School Visits

What people say...

Nicole Rubel's informative, whimsical, creative and hands on presentations were a delight to children and adults alike. We highly recommend her as a speaker or artist in residence.
Oct. 2007: Charlotte Glover, Youth Services Librarian, Ketchikan Public Library, Ketchikan, Alaska

"Nicole's presentation at Indian Creek was extremely kid friendly, and highly motivating.  It was fun preparing students for her visit.  She obviously enjoys children and had a great visual presentation using her computer to accompany her well prepared talk." 
April 2007, Sally Reck, Library Media Specialist, Indian Creek Elementary School, Marion, Iowa

The Rotten Ralph Program

The Rotten Ralph Program can be done for kindergarten all the way through fifth-grade audiences.

I have a lot of fun with this program. The humor and audience participation aspects make it a real crowd pleaser.  

Using a Power Point slide presentation, I introduce children to my crazy Ralph-flavored home and studio decor, and I talk about being the quiet kid in the back of the class who never raised her hand. I explain what’s it’s like to be in last place out of four siblings and on top of that have an identical twin who’s better at everything.   

I always hope there are young underachievers sitting in the audience who are encouraged by my presentation. I like to tell children how important it is to learn to communicate clearly as speakers and writers, whatever their interests.  

I show wacky landmarks that perhaps inspired my sense of humor. This ties in especially well for Florida presentations, as many of my inspirations come from my home state. 

And I display paintings of famous artist that have influenced my work. I explain my unique use of black line, bright colors and patterns and go on to make clear what exactly an art style is.  

A Rotten Ralph book is read out loud, usually the newest Rotten Ralph book on the block. And then I walk through my audience getting ideas for a new Ralph story. The children give me art direction as I draw their wild and funny ideas on a large sheet of paper using markers.  

The program ends with a question and answer session and then a trademark good-bye Rotten Ralph “Meow!”

The Ham And Pickles Start School program  Can be done for kindergarten all the way through fifth-grade audiences.      I will have a lot of fun with this program. The humor and audience participation aspects make it a real crowd pleaser.   Using a Power Point slide presentation, I introduce children to my crazy Rotten Ralph-flavored home and studio decor, and I talk about being the quiet kid in the back of the class who never raised her hand. I explain what’s it’s like to be in last place out of four siblings and on top of that have an identical twin who’s better at everything.    I always hope there are young underachievers sitting in the audience who are encouraged by my presentation. I like to tell children how important it is to learn to communicate clearly as speakers and writers, whatever their interests.  And I display paintings of famous artist that have influenced my work. I explain my unique use of black line, bright colors and patterns and go on to make clear what exactly an art style is.  Ham And Pickles is read out loud by volunteer children. And then I walk through my audience getting ideas for a new Ham and Pickles story. The children give me art direction as I draw their wild and funny ideas on a large sheet of paper using markers.  The program ends with a question and answer session.

"Ham and Pickles" from Sundown Lane Elementary in Amarillo, Texas

It’s Hot and Cold In Miami

Rachel has theories about a lot of things - how she ended up with humongous beaver teeth, why tourist who visit Miami wear such ugly cloths, and why her father loves her identical twin sister, Rebecca, the most.

Still, there are many things in Rachel's life that even her best theories can't really explain. Why, for instance, does her grandmother insist on feeding her honey cake every Sunday, when everyone knows it tastes disgusting? Why did Rachel end up with the most ancient fifth grade teacher in the school, a woman with amoeba-shaped stains under her arms? And why is Rachel always in trouble, unlike Rebecca?

Nicole serves up a grasshopper sandwich during her "It's Hot and Cold In Miami," presentation.

In humor-filled prose and pictures, Nicole Rubel introduces us to a remarkable off-the-wall family - a father who sells novelty maracas for a living, a mother who is so gorgeous even orangutans fall in love with her, a sister who is perfect genius, and scattered Rachel - struggling to find her unique talent and self-confidence.

The It’s Hot and Cold In Miami Program  

Can be tailored for middle grade through adult audiences. 

My theme is Metamorphosis!  

I introduce the audience to my books. 

I shift back and forth between reading provocative selections from the book and Power Point presentation.  

I use Power Point to show photos and other visuals that illuminate the real-life story behind the fictionalized version in the book. I use the visuals as talking points to discuss some of my decisions to disguise or not certain aspects of my family life.  

I speak about my personal journey from being a non-speaking (true!) twin to finding my voice as an artist and an individual. I didn’t write or show artistic abilities as a young child and was always ranked average or below by my parents and teachers. When I did draw, I was told I wasn’t any good and my older sister was “the terrific artist.” My artistic side exploded when I asked and was allowed to paint a “Peter Max” inspired mural on my bedroom wall in High school. This same mural was my entrance ticket to college since my parents were told my math scores were low. I go on to explain how in my last semester of college, a classroom assignment by an excellent teacher and a trip to New York museums changed my life forever. I was asked to write a journal and photograph what I liked. “Who am I?” was a question most people don’t have to ask. I did and found I had no idea and I didn’t even like my name. For most of my life my name was, “twin.” I sent out birth notices and gave myself the name “Nicole,” from a book I was reading by F. Scott Fitzgerald. My journey has never ended as I continue to grow as an artist and writer and learn to speak for myself.

For More Information Email Nicole.

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