Combine storytelling, music, audience participation, puppets, guest appearances, tons of humor, and encouraging character building lessons and you have a 45 minute, fast paced presentation that students, faculty and administration will luv! Based on her growing "Down On Friendly Acres" short chapter book series, Ronda becomes her 6 year old self sharing experiences and lessons growing up down on "Friendly Acres" in the 50's and 60's.  As she weaves true life stories, original songs and poems plus witty sayings from her undercover angel - Grandma Brombaugh - students are introduced to life before there were malls, cell phones, ipods and x-boxes. 

Some things still remain the same - the value of family, friends and lives based on character.  Children are mesmerized, younger teachers laugh and older teachers reminisce as Ronda steps back in time and portrays herself as the six year old vivacious farm gal who along with her siblings and cousins share in some pretty wild antics that every child can relate to.

Ronda concludes by sharing some “heartbreaking" moments that occurred in the Friend Family and recently in her own life including the death of a dear friend - Carol Ann Lee. She ends by singing a heartwarming song dedicated to her mother and to her friend Carol Ann entitled “Momma, I See Something You Don’t See.”

Ronda's Author Visit program offers a 1/2 day, full day, and two day options. The 1/2 day option includes two -45 minute presentations along with an author signing time where Ronda has an opportunity to meet the children who purchased her books and sign them personally.  Ronda enjoys this time of   interacting with the students. If the 1/2 day session is in the afternoon there is an option for Ronda to conduct an after school session for the teachers at a nominal fee.  The topic for that session is flexible to meet the needs of the faculty.

The full day sessions includes 3-45 minute presentations along with an additional small group session for a classroom of students with such as "young authors," "So you want to be an author?," etc.  A book signing session is part of the day also.  The option for the teachers session after school is available as well.

The two day option includes three presentations on the first day and a session for the teachers after school.   The second day will be spent with smaller groups, workshops, and Q & A sessions.  The book signing will be conducted on this second day as well.  Flexibility is the key for the two day program and we will work with you to taylor-make this time that best suits your school.

First of all - get ready for a great time to be had by all. Invite parents, community leaders, and all teachers to attend. Below you will find all the promotional and how-to documents that you will need to have a successful Author Visit program at your school.

Download the following: (MS Word and PDF formats available)

1. A sample letter to be sent home with the children a week before the event. This allows for children to begin bringing in pre-orders for books. We have one for spanish speaking parents as well.

4.  A brochure listing the special aspects of the Down On Friendly Acres series.

6.. Introducing the Down On Friendly Acres Characters

You will receive a packet in the mail with sample books for your library, posters, and hard copies of most of the above items. The Book signing on the day of the event can be done in a variety of ways but do keep in mind that Ronda loves to meet and spend a little time with the children who purchased books.  Children can stay after the assembly to have their books signed and/or have a time in the library for classes to be called in for signings.

Some children may forget to bring their orders before the day of the event so we recommend taking orders for another week.  Then just email us with the names of the children that have ordered books after the event.  We will pay for the postage and send the books directly to your school.  Then send the monies to Sunflower Seeds Press, PO Box 1476, Franklin, Tennessee 37065.

Printable PDF Brochure

Family Nights are a great opportunity to bring old and young together to participate in a wonderful wholesome evening of entertainment. Children are begging their parents to come hear the “silliest storyteller” they’ve ever heard, parents are impressed for their children’s enthusiasm to read the series, and administrators are astounded at the wonderful parent turnout for a night to remember!  This can be separate or added to any of the above.  We recommend combining it with a school event. You’ll be amazed at the great turnout!

for Conferences or In-Service

"Quick, Create, Easy Ways to Make Books with Character Come Alive"

"Making Memorable, Magical Moments Last a Lifetime"

Children's Writing Workshop

"Turning on the 'Spicket' of a Child's Mind and Heart"

R. Friend is a great addition to a Kid's Camps or Family Camp setting.