"Patrick’s visit to our school was a delightful experience for students and staff. His presentation on the writing and illustrating process and how a book is made really held our students’ attention. Patrick adds a personal touch to his talk by sharing family stories that students could relate to. His experience as a classroom teacher shines in his ability to capture and hold the audiences’ interest. The large story boards of the books’ illustrations were a wonderful bonus to his story reading. We thoroughly enjoyed his visit. I highly recommend him as a visiting author."

―Renee Boraas, Media Specialist
Victoria Elementary
Chaska Public Schools

"Hello, Patrick. I just want to say thanks again for spending the day with us. All 500 of our students and staff thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. You had such down to earth things to say about farming and the true value of family. I think the students even learned something about how to milk a cow in the past! It was quite educational in that regard and I think you also encouraged students that they could all be writers or illustrators someday if that was their dream. I would highly recommend other schools to have you visit their classes. I think it would be a rewarding experience on instilling the values of family. We are all enriched by your presentation. Thanks so much for coming!
If there is anything else I can do to help you with your promotions, be sure to let me know."

―Sandy Larson, Media Specialist
Baxter Elementary School, Brainerd, MN

"These charming stories draw us into life on a small Minnesota farm. Oma and Opa teach us about trust and joy and faith, as we follow the delicious details of their days. The wonderful illustrations add graphic detail to the gentle story.
Few school children today have experienced the work and the joy of living on a farm. Patrick Mader’s gentle stories convey the realities of daily farm life and the love of the land.
A great book to read aloud to children about the joys of living on a farm in Minnesota, with intriguing illustrations that highlight the story."

―Pamela J. Myers, Ph.D.
Retired Superintendent of Schools, Mound, MN

"Thanks so much for coming to Windom and sharing your talent with our preschool and elementary students. Everyone enjoyed your visit a great deal. I have received many positive comments about your presentation and how well you related to the children. You are a very generous and gifted writer. You showed the kids how to follow a dream and how, through hard work, those dreams can come true. Your stories were great. I’m looking forward to your next book!"

―Jean Johnson
Community Education Director/ECFE Coordinator
Windom, Minnesota

"The presentations were so enjoyable and full of valuable information about life on a family farm. You held the attention of the littlest ones and older children alike! The parents and grandparents told me afterwards how much they enjoyed it as well. I also appreciate the time you spent speaking to children and their parents after the program was over; you made each conversation special. I'd highly recommend Patrick as a speaker for libraries."

―Gretchen Hayes, MLS
Youth Services Librarian
Mason City Public Library
Mason City, IA

"Thank you so much for coming out to our libraries during Children's Book Week. Both kids and adults really enjoyed hearing you read your book - your enlarged illustrations enabled everyone to see and study all the details. Your insights on farming, families, and bookwriting added a unique and interesting aspect to our storytimes - the milking machine was a big hit!"

―Lisa Pollard, Youth Services Librarian, Scott County Library

"Thank you for your participation in the Family Farm Festival. The kids all seemed to enjoy your story. Our Education Staff plan to use your book for some of the farm classes."

―Judy Thompson, Special Events Manager
Minnesota Zoo

"Patrick Mader’s presentation at our library was fantastic. He speaks to a wide variety of ages during his presentation by incorporating factual and storytelling elements. His visual displays are well organized and help to make his story very real, even to young children. He covered a wide variety of topics including writing, publishing, family values and local history. I highly recommend Patrick as a speaker for libraries. Thank you, Patrick, for sharing your tale with us."

―Karen Pundsack
Branch Manager - Albany Public Library
Albany, MN
Great River Regional Library

"Three schools in Owatonna, Minnesota, had the privilege of an author visit by Patrick Mader. While reading Opa and Oma Together, Andrew Holmquist’s enlarged illustrations made the story come to life. Whether Patrick was speaking with kindergarten students or fifth grade students, he always had a captive audience. The program was highlighted by a PowerPoint presentation of his family and farm, a cow puppet and an old-fashioned milking machine. Explaining the process of illustrating and publishing his book added to the educational value of the program. His message to always read and to never give up on dreams of writing and illustrating was an inspiration to everyone. His next book, Oma Finds a Miracle, will be another hit!"

―Joanne Keefe Lockner
Elementary Media Center
Owatonna, MN

Patrick Mader, author and elementary school teacher, met with our student body in February 2008. Mr. Mader met with 26 classrooms of students in grades one through five. Each presentation was tailored to the grade level at the presentation.
Mr. Mader started the presentation explaining how a book is made. He used a slideshow projected onto a large screen to show how the books’ illustrator used actual photographs in order to make the book’s illustrations closely resemble the actual farm where Oma and Opa and their children lived.
Our students attended Mr. Mader’s sessions in groups as large as 75 to 80 students and he managed to keep their attention and interest very well. Not only did Mr. Mader make sure the visuals could be seen by everyone, he also kept the students’ attention focused on the front of the room by displaying an actual milking machine and an anatomically-correct stuffed cow toy. He spoke clearly and loudly enough for all to hear and respectfully answered student questions. There was no wasted time during the 50-minute sessions as Mr. Mader adroitly steered irrelevant comments or questions back to the subject of his book or to the writing/publishing process.
Our Parent Council paid for Mr. Mader’s appearance. Because he lives in the Twin Cities area, he is a great bargain! Please contact me (Bonnie Joachim at bjoachim@farmington.k12.mn.us ) if you would like a recommendation for Mr. Mader to come to your school.

―Bonnie Joachim
Farmington, MN