My drawings are done with marker pens on a giant easel on large sheets of bond paper. After I have completed a drawing, I usually give it to one of the children in the audience or classroom. They receive the drawing by being a winner of my Spin Game, a method that I devised for picking children to win my drawings.

I wear a khaki jungle costume for most of my programs, a reflection of the costume that I wear in my Kids on Safari Video Series. There are three videos in the series, all shot at wild animal parks in California, and Olympic National Park in Washington State.

Most of my school visits begin with one or two assemblies. Sometimes it will be a grades K-3, then a grades 4-6 assembly. Other schools opt for one all-school assembly. Following the morning assemblies, I make the rounds of the classrooms, where the children are able to draw along with me as I give them a personal drawing lesson. There is always a question and answer session in the classroom where the children are able to get their questions answered about drawing pictures and writing stories. Sometimes a school will ask me to tailor my presentation to a theme or school event. One of the most successful ones has been my Dr. Seuss Birthday Program, where I draw from some of the kids’ favorite Dr. Seuss books, then show them how to draw like Dr. Seuss.

The assemblies usually last about 30 minutes. Classroom sessions run from 30 minutes to one hour; the upper grades usually have longer drawing sessions. Most of my school programs are completed in one day. However, some larger schools will ask me to stay for two or three days in order to accommodate all of the students.

I also do many programs at Christian schools and churches. Instead
of an opening assembly, I do a chapel program. I am also able to work my presentation into a theme that the Christian school may be following.

for more information on my school programs and a
fee schedule.

Here are some comments from schools:

"I wanted to tell you that the kids and the staff have not stopped talking about how much they enjoyed you. They are already asking if you will be able to come again next year. Thank you so much once again for your willingness to come to Heritage and share His message in such a fun way. You blessed many…especially Michael!"
Heritage Christian Academy, Bothell, Washington

“We’re all still talking about how wonderful the day was.”
Evergreen Elementary School, Shelton, Washington

“Thank you again for coming to T.B.S. I enjoyed your visit again as I did
in 1992. You have been my favorite author. My students enjoyed your talk
and your drawings. They are still practicing them in class. My students
will always remember the Crazy Critter.”
Tacoma Baptist School, Tacoma, Washington

“Thank you for being the 'highlight' during the smashing success of our
Fifth Annual Young Authors Festival. You were able with ease to develop a
rapport with both the youngest of the elementary and the 'most cool' of
the eighth graders. We especially appreciated your natural and willing
way of recognizing your relationship with the Lord.”
Tacoma Baptist School, Tacoma, Washington

“I just wanted to thank you again for your ministry with our kids. I
truly appreciate you and you love of art and your willingness to share
that love with students. The students so much look forward to your coming
each year.”
Portland Christian School, Vancouver Campus, Vancouver, Washington

“What a great time we had watching you teach us. Thanks so much!”
Grace Academy, Marysville, Washington

“Thanks again for the wonderful job you did with all of our kids. Hope to
see you again.”
Purdy Elementary School, Gig Harbor, Washington

“Thank you so much for making our Young Authors Workshop such a wonderful
success. I am excited to see the quality of books our students will write
as a result of the motivation you provided today. I look forward to
working with you again at the ACSI Young Authors Olympics.”
Snohomish County Christian School, Lynnwood, Washington

“What a tremendous blessing you are to us! Thanks you so much for doing
these art workshops for us. I hope it can be an annual event!”
Portland Christian School, Clark County Campus, Vancouver, Washington

“Thank you so much for your flexibility while speaking to our children
last week. We appreciated the way you continued on in spite of the storm!
We have had many children and parents comment this week on how much they
enjoyed your presentations and how valuable they were to our students’
knowledge of illustration.”
Eastside Christian School, Bellevue, Washington