"Three schools in Owatonna, Minnesota, had the privilege of an author visit by Patrick Mader.  While reading Opa and Oma Together, Andrew Holmquist’s enlarged illustrations made the story come to life.  Whether Patrick was speaking with kindergarten students or fifth grade students, he always had a captive audience.   The program was highlighted by a PowerPoint presentation of his family and farm, a cow puppet and an old-fashioned milking machine.  Explaining the process of illustrating and publishing his book added to the educational value of the program.  His message to always read and to never give up on dreams of writing and illustrating was an inspiration to everyone.  His next book, Oma Finds a Miracle, will be another hit!

―Joanne Keefe Lockner
Elementary Media Center
Owatonna, MN 55060

Patrick Mader’s presentation at our library was fantastic. He speaks to a wide variety of ages during his presentation by incorporating factual and storytelling elements. His visual displays are well organized and help to make his story very real, even to young children. He covered a wide variety of topics including writing, publishing, family values and local history. I highly recommend Patrick as a speaker for libraries. Thank you, Patrick, for sharing your tale with us.

―Karen Pundsack
Branch Manager - Albany Public Library
Albany, MN - 320.845.4843
Great River Regional Library

"The theme of our 2007 I Love To READ Month this February was 'Everybody Has a Story'. We found the perfect author for our purposes in Patrick Mader.  Patrick shared the true story of his parents in the biography, Opa and Oma Together.  He showed the photographs of his parents, their home, and animals, and told the stories surrounding those photos. Patrick was wonderful to work with—working with our schedule for the presentations and also visiting the classrooms to share his upcoming book Oma Finds a Miracle."

―Mary Jo Benoit, Media Specialist
Five Hawks Elementary
Prior Lake, MN

"The large visuals and all the visuals you used were excellent!  I bought your book and read it to the students again and they journaled about their favorite part."

―Ann Glocke
Grade 1 teacher
Wilson Elementary
Owatonna, Minnesota

The thrill remains!  We were so happy here at McKinley to have you come and share your stories and spend time with each classroom.  You were so accommodating to our children, families and staff members.  As a school secretary, I want you to know how much fun it was to have you here and to hear the remarks made by children and staff.  We do a lot of serious learning at McKinley - how neat to put some fun into it & still be learning!

For myself, it felt like my own family story, listening to Opa & Oma!

Thank you!

―Ardi Waldrop
Secretary
McKinley Elementary School

"Opa and Oma Together" is a great program for libraries whose patrons are interested in family and life on the land. Patrick Mader brought eye-catching enlargements of Andrew Holmquist’s lovely illustrations to exhibit during the reading of his book. The journey of how one man and his family pursued the dream of telling a treasured family story and turning it into a heartwarming children’s book. Packy’s frank and honest discussion of what it takes to self-publish is both educational and inspiring. This presentation culminated in one of the best audience discussions we’ve had after an author visit.

―Leesa Wisdorf, Northfield Public Library, Northfield, MN

Thank you so much for coming out to our libraries during Children's Book Week. Both kids and adults really enjoyed hearing you read your book - your enlarged illustrations enabled everyone to see and study all the details. Your insights on farming, families, and bookwriting added a unique and interesting aspect to our storytimes - the milking machine was a big hit!

―Lisa Pollard, Youth Services Librarian, Scott County Library

Hello Patrick. I just want to say thanks again for spending the day with us today, February 20, 2006. All 500 of our students and staff thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. You had such down to earth things to say about farming and the true value of family. I think the students even learned something about how to milk a cow in the past! It was quite educational in that regard and I think you also encouraged students that they could all be writers or illustrators someday if that was their dream. I would highly recommend other schools to have you visit their classes. I think it would be a rewarding experience on instilling the values of family. We are all enriched by your presentation. Thanks so much for coming!

If there is anything else I can do to help you with your promotions, be sure to let me know.

―Sandy Larson, Baxter Elementary School

Program #1:
Patrick Mader was a guest for Storytime at our library.  Both children and adults enjoyed listening to Patrick read "Opa and Oma Together."  Patrick's further explanations of what inspired him to write the book and how the book was made were interesting too.  The evening was a nice change of pace for our Family Storytime.

I look forward to his next book!

Program #2:
Patrick Mader spoke to adults at our library about how to self-publish books.  He shared his personal experiences as an author and patiently answered questions from the audience.  His program was interesting, educational, and inspirational!

―Diane Zellman, Children’s Librarian, New Ulm, Minnesot