Imagine the kids in your neighborhood’s elementary school sitting in an assembly and the author is introduced.  The author says that he has a nickname and it is Chippopotamus.  The kids laugh loudly.  Chip then asks a few kids to share the nicknames that they have.  “Anna Banana,” says one girl.  “Dean-osaur,” says one boy.  After each name, children’s laughter (which is the greatest sound on the planet).    Then Chip asks for a show of hands who speaks a second language.  Many children raise their hands proudly.  Chip calls on a few; “Spanish,” “Vietnamese,” “Portuguese,” “Arabic,” each child replies.  Then Chip says that he speaks chimpanzee and asks if they would like to hear him greet them as a chimpanzee would.  They all do!  “Hooht, hooht, hooh, aah, aah, aah,” Chip’s chimpanzee voice rises until it is very loud.  The children are hysterical with laughter.  It takes a while for the kids to settle down.  Then Chip says that he would like to share his book with them and the lights are dimmed.  Any remaining gigglers become quiet and the image of the book’s cover spirals onto the screen.

If you are interested in creating this experience with the children in your local elementary school, fill out the information form and we will contact you.