Article by Delzin Choksey
As an illustrator of children’s books, I had never considered doing an “author visit”. After all, that kind of reading would be the author’s prerogative, right? Not to mention the nerve-wracking bit—I avoid large groups of people looking at me if I can at all costs—but that's a story for another time. But with my latest book out in the world, and my kids’ grades being just the right age for this story, I did a very brave thing. I contacted a local elementary school to ask if I could read Billu Buttons as the illustrator of the book.
They said yes!
Introducing Billu Buttons to the kindergartners at Valley View Elementary was my first experience of visiting a school as the creator of a book. And it was truly memorable! Here’s how I pulled it off (and how you can plan one, too).
Tip #1: Contact the school well in advance
I booked the school visit a couple of months prior—depending on the number of classes and students, it could take a significant amount of time for coordination. I opted to read to smaller groups to allow for more interaction, which meant multiple readings.
While the school organized their schedule, I started setting up on my end.
Tip #2: Send out illustrator visit flyers and book order forms
I sent out a visit flyer for the school to post and share. This alerted kids and parents that I was coming in. I also included an order form through my local bookstore. This gave families time to place their orders or visit the bookshop to get a copy before the event. It also made it easier for me to sign copies of the book.
Ready to begin! Image Credit: Delzin Choksey, 2025.
Tip #3: Take the book to the big screen!
On the day of the reading, I arrived early to see what would work best for Billu Buttons.
A captivated audience. So far, so good! Image Credit: Delzin Choksey, 2025.
The school librarian kindly helped me set up by projecting my book on a screen. With two classes coming in at once, having the book on the big screen was definitely helpful for the kids to follow along as I read.
The kids settled in and I introduced myself before diving into the reading. If there was ever an eager audience for a page turn, this was it. When you've worked on a picture book for so long, it becomes a part of you. Reading it aloud to a class full of students who are experiencing it for the first time is a precious feeling.
Tip #4: Go slow
Listening to a book for the first time while taking in the pictures takes time. Going through the book slowly or even reading it twice is helpful for young kids.
Tip #5: Keep some post-reading questions up your sleeve but be prepared for questions in return!
I ended the reading by asking the group some questions to encourage discussion.
- What do you think Billu will do next?
- Can you spot a quiet character in the book?
The second one prompted another go-through of the book where kids noticed new things. I received a lot of feedback about the art and how much they loved Billu already. Aww!
I then turned it over to them and asked if they had any questions about the art. Five- and six-year-olds are full of questions and aren't afraid to ask them! Here are some fun questions I got that day:
- Do you paint all the time?
- How do you make a book out of a painting?
- How did you make the cover so hard (for a hardcover book)?
- I like to paint too, but I don’t clean up. Do you?
- How long did it take to draw this book?
They had lots of production questions as they imagined their own work as a book. Finally, my favorite one:
- When will you come back?
Teachers also chimed in, asking about the process of working on this book and whether I used traditional art techniques or digital painting.
It was an emotional day, to say the least. I was so grateful to be surrounded by the supportive staff and these children. As the kids chanted after me, “I am fine just as I am", I couldn't tell if chanting Billu's slogan for themselves or if they were reassuring me!
Kids from the illustrator visit having a bit of silly fun! Image Credit: Delzin Choksey, 2025.
Leaving Valley View Elementary, my heart felt full. The joy, curiosity, and pure enthusiasm of the children reminded me why I embarked on this journey as an illustrator. Seeing their eyes light up and hearing their inquisitive questions served as a powerful reminder of the impact good stories can have. If you ever get the chance to share your work with young minds, seize it. The experience is not just about imparting knowledge but also the exchange of endless inspiration for the kids and for you as an illustrator. The heartfelt connections made is the cherry on top.
A few more tips to leave you with . . .
Tip #6: Plan a draw-along session!
If there is time, a brief draw-along session is the perfect way to wrap up a visit. Here is an example of an activity I created for Billu Buttons.
Tip #7: Plan a little show-and-tell
Bring along some of the original illustrations or sketches to show them the process of creating the book. I'll be doing this next time. The kids had so many questions about the process that I think it would benefit them to be able to see character studies, early storyboards, and mood boards.
Here's a little sneak peek of Billu Buttons during production!
Tip #8: Just go for it!
If you are on the fence about putting yourself out there as an illustrator, just go for it. Share your work and knowledge with any number of kids, anywhere you can. You won't regret it.
I hope you found this helpful and that it inspires you to book your own school visit as an ILLUSTRATOR!