School and Library Visit Programs: "The Art of Bouncing Back"
with Kerry McQuaide, Author-Illustrator of The Biggest, Highest Wave
Hello Educators and Librarians,
I’m Kerry McQuaide, a debut author-illustrator and the creator of The Biggest, Highest Wave—a picture book about resilience, courage, and getting up after you’ve been knocked down. I'd love to visit your school to inspire students with the powerful message that challenges help us grow—and creativity helps us bounce back!
About the Book
THE BIGGEST HIGHEST WAVE (published May 1, 2025), was named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection—an honor given to fewer than 3% of traditionally published children’s books each year!
The Biggest, Highest Wave by Kerry McQuaide
Girl versus nature.
Surfer versus wave.
A graceful, gritty, and courageous surfer faces the mighty force of nature’s waves—inspired by the world-famous, record-breaking swells that occur in Nazaré, Portugal. It’s a testament to the human spirit and a young girl’s ability to get back up after being turned upside down.
School Visits
(Scroll down for Library Visits)
What’s Included Before the Visit
To help you prepare and build excitement, I’ll send:
A short video introduction for teachers to play before the visit, introducing myself and the book’s theme.
A simple SEL exercise aligned with the visit to get the kids thinking about a time they showed resilience.
A book order form for families to purchase signed copies in advance.
School Visit Offerings
1. Author Talk (Grades K–3 or K–5) – 45 mins (or class period)
Includes a book reading, storytelling behind the book’s creation, and a discussion about resilience with age-appropriate examples.
Visual Walkthrough: I’ll share sketchbook pages, early drafts, and a little bit about how picture books get made.
Interactive Q&A and live drawing: Kids have a chance to ask questions, and then we do a live drawing session exploring their own stories and what to do when things get tough.
2. Resilience Through Art Workshop (Grades 1–5) – 45 mins (or class period)
Students create their own “bounce-back” character or story, using drawing and writing prompts that reinforce social-emotional learning.
Materials provided by the author (paper handout).
Materials provided by the school (crayons/markers/pencils).
3. Meet-the-Maker Mini Sessions (Pre-K–K, 25 mins each)
A cozy session featuring a read-aloud and a simple drawing or feelings-based activity (e.g., “What helps you feel brave?”).
4. Teacher Resource Pack
All visits come with a downloadable PDF of Common Core–aligned discussion questions, writing and drawing prompts, and an activity guide to be used after the visit.
💲 Pricing
Half-Day Visit (2 to 3 sessions + book signing): $400
Full-Day Visit (4 to 5 sessions + book signing): $700
Virtual Visit (30-min author talk + Q&A on Zoom): $150
Discounts also available if a minimum book order is placed. Title I discounts and multi-school bookings available—please reach out!
Travel fees may apply beyond 50 miles of Saugerties, NY.
Ready to Inspire Your Students?
Let’s ride the wave and explore resilience through art and storytelling. To inquire or book a visit, email me at kerrymcquaide(at)gmail.com or fill out the contact form below.
Looking forward to connecting with your young readers and artists!
Library Visit Offerings
1. For ages 3 to 8: Storytime and Bouncing Back Live Drawing – 30 mins
Includes a book reading, storytelling behind the book’s creation, and a discussion about resilience with live drawing and age-appropriate examples.
2. For ages 9 to 12: Author Talk and and Bouncing Back Live Drawing – 30 mins
Includes a book reading, storytelling behind the book’s creation, and a discussion about resilience with live drawing and age-appropriate examples. Graphic novel “panel” pages for the kids to draw their own stories.
3. For Adults: Author Talk – 45 mins
Includes a book reading, storytelling behind the book’s creation, and a discussion about the publication process. Q&A about writing for children and getting published.
💲 Pricing
Library visits range in price (free to $150) depending on your location and budget—please reach out!