“Deb did a wonderful job with out students. Having first-hand experience as a classroom teacher she was able to capture and sustain their attention throughout the presentation. She could also adjust her presentation to the grade level of the audience. From an office perspective, she was incredibly easy to work with, and delightful to meet in person!”
— Brendan Bogart, Lincoln Elementary Principal, Alexandria, MN
“My Students loved having Debbie Hoven come to our school! Not only did they enjoy her two children’s books, but they were inspired by her message of believing in yourself, and taking on new challenges at any stage in life. Their dreams became more attainable as they listened to her explain how she made her dreams come true! In the words of one of my students, “Mrs. Hoven is my second favorite author, but my first favorite illustrator!””
— Becky Reber, 6th Grade Teacher, Minnewaska Area Schools
“Debbie Hoven’s “Keep Your Light On and Read” presentation was in Lake Benton, MN in early April 2016. She visited with seven grade levels in four groups at the Lake Benton Elementary School. I was privileged enough to be able to watch all four presentations and I have to say that they were all phenomenal. The teaches loved that she made each presentation age appropriate. The kids are still talking about what they learned. Some of the comments that were overheard are: ”I learned that you can’t give up, even when it’s hard.” ” Miss Debbie said that sometimes you have to try again and again before you get it just right. Maybe we should try this again.” ”Someday, I’m going to be an author, just like Mrs. Hoven.”
As an educator, I appreciate that her books are not only colorful and attractive to my young readers, they are also educational in themselves. Debbie has used unique characters in “Light Up the Year” to teach the months and seasons of the year. The lightbulb guy is such a delight to find on each page.
Because Lake Benton sits on a lake, many of our children especially loved reading and learning about “Norman Loves the Lake.” In this story, Debbie used familiar lake terms and images to teach the letters of the alphabet. There were even a couple of lightbulb guys hiding in this book that our children loved finding.
Libraries or schools who are looking for an ideal program should consider having Debbie Hoven visit with their students and children up to age 11. Anyone looking for an enchanting, colorful story book to read with smaller children should pick up either of her books, “Light Up the Year” or “Norman Loves the Lake.” They are sure to delight.”