“Jefferson Knapp kept the kids captivated with his stories of his younger days and how he got ideas for his books.  His presentation was very informative and entertaining at the same time.  My students are still reserving his books to read. They are looking forward to the third one being released. Teachers praised him for exposing students to the rigorous writing process that authors have to go through to get a book published.”

~ Nona Richey, Library Media Specialist, Beebe Middle School, McRae, AR

“Jefferson Knapp did an awesome job! He kept the students engaged with his stories, made them laugh, and left them wanting to read his books. He shared his challenges as an author and the importance of perseverance. He shared a story map and the process of starting with sketches and how the illustrator brings his magic to them. It was very worthwhile and enjoyable! He has added many readers at our school!” 

~ Sandra Moffatt, Library Media Specialist, Americus NLC, Americus, KS

“Jefferson Knapp’s imagination takes us outdoors to a world of great characters, great adventures, and great friendships. Our students were captivated and are still talking about the author and his books.”

~ Leslie Rice, Librarian, Nichols Elementary, Miami, OK

“Our author visit with Jefferson Knapp was awesome! He kept the audience captivated throughout the entire assembly with his slide show and childhood stories. He’s a very engaging speaker and the kids loved hearing what influenced him to write his books. Of course, the 25 ft. snake replica has inspired some kids to make their own snakes:) The students are excited to read his books! Jefferson Knapp is an author that I would definitely invite back!”

~ Kim Simpson, Media Specialist, Oak Grove Middle School, Paragould, AR

“Jefferson was a hit with our third through sixth grade students! He kept them engaged and involved during the entire presentation. He was very prepared for the event and was here early to set up and be ready for the students. Jefferson took questions at the end and was very generous with his time, even letting some students interview him for our school newspaper! We look forward to future visits from Jefferson.”

~ Dacie Rau, Librarian, Cavanaugh Elementary School, Fort Smith, AR

“Jefferson Knapp is one of the best authors we have had at our school. His presentation, props and general love for kids was very inspirational to me as well as to the students. He was very good with the students, he seemed like one of the kids and they relate very well to that. If your school has a chance to have Jefferson Knapp, please do take that opportunity. He is a great presenter and the kids, as well as the teachers, will fall in love with him. Our school really did. When his next book comes out we as a school want to be the first to have him back.”

~ Mrs. Rita Carroll, Librarian, Eisenhower Elementary, Wellington, KS

“I was worried that after 30 minutes of PE, our students would be wound up and unable to settle down. But Jefferson knows how to relate to kids. Within minutes, the students were engaged in his presentation. When the time was up, they couldn’t believe forty minutes had passed. Before he left, all six copies of the book were checked out, with another 16 students and teachers on the waiting list. Several students told me they have decided to be a writer, too. There was still a lot of buzz over the book and his presentation at the end of the school year. Your students are going to love this series and Jefferson Knapp.”

~ Teresa Reid, Librarian, Seal Elementary, Douglass, KS

“I love what Jefferson talks and writes about!  He takes everyday events, adds a tiny bit of magic, and makes wonderful stories.  He makes you think that, yes, that stinky old dog you love so much might just be something more.  His books make you see that the world around you could have really wondrous things happening in it that you have no clue about!” 

~ Maureen Conn, Media Specialist, Grandview Elementary, Junction City, KS

“Jefferson Knapp was the first author we have ever had speak to our students – he did a SUPER job!  The students were excited and loved hearing his story.  He patiently answered many questions and his books are very popular in our library….a GREAT presentation.”

~ Terry Johnson, Librarian, Greene County Tech Middle, Paragould, AR

“Jefferson’s entertaining presentation kept students at the end of their seats and talking about it for days. The Brave Journey is in demand and appeals to all our students!   Everyone is looking forward to more adventures with The Kingdom at the End of the Driveway series.”

~ Sharon McClure, Librarian, Flinthills School, Rosalia, KS

“Jefferson was a huge success with all of the students! There is still a waiting list for his books and we purchased several copies. The students were totally engaged and he was very patient and gracious with the students. We were very excited to hear that his third book is ready to read!”

~ Jeanne Trueg, Librarian, Grace Hill Elementary School, Rogers, AR

“Mr. Knapp proved himself quite worthy of the title ‘Author’. His presentation was informative, entertaining and kept the students’ attention. The first and second grade classes read The Brave Journey during storytime. Mr. Knapp’s writing style makes his book so easy to read to the children. They are excited for the next book!”

~ Linda Gosche, 2nd Grade Teacher, St. James Catholic School, Augusta, KS

“Jefferson Knapp is truly a great presenter.  He is passionate about his books and is very entertaining.  The most powerful part of his presentation was the effect it had on our students and teachers.  Two teachers got out the books they’ve been working on and have decided to continue working on them and get them published.  The day after the presentation, I had about 10 kids tell me what page they were already on in The Brave Journey! My favorite quote was from a third grader, “Jefferson Knapp was cool.  I wish he was my brother!” It was an easy way for me to get the students excited about reading!”

~ Mary Jane Witt, Librarian, Lincoln Elementary, Junction City, KS

“If you get the opportunity to have Jefferson Knapp visit your school, you should do it.  Not only are his books great, his presentation is very appealing for students.  He kept our students engaged throughout his whole presentation with the use of props, his great sense of humor, and the stories he shared about his childhood.  He inspired our students and motivated our reluctant readers to pick up a copy of his book and read. We currently have a long waiting list of students waiting to read his books. It was a wonderful experience for our students.”

~ Alicia Bunting, Librarian, Morris Hill Elementary, Ft. Riley, KS

“Mr. Knapp’s presentation was every bit as captivating as his books are. The students were enthralled with stories of his childhood home, the pets he has owned and how he has interwove those experiences with the adventures of the characters in his books.  And the monstrous replica of Farangis! …. WOW! They LOVED it!”

~ Mrs. Sharon Koontz, Sedan Elementary Librarian, Sedan KS

“We were so impressed with Jefferson and the visit. The students and I remember something he shared with us every time I read from The Brave Journey. They are very excited about the series!”

~ Pam Thomas, Librarian, Rural Special School, Fox, AR

“Jefferson Knapp held the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at our school captive for nearly an hour! I didn’t know anyone could do that. He is so kid friendly and easy going. We loved it! His books continue to fly off our library shelves and we are all anxiously awaiting Book 4.”

~ Rhonda Thomason, Landmark Elementary Media Specialist, Little Rock, AR

“We thoroughly enjoyed Jefferson’s visit.  He did a fantastic job getting the students hooked on his books.  They also loved the huge snake that he brought!  It really got their attention. “

~ Sharla Fricks, Librarian, L.F. Henderson Intermediate, Ashdown, AR

“I read ‘The Brave Journey’ to my 4th grade class. The students and I both thoroughly enjoyed the book. We had the rare opportunity to have an author come and discuss their book with the students. Jefferson Knapp gave an excellent presentation! Mr. Knapp told the kids how a boy’s vivid imagination turned into a book series. He showed the students a slide show of real pictures that allowed them to see where he received the inspirations for his books and its characters. This was a great way for the students to see that everyday situations can inspire them if they just open their eyes to their surroundings.”

~ Alicia Phelps, 4th Grade Teacher, Lyndon Elementary, Lyndon, KS

“The author Jefferson Knapp visited our school and talked to our students about his book The Brave Journey.  The presentation included a Power Point that showed photos from his life where he got the many settings for his book. For the kids, making this connection of the author’s life and what they get to read in the book is so meaningful. The kids were totally engrossed in the presentation from the time they walked into the library and saw the huge albino python on the library floor!”

~ Judy George – Grandview Librarian, El Dorado, KS

“Jefferson’s presentations are humorous and his characters come to life right out of his book. Our middle school students enjoyed his visit immensely.”

~ Jan Pippig, El Dorado Middle School Librarian

“Jefferson was an outstanding speaker at our school. The students were fascinated with his props, pictures and story. He held the students’ attention and they were sad when he had to leave. We are looking forward to his return visits.”

~ Pamela Fulbright, Title I Teacher

“FANTASTIC!!  Our students felt empowered to write after his presentation! I am reading The Brave Journey to my classes and they are intensely enthralled and are eagerly ready to read the following books in The Kingdom series.”

~ Katy Harrison, Librarian, Elkins Elementary, Elkins, AR

“Students loved Jefferson’s presentation. They were hooked the minute they walked in the door because of the snake - Farangis. Students could see the book come to life with how Knapp connected his life experiences to the writing of ‘The Brave Journey’.  We can’t wait for book two.”  

~ April Imler, Media Specialist, Sunset Elementary, Newton, KS

“Jefferson visited our school months ago and our students are still talking about the program! They could not believe the model of the snake, Farangis. It was astounding to them that an author lived that close to us and they were all anxious to get his autograph. Several students have asked me for the next book and it will not be out until September. He answered multiple questions about writing and about the characters in his book. Jefferson made a lasting impression on future writers.”

~ Shirley Douglas, Librarian, Central Elementary, Burden, KS

“Jefferson’s presentation was very entertaining. He has great rapport with kids, but the adults loved it as well. His humor kept our attention and his passion about his writing left us wanting more. The kids were so excited to read the book after his presentation that I plan on having multiple copies in the library. We can’t wait for the next book in the series!”

~ Jonna Garbee, Librarian, Oil Hill Elementary, El Dorado, KS

“The school visit was great. The kids were well entertained. The large snake he brought had the kids talking and dreaming on what they could do for several weeks after the visit. We all loved the pictures he shared. The interaction Mr. Knapp had with the kids was perfect. There was a long list of students waiting to read the book after his visit.”

~ Keila Sherman, Librarian, Hamilton Elementary, Hamilton, KS

“Jefferson Knapp’s author presentation was awesome! Our students were spellbound as soon as they walked into the library and saw a 25-foot replica of a pythonm. This was one of the best author visits we have had at our school. When Mr. Knapp left, students were asking to be put on the reserve list for his book. Thank you, Jefferson, for inspiring our students to want to pick up a book and read.”

~ Dina Cooper, Librarian, Cedar Vale Schools, Cedar Vale, KS

“We loved having Jefferson visit our library. The students were entertained and engaged the entire time. Now I can’t keep his books on the shelf!!”

~ Leigh VonderHeide, Librarian, Scranton Elementary, Scranton, AR

“Our students thoroughly enjoyed Jefferson Knapp’s visit to our school. He kept their attention with his personal stories. As a librarian, I was thrilled that he shared his writing process and the importance of writing about what you know. I can’t keep his books on the shelf. They are always checked out.”

~ Cheri Peine, Librarian, Garnett Elementary, Garnett, KS

“Author Jefferson Knapp used props, pictures, and stories to share with our students about his series The Kingdom at the End of the Driveway.  The students were enthralled as they learned more about the exciting mystery books, filled with adventure and interesting characters.  To have an author come to our elementary school inspired the students with both reading and writing.”

~ Pat Stucky, Moundridge Elementary Librarian, Moundridge, KS

“Jefferson Knapp, a young Kansan who has found his calling in writing children’s books, captured the attention of Cottonwood students. His presentation was filled with his life stories, his books’ plot and characters, and eye-catching props. With his easy-going delivery, students learned about the process of writing and re-writing, the many stages of illustrating, and the difficulties he dealt with in publishing.”

~ Mary Kay McCall, Media Specialist, Cottonwood Elementary, Andover, KS

“Jefferson Knapp was awesome!! The students loved hearing about his childhood and how he came up with the idea for his Kingdom series.  His slideshow and props were great!!  Several of the students just HAD to touch the fake 25 ft. snake.  I highly recommend Jefferson Knapp for a school visit.  He was very personable and the kids were captivated by his presentation.”

~ Lea Ann Fox, Librarian, Booneville Elementary, Booneville, AR