Where reading, character, and creativity meet
An interactive elementary author visit with award-winning children's author and illustrator Jory Perry, built around his picture book The Tail That Told the Truth.
For principals, librarians, teachers, literacy specialists, district staff, and PTO/PTA organizations.
More than a read-aloud
Students hear a story about honesty from the person who wrote and illustrated it, then discover how that story became a real book.
Literacy & storytelling
A live, expressive read-aloud models fluent reading and shows students how stories are built, from first idea to finished page.
Honesty & character
Age-appropriate conversation about honesty, accountability, and choices, framed as courage to practice, not fear of being caught.
Engagement & creativity
Students predict, discuss, watch Felix drawn live, and ask their own questions about writing, drawing, and becoming an author.
The visit supports classroom conversations about these themes. It is not a formal curriculum, assessment, or certified social-emotional learning program.
Two experiences, one story
Every session shares one big idea: telling the truth takes courage, and it can leave us feeling lighter. The depth and activities are tailored by grade.
Story-focused and highly interactive
- Welcome & meet the authorJory introduces himself and the forest where Felix lives.
- Interactive read-aloudStudents predict what color Felix's tail will turn next.
- Feelings talkHow did Felix feel hiding the truth, and after telling it?
- Draw Felix liveStudents call out what to add as Felix takes shape.
- Ask the authorA short, lively Q&A.
Story, creative process, deeper discussion
- Read-aloud & the big ideaHow small choices can grow into bigger ones.
- Choices & honestyDifferent points of view, accountability, and making things right.
- From idea to bookWriting, revising, sketching, illustrating, and printing.
- Live illustrationHow artists show emotion through face and posture.
- Writing spark & Q&AStudents imagine a character of their own.
Simple for your team
- Jory checks in 45 minutes early, following your visitor procedures
- 30 minutes of setup: AV check, drawing surface, book display
- Grade-band sessions run on your schedule
- Optional signing block for family book orders
- Signed books handed off, sorted by classroom
- All presentation materials and drawing supplies
- A planning call and one-page confirmation sheet
- Ready-to-use announcements, newsletter text, and social posts
- The family book-order flyer and order handling (optional)
- A free Felix coloring page for every student (optional)
Your school provides a presentation space, a microphone for larger groups, a projector and screen, a table, and one staff contact for the day.
Choose the format that fits your school
Single Experience
$450
1 session · up to 50 minutes
One grade band, a library program, or a first visit to your school.
Half-Day Experience
$850
Up to 2 sessions
Separate K–2 and grades 3–5 sessions in one morning or afternoon.
Full-School Experience
$1,400
Up to 4 sessions + signing block
Every K–5 student, in age-appropriate groups, across the school day.
Multi-School & District Partnerships
Schools that book together, in the same district or nearby on consecutive dates, share travel and coordination, and the savings are passed to each school. Ask about coordinated multi-school scheduling.
Invoiced on the visit date, net 30. Purchase orders accepted. Perry Publishing works through vendor registration, W-9, PO, and contract requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Do students need to read the book before the visit?
No. Jory reads the story during every session. Reading it ahead is welcome but not required.
How many students can attend a session?
About 150 students for K–2 sessions and about 200 for grades 3–5, so every session stays interactive. Larger groups can be split into additional sessions.
Can we combine grade levels?
Yes, though separate K–2 and grades 3–5 sessions give each group the best experience. We'll help you plan the schedule.
Can you work with our district's vendor and purchasing process?
Yes. Perry Publishing works through vendor registration, W-9, purchase order, and contract requirements. Tell us what your district needs and we'll follow it.
What about visitor and background-check procedures?
Jory follows your school's and district's visitor, check-in, and background-check requirements.
Is the family book order required? Does the school handle money?
The book order is optional, and the school never handles money. Families order directly with Perry Publishing, online or with the paper form, and pay Perry Publishing directly by Venmo or check.
What if we have a snow day?
Weather and emergency closures are rescheduled at no charge within the same school year.
Where do you visit?
Jory is based in New Richmond, Wisconsin, and serves schools in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Travel terms are listed on the For Schools page.
Let's plan your author visit
Share a few details and our Author Visit Coordinator will follow up with availability, a recommended schedule, and next steps for your school or district.
- Send your requestTakes about two minutes. You'll see a confirmation right away.
- Choose a format & dateWe confirm availability and hold your date.
- Complete paperworkBooking form plus any vendor, PO, or contract steps.
- Get ready togetherConfirmation sheet, promotion toolkit, and optional family flyer.
Prefer email? visits@perrypublishingbooks.com
Request received.
Thank you for inviting Jory to your school. Your request has been recorded and sent to our Author Visit Coordinator, who will reply to with availability, a recommended schedule, and next steps.
Reference:
Need to add something? Email visits@perrypublishingbooks.com and mention your reference.