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Bring an Author to Your School

Request an Author Visit

“It’s been two weeks since your visit, and my students are still talking about your presentation. I can’t keep your books on the shelf!”

- Jenn (Spoede Elementary)

Visiting schools is my favorite part of being an author. I have visited more than a hundred schools and libraries in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida and presented to groups from single classrooms to entire schools.

Let’s Build a Story! (1st-2nd grade)

How does an author build a story? In this interactive presentation, we learn about the parts of a story.

How do we combine characters, a setting, and a problem to create a story? This interactive presentation uses input from the students (and a little magic) to create our own story.

Math Magic!  (3rd-6th grade)

Math is more than numbers on a page. It is woven into the world around us, from patterns in nature and animals to weather, space, and the stars!

Join author and educator Dave Cole for an interactive workshop that combines math, magic, and plenty of student participation. Through entertaining demonstrations and surprising examples, students will explore the “magic” behind math and discover how mathematical thinking can help us better understand the world.

Students will also create their own math “aha” moment using a simple strip of paper. This hands-on activity will encourage them to look at familiar objects in a new way and experience the fun of making an unexpected mathematical discovery.

This workshop is a great opportunity for children to experience math in a creative, approachable, and memorable way.

Customize a Presentation

If you are looking for a customized presentation, let me know what you want and I’ll be happy to put something together for you!

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School Visits

1st - 2nd Grade

For 1st and 2nd graders, I typically talk about the Emily and Sam series. Using a little magic combined with student interaction, we discuss how math is more than numbers. It is all around us, in nature, animals, weather, and even the stars!
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3rd - 6th Grade

For 1st and 2nd graders, I typically talk about the Emily and Sam series. Using a little magic combined with student interaction, we discuss how math is more than numbers. It is all around us, in nature, animals, weather, and even the stars!

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reviews

What Reviewers Have Said
About My School Visits and Podcasts

It’s been two weeks since your visit, and my students are still talking about your presentation. I can’t keep your books on the shelf!
Jenn, LibrarianSpoede Elementary
Kehrs Mill 3rd grade absolutely loved your presentation!! They said you were fantastic and so engaging with the students! They absolutely LOVED IT!
3rd grade teacherKehrs Mill Elementary
As a librarian, I have seen many different author visits. Dave Cole is a favorite. The kids were so engaged and excited. He knows how to relate to the kids and get them to "rethink" their opinion of math. His demonstrations always included his audience and were so fun to watch. The kids were sad when their time was up with him. We are going to have Dave come again to our school. I HIGHLY recommend him for an author visit
LibrarianConway Elementary
We had our PTO board meeting today with our principals. They couldn't stop raving about how much the school enjoyed your visit. It wasn't just your interactive and engaging presentation but also how much we enjoyed, especially the kids, the lunch afterwards. You definitely made quite an impression and made many people realize how math can be fun and is all around us. Some teachers mentioned "if only they had a teacher like you teaching them math". Thank you for making a difference.
Helen American Heritage School
During the 2024-25 academic year, Dave Cole enthusiastically volunteered his time along with members of the Assistance League of St. Louis to host interactive book festivals at various schools within the Hazelwood and Ritenour School Districts. Cole shared his books with groups of second and third graders from his Emily and Sam series. He performed magic tricks, encouraging student participation, to illustrate how mathematics is an integral component of our everyday lives. I highly recommend Dave Cole to visit your school.
MindyAssistance League of St. Louis
This year, our school selected The Math Kids: The Prime Time Burglars as our One School, One Book title. Our goal was to blend math and literature in support of our STEM integration efforts—and this book was the perfect fit. After reading the book, we reached out to author Dave Cole, and to our delight, he enthusiastically agreed to visit! His visit exceeded all expectations. Dave delivered an engaging and interactive presentation that captivated students and brought math to life in new and exciting ways. He shared fascinating math facts, performed hands-on demonstrations, and fielded questions from curious students. With a mix of humor, magic tricks, and thoughtful audience engagement, Dave tailored his presentation beautifully to suit our student body. We wholeheartedly recommend inviting Dave Cole to your school if you’re looking for an author visit that’s educational, entertaining, and truly memorable. Thank you, Dave, for an outstanding event!
PrincipalNorthpoint Elementary School
Fantastic guest. Dave makes a huge difference in the lives of thousands of kids, parents, teachers, and those interested in tech. Great speaker and a wonderful human. Thank you for being my guest.
AI Snacks with Romy & RobyPodcast
Dave Cole really knows the subject of math! He has unique advice for inviting kids to fall in love with learning math! He shared a range of ideas, including simple and complex activities for children of all ages. My audience of parents and educators will learn so much from this episode! Plus he has a book series with teaching resources to provide enduring value!
Falling for LearningPodcast
Your visit to Pacific Intermediate was great! The students definitely got into the interactive parts with the "magic" or math. I felt like students were really engaged (especially 5th grade) with your presentation, which I am sure can be difficult with such a big group. Overall it was a fantastic experience.
Erlene, LibrarianPacific Intermediate
Dave Cole visited our school and did an incredible job engaging students in reading, writing, and math. He started his presentation with basic math concepts and counting, quickly drawing students in, and added a bit of magic along the way, which they loved. He talked about the importance of reading and shared his writing process, showing students how to come up with ideas, think creatively, and explore their own math concepts. Throughout the presentation, he made meaningful connections between mathematics and patterns found in the natural world. It was wonderful to have a presentation with so much student interaction, allowing students to explore ideas on their own. Dave kept the students excited and engaged, and they especially enjoyed hearing about his books and learning about real mathematicians. He was also very easy to work with during the planning process and connected well with our students. We are thankful for authors like him who take the time to visit schools and share their love of reading, writing, and math.
Kariann, Library Media Specialist Zitzman Elementary
Dave Cole's visit was so fun and funny. Students loved his magic tricks and his silly, easy going personality. He showed the younger kids all the elements to a story in a very entertaining and engaging way. Third and fourth grade students loved the math stories and seeing math in a different light. I would highly recommend Dave for a school visit. Thanks again for coming to Coleman, you were great!
Cynthia, Library Media SpecialistColeman Elementary
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