Lori Degman's talk made a big impression
"Just wanted to send out an extra thank you for having Lori Degman come and talk to the kids yesterday. It made a big impression on "Ben". We bought two of the books, which he brought home AND READ OUT LOUD to us. ("Ben" would spend all day being read to…..the opposite is not so true.) Not only did he read to us, but he had us do what the kids must have been asked to do when she read to them, like make the appropriate animal noises. He told us how she had gotten 153 nos, when she was trying to find someone to publish her, and so on. So…thanks! We appreciate all the extra effort it must have taken."
Parent
Hatch Elementary School
Oak Park, IL
Still talking about it
"Lori had many fun and engaging parts to her presentation. I loved her idea of "Story in a Box" where props were used to come up with all the elements used to make a fiction story. My 2nd grade daughter is still talking about it how much fun she had at Lori's presentation!”
Sarah Jenkinson-Cope
Union Grove School
Harwood Heights, IL
Engages students in rhyming activities
“Lori is an enthusiastic author and teacher. She is skilled at rhyming and engages students in rhyming activities! She is warm, personable and truly loves children.”
Ms. Kulesza, Reading Specialist
Euclid School
Mt. Prospect, IL
Interactive and engaging presentation
"Lori Degman's presentation not only helped my first graders learn how to become writers, but she also gave them the opportunity to practice those skills through her interactive and engaging presentation."
Ms. Larios, First Grade Teacher
Burley School
Chicago, IL
Enthusiastic and passionate author and presenter
"It was a pleasure hosting Lori Degman at our school. Her presentation was enjoyable not only for students, but for teachers, too! She is an enthusiastic and passionate author and presenter."
Jillian Grazioso, Fourth Grade Teacher
Union Grove School
Harwood Heights, IL
You won't be disappointed
"Lori Degman's presentation was engaging, interactive and fun! The students loved making rhymes with her and hearing her latest book. Lori has come to Irving School multiple time and each time she leaves us with a smile on our faces. I recommend bringing Lori to your school...you won't be disappointed!"
Katie Noonan, Librarian
Irving School
Oak Park, IL
Put a smile on everyone's face
"Lori's work will put a smile on everyone's face who reads her books! It was a pleasure to have her in our school for an author's visit presentation that was both interactive and fun. We are looking forward to having her back in the very near future!"
Paul Floyd, Assistant Principal
Stony Creek Elementary
Alsip, IL
Still talking about it
"Lori had many fun and engaging parts ot her presentation. I loved her idea of "Story in a Box" where props were used to come up with all the elements used to make a fiction story. My 2nd grade daughter is still talking about it how much fun she had at Lori's presentation!"
Sarah Jenkinson-Cope, Teacher & Parent
Union Grove School
Harwood Heights, IL
Lori was a wonderful guest to have
"Lori was a wonderful guest to have! Her presentation was engaging and students of all elementary ages loved her! Her activity that allowed them to create their own stories which was fun and age appropriate. We loved having Lori!"
Allie Dolan, Teacher
Union Grove School
Harwood Heights, IL
Successfully engaged our crowd
"Lori Degman was our guest author during Family Reading Night. She successfully engaged our crowd from toddlers to adults while telling her story of becoming an author, as well as reading us her own delightful stories in a fun, interactive way. The families loved the event and I would highly recommend her to all libraries looking for author visits!"
Erin Carr, Librarian
Adler Park School
Libertyville, IL
What an impression you made
"My class is still talking about our Skype visit with you on World Read Aloud Day. And we refer to our conversation about editing every time we get ready to “fix up” what we’ve been writing. What an impression you made!"
Beth Sellars, 1st grade teacher
Midway Elementary School
Lexington, SC
You inspired them
“The class absolutely loved you!! You inspired them as writers! Our writers workshop definitely had a different vibe today!”
Natalie Schramer , Third Grade Teacher
Williamsburg Elementary School
Geneva, Illinois
Such a great experience for my class
"Mrs. Degman recently completed this Skype lesson with my kindergarten ESL students. This was something they had never experienced before. Mrs. Degman did such a great job encouraging them to participate in the lesson. She engaged the students and made them feel comfortable to ask questions. Mrs. Degman used appropriate language to meet the needs of my young English learners. I am grateful to her for making this such a great experience for my class. Thank you, Mrs. Degman!
Ms. Savage, ESL Kindergarten Teacher
East Elementary School
Brentwood, NY
Amazing opportunity for my young authors
"Lori's Skype with my high school creative writing class was an amazing opportunity for my young writers to learn from someone who has been through the process. My students were encouraged to continue to pursue their writing passions, enlightened by here experiences and advice, and excited to meet "a real live author." Thank you, Lori, for providing them with this memorable experience!"
Ms. Palazzo, English Teacher
Shrewsbury High School
Shrewsbury, MA
Absolutely amazing
Thank you so much for your visit! It was absolutely amazing - the first Skype we've ever done with an author. The kids loved the story and were captivated that they could see you and communicate with you!
Ms. Harris, School Librarian
Rice Creek Elementary School
Columbia, SC
Professionalism and approachability
"Whether pre-published, or published several times over, every writer can learn something from Lori. Her presentations are professional, packed with pearls of wisdom, and delivered with compassion and kindness. Lori has that rare combination of professionalism and approachability, making her a treasured presenter for any writer’s event!”
Shannon Stocker
Author
Wonderful Presenter
"Lori is a wonderful presenter with a warm personality. She has a way of punching things up with humor to keep the audience engaged. The presentation was thorough and clear. I believe anyone learning how to write picture books in rhyme would find it very helpful."
Diana Murray
Author
LOVED Lori's session
"A rhyme is not necessarily a crime. When taught by Lori, you have no need to worry, she will teach you the meter that will hold attention of your reader and leave you with a book at which children will look. LOVED Lori's session and learned a lot about being brave with rhyme and keeping your story honest and enjoyable to read. Thank you, Lori for a great time learning all about rhyme!"
Susan Burdorf
Author
Valuable perspective
"I love reading rhyme and writing in rhyme, so I was excited to see successful picture book author Lori Degman on the speaker roster of the SCBWI conference. I attended both of Lori's talks, and not only did she offer valuable perspective on how/when/when-not-to to write in rhyme, but her talks pointed out example after example of good (and not so good) rhyme from published picture books. Her down to earth manner made her very approachable, and the presentation slides and resources she emails to attendees post-conference are so helpful!! Having attended her talks and having taken advantage of the many resources that the conference offers, I feel more confident in the potential of my work, and am much more knowledgeable about the entire publishing process. "
Naveeda Qadir
Author
Master at her craft
"I attended two of Lori’s sessions at the 2022 SCBWI Midsouth Conference, What’s so Funny and Writing in Rhyme isn’t a Crime … Unless You Butcher It. She is very personable and a master at her craft." Dawn Renee Young
Author
Helpful and educational
"Thank you so much for this session. It was really inspiring and eye opening for me. I have an MFA in Writing for Children and YA, but I've always shied away from picture books (especially rhyming stories) because I couldn't get the rhythm and rhyme to flow. But your suggestions made it sound so easy! I am so inspired to analyze other texts and compare it to my own work. I can't wait to write a rhyming picture book now. For the first time in my life, it sounds like FUN! Thank you for that. Your class was so helpful and educational."
Janelle Fila
Author
A treasure for anyone
"The session with Lori Degman, at the Midsouth SCBWI conference was filled with information. Her information and handout is a treasure for anyone wanting to publish a rhyming picture book. I would attend again to make sure it all soaks in to my brain. Thank you Lori."
Mary Jo Huff
Author
Warm and engaging
"Your session at the New Jersey SCBWI Conference in June was the best one I attended all weekend. You have a personal presentation style that is warm and engaging as well as a fantastic command of the nuts-and-bolts of what must be done to rhyme well. I would, without hesitation, sign up for anything you offered in the future."
Lorian Steider Brady
Author
Packed with valuable information
"Lori Degman's presentation was packed full of valuable information for the writer who wants to compose stories in verse. Academic points are noted, with examples to back up what she teaches. The exuberant joy in her presentation shows she loves what she does and loves to share it!"
Sue Ann Erickson
Author
Fortunate to attend your session
"I was fortunate to attend your session at last weekend's NJ SCBWI Conference. Thank you so much for your helpful suggestions and the extensive list of books in the handout."
Rose Cappelli
Author