Artie Bennett, Children's Author
Popular Children's Author Would Love to Visit Your School with His Superfun, Humorous, Educational Books
Artie Bennett is an executive copy editor by day and a writer by night. He is the author of an inspirational, humorous, award-winning picture-book biography of a hapless, though beloved, racehorse: The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t. When Artie stumbled upon the story of Zippy Chippy, he found himself champing at the bit to introduce young readers to this remarkable tale of whoa! Zippy Chippy, a thoroughbred of impeccable pedigree, ran 100 races but lost every single one yet, in the process, became a legend, too, just like his fabled ancestors. Lessons for youngsters abound in this moving, true tale.
He is also the author of a quintet of hilarious rhyming picture books: The Butt Book, his first “mature” work and winner of the Reuben Award; Poopendous!, his “number two” picture book; Peter Panda Melts Down!, an adorable departure from derrières and doo; the explosively funny Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My! and What’s Afoot! Your Complete, Offbeat Guide to Feet, which is guaranteed to knock your socks off. And if that’s not enough, he’s the author of two riotous joke and riddle books: The Universe’s Greatest Dinosaur Jokes and Pre-Hysteric Puns and The Universe’s Greatest School Jokes and Rip-Roaring Riddles.
Artie and his wife live deep in the bowels of Brooklyn, New York, where he spends his time moving his car to satisfy the rigorous demands of alternate-side-of-the-street parking and shaking his fist at his neighbors. The Show Me Librarian says: “Bennett’s use of rhyme is excellent; his stanzas flow and exude joviality in a manner that few writers since Dr. Seuss have truly mastered. Simply put, these books are a joy.” The Huffington Post says: “It appears there is no topic Mr. Bennett can’t make funny and educational.”
Visit ArtieBennett.com … before someone else does!
Awards:
The Butt Book: Reuben Award Winner for Book Illustration; Best Feel-Good Children's Book (The Huffington Post); A New York State Assembly/NYPL Suggested Reading Title
Poopendous!: A Bright Horizons Notable Book in the Humorous Books for Children Category; A Book Vine for Children Growing Green Book; A Cybils Award Nominee for Best Non-Fiction Picture Book.
Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My!: A 2015 World Science Festival Selection; A 2015 K-2 Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee for Informational Text; A Pragmatic Mom Best Nonfiction Book for Kids; A Huffington Post (one of) 26 Entertaining and Educational Books for Back-to-School Season; A Brooklyn Family New & Noteworthy Citation
The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t: WINNIE Award Winner for Equine Children's Book: Horseracing; A Nonfiction Picture-Book Challenge Citation from Kid Lit Frenzy; A Wonderful New Picture Book to Read Citation from Word Spelunking; A Horse Lover’s Guide to Staying Inside Children’s Book from America’s Best Racing; A Picture-Book Biography You Need to Know About Citation from Imagination Soup; A Gift Guide Great Book for the Book Lover in Your Life from The Bookworm Sez.
Speaking Engagements and School Presentations:
I love reading my hilarious, educational picture books, which educators and librarians adore, enthusing about how my books show children how much fun a book can be, igniting a lifelong love of reading. The books are rife with wordplay, good humor, and fascinating facts, and possess a rich vocabulary, all within a well-crafted verse format. And they each tell a story. I use the books as a jumping-off point to discuss everything from alliteration to palindromes to internal rhyme to the power of perseverance and the importance of not letting the fear of failure keep us from pursuing our dreams (The True Story of Zippy Chippy). I also discuss my journey as a writer, the importance of an attentive editor, the backstory behind each of my books and their titles, the creative collaboration with my illustrators, and much, much more. And I always leave considerable room for questions at the end of my highly interactive presentations.
I have PowerPoint presentations for each of the books, as well as fun and informative annotated presentations that delve more deeply into the science underlying the verses. I can also lead writing and poetry workshops. The books support state standards and are a perfect fit for STEM education. (With Peter Panda Melts Down!, we also explore the consequences of misbehavior in a most engaging way.) My fees are always negotiable, and I am eminently affordable—and I've never turned down a school visit. I also love to personalize and sign any copies of my children's books purchased in advance of my visit from a local bookseller.
A Smattering of Testimonials:
“Artie Bennett educates and delights at the same time. Students are on the edge of their seats and engaged during his appearances. Written in verse, his texts lend themselves well to science, poetry, creative writing, and multiple cross-curricular connections. Mr. Bennett is an engaging speaker and hands fly high whenever he opens the floor for questions.”
—Amy Althoff, literacy coordinator for the Explore Charter Schools, New York
“You were a sensation with the students before you uttered your first syllable. The children adored the presentation! And I believe the parents were as enthralled as the students. The books are infused with a delightful use of rhyme, onomatopoeia, remarkable facts, and extraordinary illustrations that kept the children mesmerized throughout the entirety of your appearance. They are simultaneously whimsical and instructive. As an educator, I love it. The stories serve as a fabulous starting point for language arts, science, math, cultural diversity lessons. Reading your books reminds me of Dr. Seuss books that can be read and reread without ever getting old. What a treat for our children and families to meet an author as warm and personable as you. You were incredibly gracious, as well as generous with your time. Due in large part to your participation, we enjoyed our most successful book fair ever!”
—Susan Cramer, reading specialist at Maple Shade Elementary School, Pennsylvania
“Artie Bennett is one in a million!! His books captivated the kids and had them shrieking with laughter. And his warm, easy way with everyone—kids and adults alike—is just icing on the cake! Artie MADE our book fair, and we are forever grateful! His stories are the nightly bedtime request in our house now!”
—Keryn Limmer, managing director of International Preschools, New York City
Presentation Audience:
Preschool
Grades K-3
Grades 4-6
Click on the below to connect with the author, artist, or speaker you're interested in.