Engaging
AUTHOR EVENTS
Jonathan Mashack is the premier author and illustrator of Holy Cow Book Publishers. Jonathan connects with students through creativity, storytelling, and a behind-the-scenes look at how books come to life.
His engaging approach encourages young readers to explore their ideas, express themselves confidently, and discover the power of their own stories. Jonathan’s visits leave students inspired, entertained, and eager to keep reading and creating.
Our Programs
1
Book Readings & Storytelling
Animated readings, interactive storytelling, and playful performances, Jonathan Mashack keeps children engaged while sparking their love for books. Each visit blends fun, creativity, and lessons that encourage imagination, kindness, and confidence. The experience leaves students excited about reading and eager to discover more stories on their own.
2
Q&A
Sessions
These interactive conversations give students the chance to ask Jonathan Mashack about writing, publishing, creativity, and real-life challenges, making the experience both personal and inspiring. Each session encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and honest dialogue, helping older students connect their own journeys to the power of storytelling.
3
Workshops & Custom Events
Our Workshops give students a hands-on experience with storytelling, writing, and creativity. Perfect for upper elementary through high school, these sessions guide students step by step in building characters, shaping stories, and finding their own voices as writers. Each workshop blends fun with skill-building, leaving participants more confident in their ability to express themselves.
PreK - 5th Grade
StoryTime Extravaganza
Get ready for an exciting and inspiring visit! Jonathan Mashack, the author and illustrator of beloved children’s book series such as Ralphy’s Rude Mood and You Are Special, is coming to share his stories with us. Students in grades K–3 will enjoy listening to Jonathan read from his books, engage in a fun short story performance, and—if we’re lucky—hear him sing one of his original songs.
Jonathan’s stories spark imagination while also encouraging social-emotional learning, helping children build confidence, manage emotions, and develop empathy in fun and relatable ways. This is a storytime your students won’t forget!
Key Topics :
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How to recognize and respond to feelings of anger in healthy ways
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The importance of a healthy self-esteem
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What it means to bounce back from mistakes (resilience)
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Empathy and Respect for others
All Ages
Exploring the Publishing Process
Take your audience behind the scenes of book creation with author and illustrator, Jonathan Mashack. With over 20 years of experience in the publishing world, Jonathan shares his journey from writing and illustrating to self-publishing across multiple genres—including novels, picture books, and comics. This engaging and informative session is perfect for aspiring writers of all ages and provides a rare glimpse into the full lifecycle of a book.
Jonathan’s approachable style and firsthand insights make the world of publishing accessible and inspiring. After the presentation, attendees will have the chance to ask questions and dive deeper into specific topics.
Key Topics:
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The Creative Process: From idea to outline
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Strategies to Finish Your Book
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How to Bring It All Together: Writing, editing, and design
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Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Pros, cons, and choosing the right path
This presentation is ideal for schools, libraries, and writing groups looking to motivate and empower the next generation of storytellers.
PreK - 5th Grade
Fire Safety and Prevention
As part of Fire Safety Week, author and illustrator Jonathan Mashack will visit to share his fire-prevention themed book Fire Safe Ralphy—a Fire Marshal–approved story that teaches kids the importance of staying safe during a fire emergency. Students in grades K–3 will enjoy listening to Jonathan read his book, hearing a personal story about fire safety, and taking part in interactive demonstrations on how to stay safe and prevent fires.
This engaging event gives children practical tools and confidence to act responsibly in an emergency, all while reinforcing fire safety in a fun and memorable way.
Key Topics :
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How and when to call 911
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What to do if your clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll
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Why every family needs a safe meeting place outside the home
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How to safely exit a building if there’s smoke (stay low, crawl under smoke)
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Practicing a fire drill
All Ages
The Make-A-Book Workshop
This weeklong, hands-on workshop is designed for creative minds who dream of becoming published authors. Each day, participants will meet with Jonathan Mashack—an experienced, published author and illustrator—to receive step-by-step guidance through the entire book publishing process.
By the end of the week, participants will not only understand how publishing works but will also have the opportunity to see their book in print and make it available to readers.
Learning Topics:
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How to develop and refine a story idea
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The basics of editing and preparing a manuscript
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Understanding layout, formatting, and illustration options
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Cover design and why it matters
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Publishing pathways: self-publishing vs. traditional
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How to make your book available to the world (ISBNs, distribution, platforms)
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Marketing basics: how to share your book with readers