Kailan has a message for kids:

It's so important to PLAY and not let too much screen time get in the way.

She makes talking about screen time silly and playful.

In this fun and interactive author visit, Kailan gets students (Pre-K - 6th grade) to think about how too much screen time can crowd out the activities their brains really need to grow strong.

Using her picture book Screens Away, Time to Play and the Let’s Grow Brain P.O.W.E.R. framework, she shows kids how play, movement, and connection fuel their brains—and gives them tons of ideas for what to do instead of screens.

As a former teacher, she also loves to share with students about the process of writing and publishing a book.

"Thank you for the AMAZING assembly. We loved your book, props, and all the presentation slides. The students were actively engaged while listening to you."

- Heather Madding, Teacher, Highgate Elementary

What's in the Presentation?

Read aloud of the book to explain why they need time away from screens and inspire ideas for other ways to PLAY!

Explanation of Let's Grow Brain P.O.W.E.R. - the brain-building activities that kids need and how screens can crowd them out.

The writing process (she had 10 rough drafts!), working with an illustrator, book designer, and printing. 

Shows kids how technology can be a useful tool, but it’s important to spend time offline experiencing life and not watching it. 

FYI: None of my presentations label screen time as “bad.” It’s part of the world we live in and isn’t going anywhere. Instead, I focus on helping kids (and adults!) understand the importance of prioritizing brain-building activities we need to thrive.

6th grade teacher

"It was fabulous! I think it should be a yearly assembly!"

Kindergarten teacher

"I love that you are able to just relate to the kiddos. My class wanted to know when you were coming back."

TK Teacher

"Great book with an important message that's totally relatable for kids."

Award-winning!

Screens Away, Time to Play won an Educator's Choice Award! It also has a "Get it" recommendation from Kirkus Reviews.

"The presentation was fun and interactive for the students. They were also able to learn how important it is to take a break from screens in kid friendly language."

- Casey Neal, Kindergarten teacher, Del Rio Elementary

TK teacher

"I love your management with the students. I love the POWER posters and engaging the students."

6th grade teacher

"My students could not stop talking about the presentation and the facts they learned."

Kindergarten Teacher

"Love all the props used throughout the presentation and encouraging student participation."

Presentations by Grade Level

  • Why I wrote the book
  • Read aloud
  • Let's Grow Brain P.O.W.E.R.! (through Play, Outdoors, Work/Chores, Engaging with others, Reading) interactive introduction with giant letters
  • Very simplified book process
  • Why I wrote the book
  • Read aloud
  • Let's Grow Brain P.O.W.E.R.! (through Play, Outdoors, Work/Chores, Engaging with others, Reading) interactive introduction with giant letters
  • Slide presentation showcasing the book process - writing, editing, storyboards, illustrating, designing, and printing.
  • Introduction of me
  • Partial read of the book to dive deeper into how screens can hook us and make us miss out on important things
  • Let's Grow Brain P.O.W.E.R.! (through Play, Outdoors, Work/Chores, Engaging with others, Reading) discussion
  • Slide presentation showcasing the book process - writing, editing, storyboard, illustrating, designing, and printing
  • Dissect the rhyme/meter
  • Discuss nonfiction vs fiction and books as teaching tools
  • Empowerment that big kids still need to play too
  • Q & A time

Add on a Creation Station!

Save your cardboard boxes and she'll bring my Makedo kid safe cutting tools and paint sticks to get the creativity flowing!

This could be in a classroom, library, cafeteria, auditorium, or wherever you'd like!

Kailan can travel to different classrooms or do multiple presentations for the different age groups.

She's yours for the day! Some options are:

  • Travel to different classrooms
  • Multiple presentations for different age groups
  • Meet and greet with book personalization
  • Lunch with students
  • Creation station activity for a smaller group
  • Science activities for a smaller group

Kailan is located in Bakersfield, CA, but willing to travel! Virtual presentations on Zoom are also an option.

Packages start at $150.

All the Details

  • If allowed, I'll send a book order form to you so you can send it home before my visit.
  • I will bring signed books on the day of my visit for you to give out to all who ordered when it's convenient.
  • Special book pricing for school visits! And even bigger discounts if the school itself wants to order books for students.
  • Every student gets a bookmark!
  • Fill out the form below for availability and pricing.

Plus, every teacher also gets a PDF bundle of activities that go with the book to extend the lesson!

Coloring Pages

Writing Prompts

Hands-on Learning

Creative Play

Sponsorship Opportunities!

I’d love to partner with local businesses to sponsor a school presentation or provide books for children in the community. It’s a meaningful way to support literacy, learning, and healthy development. To learn more, please reach out to kailan@kailancarr.com—I’d be happy to talk details!

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