leaves with a beautiful piece of artwork and a big smile. Typically, the kids are so proud of their drawings and are eager to get home to show them off and have them displayed on their refrigerators.”

“Most schools contact me well in advance of my visit, so the students have read my books, do projects based on my characters, and are very familiar with me. Typically they have purchased books in advance so I make sure to set aside time to personalize and sign their books. Occasionally I am asked to bring books along or contact a book store in the area to provide books for purchase, which I am happy to do.

Working with students is a favorite time in the cycle of producing and releasing a book. To see the excitement kids have about something I have created, to hear their thoughts, answer their questions and hopefully inspire them, is a huge blessing!

I’ve presented in venues from school libraries, classrooms, cafeterias and gymnasiums, to public libraries, book stores, and community centers.”

“Everyone who attended one of Richard’s presentations in Allen, Texas, left inspired by the story of his journey, both as an artist and as a person. Richard is not just a terrific illustrator – he is one of those humble, generous individuals who makes you want to go out and make the world a better place.

A joy to work with, we couldn’t have asked for a better speaker to kick off the first year of ALLen Reads, our city’s one-community-one-book program.”

—Solina Marquis
Allen Public Library Youth Services Librarian
ALLen Reads Committee

“Richard Cowdrey was invited to our primary school for our annual Reading Week event. His illustrations in Bad Dog, Marley! had caught my eye, especially the way he painted Marley’s nose! He was well prepared for his presentation. He shared a PowerPoint slideshow that made the kids laugh out loud.

Some of his artwork inspired our students to “think outside the box” and his commissioned pieces were amazing! He explained how and why he became an illustrator in a way that was enlightening and motivating, like an invitation for each of our students to take a try at it.

The best part of his presentation was when he sat down and actually drew a Marley face for them as they watched. We have the picture hanging in our library! To top it off, he spent 2 hours signing copies of Bad Dog, Marley! for every student in our building.

Meeting Richard and having him share his talents with our students was a very rewarding and memorable event.”

—Lois L. Hunt
Reading Specialist
Frank Knight School

”Having Richard Cowdrey visit Columbia Elementary School (Mount Vernon, Ohio) was an exciting time for the students and staff. He gave presentations to primary and intermediate students that were meaningful to the children’s own experiences as illustrators. He spoke of his childhood and early years as an illustrator, along with the training he received. His visuals of the illustrating process made the work real to his audiences.

Richard’s work is fresh and appealing to children and adults of all ages – everyone can relate to Marley and the adventures that a dog can bring to a family.”

—Pam Rose
Principal
Columbia Elementary School

“Richard’s presentation combines history of creating his work along with humor as he talks about illustrating his books. He does a wonderful job holding the interest of children and adults alike. Richard is one of the most down-to-earth and genuine people you will ever meet… two traits we want to instill in the children we teach.”

—Benjamin Sapp
Director
The University of Findlay Mazza Museum

“What a positive, inspiring, uplifting and wonderful experience we had with Mr. Cowdrey! It is obvious that he is doing his passion in life and exudes that passion to students of all ages.”

—Kim Redington
Director
Clinton County Adult Literacy Program