Schedule an author visit
School Author Visits with Kentrell Martin
Bringing Stories, ASL, and Interactive Learning to Life
Transform your students’ literacy experience with an unforgettable school visit that combines storytelling, education, inclusion, and hands-on American Sign Language learning.
Award-winning author and educator Kentrell Martin brings the beloved Shelly’s Adventures series directly to schools through high-energy, interactive presentations designed to engage students while introducing them to ASL and Deaf culture in a fun and meaningful way.
Perfect for Pre-K through 5th grade students, each experience encourages participation, builds confidence, and creates lasting memories students continue talking about long after the visit ends.
What Makes Our Visits Special
Proven National Impact
- Over 1,200 schools visited in the past 10 years
- Reaching 130–150 schools annually
- Presented in 20+ states and multiple countries
- “Shelly Goes to the Zoo” – Picture Book of the Year Finalist
- Trusted by schools, districts, libraries, museums, and educational organizations nationwide
Interactive Learning Experience
Students don’t just listen—they actively participate.
Each presentation includes:
- Interactive storytelling
- Hands-on ASL instruction
- Engaging student participation
- Silent signing demonstrations
- Q&A sessions using sign language
During the experience, students can learn 70+ ASL signs, with many students mastering at least 30 signs by the end of the visit.
The presentation creates a unique opportunity for students to experience communication in a new way while learning about inclusion, empathy, and Deaf culture.
Educational Value
Shelly’s Adventures combines literacy and inclusion into one powerful educational experience.
Each visit:
- Reinforces reading engagement and vocabulary development
- Introduces students to American Sign Language
- Supports diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Encourages communication and confidence
- Provides age-appropriate learning tailored to your students
Each Shelly’s Adventures book teaches 10 ASL signs, helping students continue practicing long after the visit is over.
Visit Format
Each presentation may include:
- Interactive read-aloud from the Shelly’s Adventures series
- ASL instruction and participation
- Silent signing session
- Student Q&A
- Educational discussion about communication and inclusion
Presentation lengths are typically:
- 30 minutes for younger students (Pre-K–1st)
- 45 minutes for older students and large assemblies
Schools may choose single-grade presentations, assemblies, or multiple sessions depending on school size and scheduling needs.
Flexible Visit Options
We understand that every school has different goals, budgets, and student populations. That’s why we offer two flexible options designed to fit your school’s needs.
Option 1: Traditional Flat Fee Author Visit
Schools may book a traditional author visit for a flat fee that includes:
- Presentation honorarium
- Travel expenses
- Interactive ASL experience
- Q&A and student engagement
This option is ideal for:
- Smaller schools
- Single-day visits
- Schools wanting a simple all-inclusive experience
Option 2: SA Experience Fieldtrip & Fundraiser Program
The Shelly’s Adventures Experience (SA Experience) is our interactive literacy fundraiser and fieldtrip-style program designed to make the experience accessible to entire schools while also helping schools raise funds and build excitement around reading.
The SA Experience Includes:
- Interactive school-wide presentations
- ASL learning experience
- Glow-in-the-dark wristbands and bookmarks for participating students
- Optional autographed book purchases for families
- Incentives and rewards for schools and classrooms
- Percentage giveback opportunities for qualifying schools
- Full Shelly’s Adventures collection donated to participating schools that meet program goals
This option is especially popular with schools with larger student populations and schools looking for:
- Literacy-focused fundraising opportunities
- School-wide engagement
- Family participation
- Interactive educational events
Additional details and fundraiser options are available upon request.
Multi-School & Regional Discounts
If multiple schools within the same district or region are interested in scheduling visits during the same week, discounted pricing may be available.
This allows us to bring the experience to more students while helping schools reduce costs.
What Educators Are Saying
"The students were completely engaged and are still using the signs they learned!”
“One of the most interactive and meaningful author visits we’ve hosted.”
“Students left excited about reading, learning ASL, and inclusion.”
See why educators, schools, and families across the country continue to support Shelly’s Adventures by visiting our Google Reviews page:
See more testimonials from educators
Book Your Visit
Dates for the upcoming school year are filling quickly.
Whether you’re interested in a traditional author visit or the SA Experience Fieldtrip/Fundraiser Program, we’d love to explore the best option for your school community.
Ready to schedule?
📧 booking@shellysadventures.com
Learn More