Meet the Dream Keepers!
This is Growth Mindset in Action
Author and Illustrator Visit
with April Hartmann
The story behind the story.
Spoiler alert: It's all about persistence.
This fast-paced, interactive author visit combines
storytelling, art, and laughter.
Students join April on her journey to publishing "The Dream Keepers"
through a lively animated slideshow.
Then the fun begins with a drawing demo
full of audience participation — students role-play as
a story about what it really takes to make a dream come true.
The visit also includes a reading of "The Dream Keepers" and a student Q & A session
Along the way, students learn:
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How authors and illustrators use
Character, Action, and Setting to
build stories.
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How persistence and positivity turn
dreams into goals.
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How to apply Happy Thoughts and
Hard Work to their own creative projects.
Through this engaging school program, students experience
growth mindset in action,
while discovering strategies to achieve their own goals.
It’s motivational, educational, and entertaining—
perfect for grades K–5!
Program Details
Based in Raleigh, NC
Available nationwide for author/illustrator school visits. Just ask!
Audience sizes:
Classroom/Library: up to 60 students
Auditorium/Gym: up to 300 students
Technology needs:
School provides - Smart Board or projection screen
April provides - iPad, cables, and (for large groups)
microphones, speaker, and projector
Books:
Book sales and delivery can be coordinated in advance, giving students time to enjoy the story and build excitement for the program.
Extras Provided!
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Signed book for your school library
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Flyers for parents to share the event
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Posters for your school
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Printable bookmarks and activity pages
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Educational guide for classroom use
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Personalized animated video message from April and the Dream Keepers before the visit
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Student Photos with life-size cutouts of Hard Work and Happy Thoughts
"Our students had a wonderful time with April Hartmann's fun program that included a drawing demonstration, lots of audience participation, and the reading of her awesome book, The Dream Keepers. A wonderful story about having positive thoughts, determination, and working hard to reach your goals and dreams!"
Jenny Winter - Library Aide
Trafford Elementary School
Watch the Trailer
About the Author
April Hartmann is an illustrator, animator, graphic designer, and writer. She earned her BFA in Illustration at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and has been a professional illustrator for more than 30 years. Her work appears in children’s magazines, toys, packaging, and books. "The Dream Keepers"
is her first book as a published author.
Extend the Learning
Want to keep students inspired after the visit?
April also hosts “Art Lessons with the Dream Keepers” on YouTube — a free series of lively, step-by-step drawing lessons. With the animated characters Hard Work and Happy Thoughts cheering kids on, every video blends creativity, fun, and growth mindset. Perfect for classrooms or families at home!
Dream BIG. Set Goals. Take Action
* Photos shared with permissions. 😊 *