Helping children preserve and protect the gifts of family, nature, and literacy

 

What people are saying about

Crystal Ball O’Connor

 

 

Author School Visit Newspaper Articles

Tribune-Times

Clarendon Today

The Item

 

Book Reviews

The Post and Courier - October 20, 2005

The Post and Courier - June 17, 2008

 

Newspaper Articles about the Author and Artist

The Spartanburg Journal

The Greenville News

The Greenville News, Letter to the Editor

The Greenville Journal

The Greenville Magazine

Christ Church Magazine

 

“This dynamic duo of author and illustrator have published a stunning book. The story weaves literature, the arts, science, nature, and social studies together in this heart warming and fascinating picture book. Crystal and Valerie share the love of learning and teaching through their enthusiastic talks, readings, and performances, mesmerizing students and adults. Their book is a real treasure. It has already become a library favorite! Don’t forget to check out their incredible website.”  Sally Nuss, Media Specialist, Taylors Elementary  

“Crystal O’Connor and Valerie Hollinger create a captivating journey during their presentation. Their school appearance, like their beautiful book, crosses curriculum. Our students and teachers voted them the Best Visitors of Year!”  Marci Fletcher Yates, Media Specialist, Mason Prep School  

“I have taught young children for more than 30 years and seen many presentations. This program was the best one that I have ever seen. It was lively, interactive, and supported standards in literacy, science and social studies.  The children were actively involved and interested. None of us wanted to leave when our program time was over.”  Sara Doolittle, First Grade Teacher, Simpsonville Elementary

“Teachers and students alike enjoyed your presentation and were fascinated by the incredible story of the flight of the monarch.  Your animated skit taught factual information in such an entertaining way!” Sarah Brice, Media Specialist,  Welcome Elementary

“It was a pleasure to have Crystal Ball O’Connor, Ph.D. and Valerie Bunch Hollinger visit our school and share their book, Jake and the Migration of the Monarch, with our students, faculty and staff. Both the assembly program and the evening session for families focused upon the event that led to the writing of the book and shared the butterfly migration experience. 

Children learned the process of creating a book from an idea to a finished product. Science and geography were incorporated into the program as the students went through the migration process with the characters in the story. The programs were entertaining with music, movement and student participation.

We look forward to having Dr. O’Connor and Mrs. Hollinger visit Wellford Elementary School in the future.”  Greg Wood, Principal

“Our teachers were delighted and motivated with the heartwarming
presentation on Jake and the Migration of the Monarch with Dr. Crystal
Ball O'Connor and Valerie Hollinger. Their hands-on approach and
interactive participation provided our teachers with experiences on how to bring the book and standards-based lessons directly to students. Great book, great instructional fun, and great for teachers and children!”  Dr. Donna Gutshall, Assistant Superintendent/Instruction, 
Spartanburg School District 6

“It is with great pleasure that I recommend the staff development workshop of Crystal O’Connor and Valerie Hollinger.  The material is original and creative.  Without exception, all participants gave the highest ratings possible on their evaluation.”  Dr. Randy Dozier, Superintendent, Georgetown County School District

“Recently our store had the privilege of having Crystal O’Connor and Valerie Hollinger host one of the most meaningful story times we’ve ever had.  It was an evening of music, fun, and storytelling with their wonderful book.  This book about the wonder of life’s journeys will be a treasure for children and families.  Warm, inviting, first class all the way!”  David Walker, Barnes & Noble Manager

“This has been one of the best professional development experiences that I've had.  It's wonderful to be able to leave a session with ideas that you're eager to share with team members and students.”  Tanieka Greggs, teacher evaluation

“We have been doing author nights with our children for four years and the Jake and the Migration of the Monarch reading and program was by far the best!  The author and illustrator were wonderful with the children and kept them involved in the program.  Great job!”  PTA Cindy Benton, Wellford Elementary School