Author Visits with Melissa Trempe
Melissa is excited to visit schools and connect with young readers with Ladybug Launch and The Girl Who Dreamed of Space. As a former elementary and middle school teacher, she hopes to spread a love for reading and writing while encouraging students to pursue their passions. She is available to present at any bookish event from libraries to conferences and beyond.
The Girl Who Dreamed of Space: The Story of Eileen Collins, NASA’s First Female Pilot and Commander is ideal for school visits because it tells the story of a quiet girl with a big dream: to fly. Growing up with limited means and struggling to find her voice, Eileen never imagined she would one day make history.
At its heart, this story reminds us that dreams don’t have to begin with perfect circumstances, they simply have to begin with belief. No matter who you are or where you start, you are capable, and your dreams are worth pursuing. Because sometimes, the most ordinary kids go on to achieve the most extraordinary dreams!
Ladybug Launch: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space is ideal for school visits because it shares the incredible story of students in Chile who convinced NASA to take their ladybug experiment to space. It encourages children to believe in themselves, embrace their curiosity, and proves that children’s ideas are worthy of adult attention and can have a real impact on science and the world!
Testimonials
“Melissa Trempe was a guest author at our school and I cannot say enough about her enthusiasm and ability to engage all students. The assembly was personable, interactive, and educational. WOW, we learned so much… This experience taught students that writing is a process, takes time, and requires research, even for a children's book. The students and staff loved the assembly! I would highly recommend this event and am eager to bring Mrs. Trempe back to our school.”
Dr. Renee Mosser, Principal Manoa Elementary School
“Melissa Trempe was a wonderful author presenter. She not only kept the kids engaged and having fun, but she also showed them all the work that goes into being dedicated to your passion. She provided photographs, statistics and information about publishing while keeping the attention of our PreK- 5th Grade students. Would highly recommend!”
Emily Woodward, Lower School Librarian, The Baldwin School
“Thank you so much for being part of our Spring Title I Parent and Family Engagement! It was an absolute pleasure to have you as our guest author and presenter. Our students enjoyed your very engaging presentation! Your communication, flexibility, and positivity from the beginning has been amazing and greatly appreciated. We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to work with you and would be delighted to stay in touch for future opportunities!”
Cassandra Herr, Teacher, Whitehall-Coplay School District
“When Melissa visited Edward Heston, she was phenomenal with the kids! Students left Melissa's session excited to dive into their own copies of “Ladybug Launch" and empowered to never give up on their dreams!"
Katelin Beck, Edward Heston School
“Manor Elementary was fortunate enough to host Melissa Trempe as our Parent Engagement Night author, and it was a truly memorable event for our students and parents alike! Melissa’s assemblies tied in beautifully with our young writers showing the importance of revision and editing, as well as demonstrating her passion for her craft! Ladybug Launch connects to science, women’s history, space, as well as world language! What an incredible success!
Nicole Mascione, Reading Specialist, Manor Elementary
One Book One School
One Book One School
Conshohocken Elementary chose Ladybug Launch for their One Book One School project! We kicked off the year with an author assembly, and each student received a signed copy. Every month students participated in STEAM and ELA activities related to the book.
Thank you, Conshohocken!
Author Visits & Events
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Events in BOLD are open to the public! Events in BLUE are links.
October 3 - Upper Merion Fall Fest 12-4pm
October 22-25 - Purcell Agency Writing Conference, Chicago
Nov. 2 - Coopertown Elementary
Nov. 6 - Manoa Elementary
Nov. 13 - Chestunutwold Elementary
Nov. 20 - NCTE Author Panel
March 1 - Siegfried Elementary
March 2 - Valley Forge Elementary
March 3-5 - SCBWI Conference NYC
March TBD - Marshall Street Elementary
March 20 - Lehigh Valley Book Fest
April 5 - St. Philip Neri School
April 8 - Lindenwold School 4
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Jan. 30 - Gwynedd Mercy K-8
Jan. 11-12, 2026 Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 11:00 & 12:00 Presentations
Feb. 26 - Beaumont Elementary
March 1 - Elmwood Zoo Read Across America 10:30-1:00 (indoor event)
March 4 - Chestnutwold Elementary
March 13 - Walt Disney Elementary
March 18 - Whithall-Coplay School District
March 22 - Literacy Event for kids ages 3-8 at West Chester University Sykes Building 11:00-3:00pm. Crafts and storytimes!
March 27 - York Ave Elementary
April 16 - Centre Hall-Potter Elementary
April 16 - PSLA Featured Author Conference Signing
April 24-25 - SCBWI Conference at Boyds Mills EPA Region
May 2 - Elmwood Zoo Earth Day, Party for the Planet Event 10:00-3:30
May 6 - MD/DE Library Association Conference (signing author)
June 7 - Heritage Festival in Haverford, PA
June 13 - Montco Book Fest in Skippack, PA
August 18 - Broomall Rotary Club presentation
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Dec. 5 - Chatham Elementary
Nov. 3 - Coopertown Elementary
Nov. 7 - Manoa Elementary
Nov. 14 - Chestnutwold Elementary
Nov. 21 - Lynnewood Elementary
Oct. 3 - Science Friday (on NPR) Down to Earth Program, Series called “Mission Control.” More information soon!
Oct. 4 - Upper Merion Fall Fest 12:00-4:00
Oct. 9 - New Eagle Elementary
Oct. 21 - Pottsown Middle School
Sept. 6 - Elmwood Zoo Author Event 10:00-2:00
Sept. 25 - Cardinal Rule Press is hosting an Author Panel on Individuality in books! Learn more about the discussion and how to Zoom in here: https://cardinalrulepress.lpages.co/just-ducky-panel/
August 30 - Barnes & Noble Bryn Mawr, PA Author Signing
July 9 - Conshohocken Free Library Event 6:00 pm
July 12 - Penn State Arts Fest & Book Fest at the Schlow Library 10:00-4:00
July 30 - Penn State Schlow Library Meet the Author Event
June 1 - Heritage Festival on Karakung Drive, Havertown, PA 11:00-4:00
June 7 - Chesapeake Book Festival at Talbot County Free Library 10:00-2:00
June 10 - Abington School District 5th-8th Grade
June 28 - ALA Conference in Philadelphia
May 7 - Elmwood Zoo Teacher Appreciation Night 5:30-8:00
May 19 - Swarthmore Rutledge School
April 2 - Salford Hills Elementary
April 5 -Lahaska Bookshop 1-3:00 at Peddler’s Village
April 24 - Pandora Preschool
March 7 - Hancock Elementary
March 15 - Main Point Books 1-3:00 story time & signing
March 26 - Tredyffrin Library 5:00 story time & craft
March 27 - Manor Elementary
Feb. 26 - Penn Wynne Presbyterian School
Feb. 28 - Thomas Fitzwater Elementary
Jan. 9 - Marshall Street Elementary
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Dec 8 - Chestnutwold Elem. Holiday Market 10-3:00
Dec. 13 - Chattam Elementary
Nov. 1 - Coopertown Elementary
Nov. 8 - Manoa Elementary
Nov. 9 - Upper Dublin Library Author Expo 1-3:00
Nov. 11 - Ludington Library 11:00 story time & craft
Nov. 15 - Chestnutwold Elementary
Nov. 22 - Lynnewood Elementary
Nov. 23 - Moore Bookstore from 1-3:00 at 28 W. Eagle Rd. Havertown
Nov. 29 - Smithsonian Air & Space Museum 12-2:00 Chantilly, VA
October 5 - Collingswood Book Festival New Jersey
October 9 - Conshohoken Elementary One Book One School
October 17 - Reeceville Elementary
October 25 - ACLAMO Norristown
September 21 - North Wales Library local author signing 11-3:00
Sept. 14 - Barnes & Noble 1-3:00 Brick, NJ
Friday Sept. 13 Virtual Event! Soar Together at Air & Space Museum - Sept. theme is Animals in Space! Click here to register!
September 7 - Elmwood Zoo - meet the author!
September 1 - Barnes & Noble 1:00 Broomall, PA
August 31 - Barnes & Noble 11:00 Plymouth Meeting, PA
August 3 - Paul Smith Library in York, PA 10:30 AM
August 2 - Kaltreider Benfer Library in Red Lion, PA. 2:00 PM
August 2 - Bound Books in York, PA. 5:00-6:00
August 2 - Dover Community Library in Dover, PA. 10:30 AM
August 1 - Dillsburg Public Library in Dillsburg, PA. 10:30 AM
August 1 - Mason-Dixon Library in Stewartstown, PA. 2:00 PM
August 1 - Kreutz Creek Library Hellam, PA. 6:30 PM
July 13 - Penn State BookFest
June 1 - Bards Alley Bookstore 11:00 Reading, Craft in Vienna , VA
May 20 - E.M.C. Elementary
May 17 - Lathrop Street Elementary
May 16 - Choconut Elementary
May 10 - Agnes Irwin Lower School
May 9 - James Dobson Elementary
May 8 - West Broad Street Elem.
May 3 - Baldwin Lower School
May 3 - Oak Ridge Elementary
April 23 - Waldron Mercy School
April 24 - Little Explorers
April 20 - Barnes & Noble 11:00 Reading, Craft, Q&A in Devon, PA
April 20 - Children's Book World 3:00 Reading, Craft, Q&A Haverford, PA
April 19 - Friends' Central
April 18 - Edward Heston School
April 16 - Manoa Elementary
April 15 - Wallingford Elementary
Author visits for 2026-2027 are getting booked now!
The Girl Who Dreamed of Space: comes out in February 2027.
School Assembly Options:
one whole-school assembly
split sessions (Gr. K-2 & 3-5 & 6-8)
single grade level
classroom workshop
NOTE: Presentations are adjusted for pre-kindergarten to middle school students!
Pricing:
Full Day Visit $1,000
Author Visit: Includes two sessions, plus a small group lunch with the author (if desired), and book signing. Add a third assembly or a writing workshop for just $200. See assembly and writing workshop options below “Ways to Save.”
Ways to Save:
When one or more schools in the same district book a visit within 30 days of each other, each school recieves $100 discount!
Does your school have a smaller student population? Book ONE large assembly for just $600!
If your school receives Title I funding, ask about ways to incorporate ‘family engagement’ to take advantage of these funds.
Consider fundraising with a “wear pjs and bring your favorite book” day or search for grant opportunities near you. You may find school district education foundation grants, local arts council grants, Rotary/Kiwanis/Lions Club grants, etc.
Large Group Assembly:
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY—Ideal for all grades K-6
This presentation is adjusted to entertain and engage a younger (K-2) or older (3-6 or 7-8) audience and focuses on:
Growth Mindset - The importance of perseverance to achieve a dream and how failures help us to learn and grow stronger.
The Story Behind the Story - Your school will chose if you would like the story behind Ladybug Launch or the story behind The Girl Who Dreamed of Space. Learn how these inspiring books came to be. (You can always have Melissa back to present on the other book in the future!)
STEM Facts - Kids will play a game to learn fascinating facts about ladybugs or astronauts and space travel, and the world of publishing.
Author's Toolkit/Magic Bag - Students help pull 'tools' out of the ‘magic’ bag that all writers need for success, highlighting the writing process in a fun way. Presentation will end with Q&A.
Classroom Workshops:
MAKE YOUR OWN PICTURE BOOK! Ideal for Grades 2-6 60 minutes (max. 30 students)
Melissa will guide students through the process of writing their own nonfiction or fiction picture books! Students will understand that a typical fiction story has a character with a desire (what they want) and a problem (what is stopping them). Using a fun, interactive brainstorming activity, students will generate a picture book ideas (with both fiction and nonfiction options discussed). Students will have time to start writing and illustrating their books. *Melissa will also bring pre-made blank books for the students to keep!
CREATE A GRAPHIC NOVEL! Ideal for Grades 3-6 60 minutes (max. 30 students)
Melissa will guide students through the process of creating a graphic novel, from character development to finding that perfect problem for your character. *Melissa provides blank comic book pages for students to create their own books!
PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN PRESENTATION - pre-K & K 30 minutes (max. 30 students)
Students will enjoy an interactive read aloud in an intimate classroom setting, allowing an opportunity for questions. From participating in a skit, playing a game, and helping the author create a story from items pulled from a mystery bag, students will have lots of fun while learning about storytelling.
If your organization is located greater than 50 miles from Philadelphia, there may be additional travel and/or accommodation expenses. Travel costs will be lower for author visits in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virgina, though she is open to traveling anywhere.
Melissa is also happy to offer virtual visits!
Preschool & Library Visits!
Preschool & Library Visits!
Melissa loves connecting with our littlest readers!
Get your wiggles out as you learn about ladybugs and outer space with a storytime, song, skit, and craft! Email for information.
