If you're a school administrator, teacher, or librarian looking to ignite a passion for reading and writing in your students, then keep reading...
Author Visits
School & Library Programs with Elvis the Pony
Inspire Your Students with an Unforgettable Author Visit Experience
Meet a Real Author AND a Real Pony!
Schools and teachers are always looking for unique learning experiences that generate interest in reading and exploring the world. Elvis the Pony programs and workshops offer an opportunity not available anywhere else because students get to meet and talk with a real author as well as meet the star of the Elvis the Pony books -- Elvis himself!
With 25 years of teaching experience, 8 published children's books, and dozens of school visits, I provide engaging, interactive presentations that:
Promote literacy and a love of reading
Teach creative writing skills
Connect storytelling with real-world experiences
Offer a memorable experience with a REAL pony!
Presentations are 30-60 minutes in length based on grade level and attention spans with time for questions afterward. We can present in classrooms, libraries, lunchrooms, gymnasiums, or outdoors. Elvis the Pony is comfortable indoors, and we use heavy-duty tarps to protect floors.
Our School Visit Packages
LOCAL Elvis the Pony Author Visit
Des Moines Area
Starting at $600
Half day/morning sessions (up to 3 presentations) 8am-noon: $600
Full day (up to 6 presentations)
8am-3:30pm: $1000Includes meet and greet with
REAL Elvis the PonyIncludes mileage
Fully insured
REGIONAL Elvis the Pony Author Visit
(90-120 miles from Des Moines, IA)
Mulitple bookings in the area can be shared across districts or buildings.
Starting at $1000
$1000 per day, plus mileage @ $0.70/mile
Up to THREE MORNING SESSIONS
and THREE AFTERNOON sessions per day between 8:30am and 3:30pmRate discounted to $800 per day for
multi-day bookings in the same districtHotel/Lodging costs apply for multiple schools/days in the district
EXTENDED Elvis the Pony Author Visit
(120+ miles from Des Moines)
Starting at $1300
$1300 for one day, plus travel expenses (mileage & lodging)
Up to SIX SESSIONS per day (8am-3:30pm)
Rate discounted to $800 per day for multi-day bookings or $600 for additional half day
The Elvis the Pony Experience
Promoting literacy becomes an adventure when kids meet REAL ponies!
What We Bring to Your School:
8 published children's books
25 years of teaching experience
40 years of horse experience
Hundreds of successful school visits across the Midwest
Program Highlights:
Reading and writing skills development
Meet & interact with a real pony
Classroom-ready activities for students
Age-appropriate programs (PreK-7th grade)
Customized presentations to fit your curriculum
Perfect For:
Elementary schools (our primary audience)
Middle schools (grades 6-7)
Libraries and literacy events
Special education programs
Each visit is uniquely tailored to your students' needs and grade levels, creating an unforgettable learning experience that combines literacy with the magic of meeting Elvis the Pony in person!
What Makes Our School Visits Different
An Elvis the Pony meet and greet is a one-of-a-kind experience for kids where they have an opportunity to read with, listen to, create with, and meet an author and the star of the author's books.
Our program is unique because:
We combine literacy education with real-life animal experience
All presentations are customized to match your curriculum goals and student ages
Our programs build connections between reading, writing, and the natural world
Every visit creates memorable experiences that inspire a love of learning
Book a Free 15-Minute Planning Call
Not sure if an Elvis the Pony visit is right for your school? Let's talk about it!
-Sydney Richard, 1st Grade Teacher
“Our First Grade class had the BEST time having Tiffany join us and read Elvis the Pony to our whole grade level! The students were so engaged and absolutely loved the story.
Not only did the students hear the story read aloud to them, but they also got to learn how to draw a pony step by step. They thought this was the coolest thing and continued to draw horses on their own in the following days. The story was filled with wonderful illustrations as well as a great message of friendship, making good decisions, and having good values.
After our students heard the story and got to be illustrators, they had the extraordinary opportunity to head outside to pet the very ponies from the story! Our students couldn't believe it! Overall, we had the best time hearing from Tiffany, the author of Elvis the Pony, and getting to meet the characters from the books in real life. I would highly recommend Tiffany's author and pony visit! “
-Altoona Public Library
“We had a great time with Elvis the Pony and Rowena! Thanks to Tiffany Lauer and Elvis the Pony for a great storytime.”
“Altoona author Tiffany Lauer taught us how to be safe around horses with the help of Elvis the Pony.”
-Angela Davis, 2nd Grade Teacher
“Students listened to an engaging story, read aloud by the author herself. “
My 2nd graders and I were so excited to have a special surprise visit from Elvis the pony and his owner, Tiffany! Students listened to an engaging story, read aloud by the author herself. Following that, they received a hands-on meet & greet session with Elvis the Pony, while getting to brush & pet him. Finally, they were able to ask questions and learn more about horses and ponies. It was truly a fun and memorable experience for all!
Brittany Gunn
Miss Rodeo Iowa 2022
Tiffany is a good friend from Iowa who is a former ISU Rodeo Club member. These books are written and made easier for those with dyslexia and are about her Shetland pony, Elvis.
Remember that no horse or two legged friends are the same. We are all unique in our own way.
Joyfully,
Brittany Gunn
Miss Rodeo Iowa
Common Questions About School Visits
Do you still have questions? Let’s see if we can answer those below!
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Elvis the Pony meet and greets/author visits can be set up with school libraries, individual grades or classrooms, or assemblies.
I also work with PTAs for school events and fundraising opportunities.
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Pre-school to kindergarten children do best with short readings and pony meet and greets in 20 to 30min intervals.
1st to 3rd grade programs can be 30 to 45 minute programs
4th to 7th grades can handle a longer program and discussion 45 to 60 minutes
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Half day sessions – up to 3 sessions/presentations 8am-noon
Afternoon sessions – up to 3 sessions noon – 3:30pm
Full day sessions – 8am-3:30pm, morning & afternoon schedules
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Schools – once we have agreed on a date(s), will be invoiced by ETP Publications for a $300 deposit.
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Schools will be given author information sheets and preorder forms. I will sign all the preordered books for the kids. Books can also be preordered from my website.
Consider asking your PTO to sponsor my visit and provide each child with a copy of my book.
Wholesale discounts are available for bulk purchases of 30 copies or more.
I will provide your school with a prerecorded video introducing the kids to my books and giving them a tease to what we'll be discussing OR we can schedule a live zoom meeting. -
I bring my own – speakers, mic, projector.
Having a pony in our school sounds complicated and expensive...
You might be concerned about logistics, safety, cleanliness, or whether this fits your budget. Here's how we address these concerns:
Safety First: Elvis the Pony is exceptionally gentle and has visited dozens of schools safely. I maintain full liability insurance coverage specifically for school visits.
Indoor Cleanliness: We use heavy-duty tarps to completely protect your floors. Our setup and cleanup process is quick and leaves no mess behind.
Budget Concerns: We work with schools of all sizes and budgets. Many schools partner with their PTO/PTA to fund visits, or use literacy grants. We can discuss options that work within your constraints.
Space Requirements: Don't have a large gym? No problem! Elvis is comfortable in classrooms, libraries, or outdoor spaces. We're flexible and can adapt to your facility.
School Schedule: Worried about disrupting the school day? Our programs fit neatly into your schedule, and we can adjust timing to work around lunch periods, specials, and other commitments.
Our Elvis the Pony Guarantee
I can guarantee that kids are going to have a blast with Elvis the Pony and his friends! But my commitment goes beyond just fun:
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with our visit, we'll work with you to make it right.
Educational Value Promise: Our programs are designed to align with literacy and educational goals. Each visit includes curriculum-relevant content and activities that teachers can build upon.
Weather and Emergency Backup Plan: If unexpected weather or circumstances arise, we have backup plans to ensure your students still get a meaningful experience.
Book Signing Guarantee: Every student who orders a book will receive a personally signed copy, even if unexpected circumstances prevent the in-person visit.
Memory-Making Promise: We guarantee this will be an experience your students talk about long after the visit is over!
Don’t Put it Off!
If you are interested in booking an author event, but are not sure on logistics, programs, or cost, reach out! We can make it work for you and your group!
I can guarantee that kids are going to have a blast with Elvis the Pony and his friends!
Don't Miss Out! Limited School Visit Dates Available
Our calendar fills up quickly each semester!
Each school year, we can only accommodate a limited number of school visits due to:
Limited availability - Popular dates (like Read Across America Week, Children's Book Week, and end-of-year celebrations) book 6-12 months in advance
Travel scheduling - We schedule regional visits in geographic clusters to maximize efficiency, meaning once schools in your area book, we may not return to that region again this school year
Seasonal considerations - Spring and fall dates are especially in demand due to optimal weather conditions for outdoor components of our presentations
Book your date now to ensure your students don't miss this unique experience!
Many schools who procrastinate end up on our waitlist and have to postpone until the following year. Secure your preferred date by contacting us today.
Special Early Booking Bonus: Schools that book at least 3 months in advance receive a complimentary classroom set of Elvis the Pony bookmarks and a personalized video greeting from Elvis to share with students before our visit!
