My Book (439 KB)
Being honored as a "spotlight author" at the Southern Kentucky Book Fest has been a key highlight of my journey as the "Reading Guitar Man."
How much fun can kids have getting excited about reading? You'll never know until you invite the Reading Guitar Man to your school or library!
THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!
Dear Media Colleagues,
If you're like me, you sometimes face a dilemma when selecting an author/illustrator to visit your school. You worry about spending a large sum of money on someone who's a complete unknown to you. You want to know before you spend the money that you are getting someone who relates well to students. Unfortunately, budget constraints may necessitate that you hire someone who is just getting started and doesn't command an exorbitant fee rather than an author with a proven track record. That's where it's nice to hear a recommendation from someone you know, and boy do I have someone to recommend!
McKendree hosted Chris Rumble, author & illustrator of the Uncle Stinky series, on October 4th. The kids loved him! To inspire the students to read, he played his guitar and invited students to sing along on the chorus. He had them singing "My Book" to the tune of "My Girl" and "I'm a Big Reader" to the tune of "I'm a Believer". You're already hearing the tunes in your head, aren't you?
He then read selections from his books and showed them how he drew his Uncle Stinky character. One "lucky" student (pre-selected by teachers based on challenges the student had faced) was awarded the drawing from each assembly. After the assemblies, Mr. Rumble autographed each book sold with words of encouragement and even an original drawing. He had the foresight to do the drawings ahead of time to speed up the autograph process, but spent time with each student who came to his table.
His books were a pleasant surprise as well -- laugh-out-loud funny. Not personally into bathroom humor, I was caught off guard by his humor and found myself chuckling in spite of myself. And if his humor doesn't tickle your funny bone, you will certainly appreciate the underlying messages of encouragement in his books. Uncle Stinky has no patience with bullies!
I took a chance on Mr. Rumble based on only a phone conversation and testimonials at his website. I'm glad I did, and know you will be too if you bring him to your school. I can recommend him without reservation. In fact, I suggest you hire him before he hits the big time as he is surely destined to do.
Call if you want to know more,
Meg Reed
Media Specialist, McKendree Elementary
Lawrenceville, GA
I want to brag on Chris Rumble! He just spent three days with us, and and he was been FABULOUS! He has visited quite a few schools in our county, but I also want to say what a great job he did with our special ed kids - our special ed preschool teachers have told me that this is the first performer that the school has had come in that they felt their kids really enjoyed. Chris saw the whole school over 3 days. I think everyone from pre-k - 5th grade really enjoyed him.
His rates depend on what you are doing, but he was VERY reasonable and willing to work with our PTA budget.
Kathy Schmidt, Media Specialist
Rock Springs Elementary
Lawrenceville, GA
The kids at our school loved Chris Rumble. I was so impressed with the way kids kept their attention on him. Chris truly has a gift with them. He is an inspiration to children and I hope that more children in my area get to benefit from his teachings and talents!
Jenny Volk, Cultural Arts Chair
Settle's Bridge Elementary
Suwannee, GA
Chris Rumble was both motivating and inspiring as he helped Social Circle Primary kick off our reading incentive program. His love of reading, music and children is clearly evident throughout his program. He believes in audience participation, and he had both students and teachers singing and dancing as he sang songs like “I’m a Big Reader” (to the tune of “I’m a Believer”). You won’t be disappointed if you invite the Reading Guitar Man to entertain and educate your students – and you’ll probably be looking for an opportunity to have him back!
Barbara Wright
Principal, Social Circle Primary School
Social Circle, GA
Chris was wonderful with our students! He kept their attention by singing songs about reading and involving the students in the singing. His stories were entertaining and funny! Our students really warmed up to him and kept wanting to give him hugs after the presentation! He really helped focus our kids' attention on reading and how much fun it can be!
Molly Gibney
Media Specialist, Jefferson Elementary School Jefferson, GA
Chris is one of those kind, gentle people that attracts everyone. You can feel his warmth in his presentation. Kids love him and listen to him and want to sing with him. It's a fun time, with great messages.
Ann Lott
Media Specialist, Black's Mill Elementary
Dawson County, GA
Mr. Chris Rumble, also known as ”The Reading Guitar Man,” brought to my second graders songs about reading, books about laughing, and poems about loving. My students would listen intently and participate wholeheartedly as Mr. Rumble would lead songs and read books. Mr. Rumble’s passion for children and excitement about learning was evident every time he entered our classroom. He instilled values and promoted friendship, displayed compassion, and celebrated the uniqueness of each child. Mr. Rumble blessed my second graders in a powerful way and made quite an impression on them. They are better people because of the impact he had on their lives.
Kelly Ingle
2nd Grade Teacher, Sims Elementary
Rockdale County, GA
I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed having Chris visit Rocky Branch. Our teachers were most impressed. I asked the students at bus dismissal what they thought of the Reading Guitar Man. Every kid said he was terrific. We would love to have Chris return after his book is published. We are glad he came our way.
Thomas L. Brown
Principal, Rocky Branch Elementary
Oconee County, GA
Chris Rumble performed at our Family Reading Night. It was such a treat to see the students of all ages engaged in celebrating reading. He motivated all of us to be readers and made each child feel special. Chris was definitely the hit of the night!
Ann Driver
PTO Event Coordinator, Frey Elementary School
Acworth, GA
The Reading Guitar Man’s program is great! The students had a great time. After the presentation, they kept singing the songs and talking about Uncle Stinky. Chris really enjoys himself and wants to be there and that shows to them. I loved that he chose a child to give a picture to and made the child feel so special. Chris has a great way with kids. His presentation was so much fun for them and for me too. Great job! Very enjoyable!
Amy Swingle
3rd Grade Teacher, South Jackson Elementary Jackson County, GA
The “Reading Guitar Man” does what he does, really, for two purposes. There is, indeed, a not-so-hidden agenda. When the light is turned on in the ready mind of a child regarding the wonder of reading, that little life is turned, I believe, toward the open door of infinite possibilities. I want to be a catalyst to stir up your students and give them a glimpse at the vast potential that lies within them. I love exalting the virtues of reading with children…but when it gets real quiet and I get the opportunity to whisper into their hearts the truths concerning their immense value, the beauty of their uniqueness, and the my firm belief that each one will grow up to do great things, it is then that I know the deeper reason for our encounter.
– Chris Rumble
FOR BOOKING:
EMAIL: mail@chrisrumble.com
CELL: 770-617-8381
HOME: 706-692-2199
WEBSITE: www.chrisrumble.com
MAIL: 11 Cherokee Camp Trail #20451 Jasper, GA 30143