Schedule
Upcoming Events
October 8-10, 2010 – SCBWI-MI Fall Conference – Kalamazoo, MI
October 18, 2010 – Student Teacher Fire-Up – Aquinas College
October 20, 2010 – Assembly – Paw Paw District Library – Paw Paw, MI
October 27, 2010 – MAME 37 Annual Conference – Dearborn, MI
January 28-30 – SCBWI National Winter Conference – New York, NY
March 25, 2011 – Assembly – W. MI Academy of Environmental Science
March 11-14 2011 – Michigan Reading Association Annual Conference – Grand Rapids, MI
Past Events
August 7, 2010 – Reading Rocks Rockford Festival – Rockford, MI
June 4-6, 2010 – Festival of the Arts – Grand Rapids, MI
May 7, 2010 – Ruth Fox Elementary Writing Festival
May 1, 2010 – SCBWI-MI Spring Conference
April 22, 2010 – Shawmutt Hills Elementary
Fri, 03/19/2010 – Mon, 03/22/2010
MRA annual conference
Mon, 03/08/2010
Student Teacher Fire-Up
Sat, 02/06/2010
SCBWI-MI Illustrators Intensive
Sat, 11/28/2009
Hackley Public Library
Fri, 10/30/2009
Great Lakes IRA conference
Wed, 10/21/2009 – Friday, 10/23/2009
MAME annual conference
Fri, 10/02/2009 – Sun, 10/04/2009
SCBWI-MI Fall Conference
Wed, 09/23/2009
ArtPrize at GR Public Museum
Sat, 08/22/2009 – 10:00am – 2:00pm
Paw Paw District Library
Wed, 07/29/2009 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm
ArtPrize Artist Chat, Live
Tue, 07/21/2009 – 2:00pm
Cedar Springs Public Library
Wed, 06/24/2009 – 2:00pm
Forest Hills Summer Day Camp
4/6/2009
West Bloomfield Township Public Library for two presentations
4/1/2009
Eagle Crest Charter Acadamy
3/30/2009
Kent District Library
3/20/2009
Waldron Elementary in Fowler, MI
3/17/2009
CA Frost Academy
3/15/2009
Michigan Reading Association annual conference
2/09/2009
Chandler Woods Charter Academy
1/24/2009
Alexander Elementary
12/5/2008
Lakeland Library Cooperative’s presenter showcase, featured guest.
12/6/2008
Bloomfield Township Public Library
11/16/2008 MAME Fall conference 2008
10/31/2008
MLK Leadership Academy
7/15/2008
Rockford Day Camp Central Woodlands
7/18/2008
New Buffalo Township Library
6/4/2008
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts
5/8/2008
Michigan Library Association Spring Institute
4/23/2008
Jackson Park Middle School
4/25/2008
Steele Elementary Mason, MI
3/6/2008
MRA annual conference Detroit, MI
3/3/2008
Student Teacher Fire-Up @ Grand Valley
12/3/2007
Ferry Elementary School and Lake Hills Elementary
11/19/2007
Shabazz Charter School Lansing, MI
10/29/2007
MAME, Celebrate Literacy
10/6/2007
Grand Rapids Art Museum Gala
Ancient History
May 07, 2007
Ryan just finished up the busiest three months he has had in a long while, and wanted to let everyone know that the lack of updates was not because of a lack of events, but rather so many to list! Ryan just finished up Write!Create!You!for the 2006-2007 term, and just had a sucessful three-day sales weekend at the "2007 Festival of the Arts" local artisans booth. Not to mention presenting at the 2007 J.A.M. keynote, and teaching sessions at the "Hope College Writing, It’s Elementary", and the "Calvin Youth Writers Festival". Now, Summer is here and Ryan has an exciting program right around the bend…
March 08, 2007
Wow! Ryan wants to thank the staff, students, and parents for an awesome Family Literacy Night at Evergreen Elementary in Allendale, MI. Ryan shared the evening with <a href=”http://www.paleojoe.com/”>Paleo Joe</a>. The energy level was high, everyone was so nice, and the kids made Ryan feel like a genuine celebrity. Ryan wants the students to know he thinks they are the best! For more upcoming events, check his schedule in the <a href=”http://www.puppytron.com/events_signings.htm”>Events</a>section.</p>
February 02, 2007
The reviews are coming in for A Curious Glimpse of Michigan:The Music. Here’s what <a href=”http://www.zooglobble.com/archives/2007/01/review_a_curious_glimpse_of_mi.html”>Zoogobble</a> has to say! You can pick up a copy of the album right here at our site in the Purchase section, or at <a href=”http://www.pokeypup.com/625989555626.html”>the Pokey Pup</a> or <a href=”http://cdbaby.com/cd/hippkammeraad”>CD Baby</a>.</p>
February 02, 2007
</span>New website lauched for A Curious Glimpse of Michigan! Alot of similar info can still be found here at good ole’ Puppytron.com, but we decided to shocase the book and CD and do some fun and different things over there as well. <a href=”http://www.acgom.com/”>ACGOM.COM</a>! Be sure to check it out! .</p>
January 02, 2007
</span>Happy new year! Ryan has a very important announcement: after a year in the making, "A Curious Glimpse of Michigan: The Music" is finally finished! Don’t delay! Get your copy now! It is a musical extravaganza of Michigan.</p>
March 8, 2007
JAM 2007 Keynote Address – Ryan will be presenting to an event for career-minded 10th graders from the Grand Rapids Public Schools, motivating them and sharing his life experiences in the difficulty Ryan had following his dreams and finding his own way. Grand Rapids Community College, 9:00-9:45. Break out sessions by many area professionals following the event.</p>
October 21 , 2006
</span>Celebration of the Book – Ryan will be presenting with Kevin Kammeraad an interactive and musical presentation at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch Children’s Library Storytime Room. A great family opportunity for fun and music.</p>
October 25 , 2006
</span>MAME33 Anual Conference – Ryan will be presenting with Michael West on Sequential Art & Graphic Storytelling</p>
March 10 – 12 , 2007
</span>at the Michigan Reading Association’s 51st Annual Conference. DeVos Place & Amway Grand Plaza Hotel – Ryan will be very busy! He’s introducing the Young Author Keynote Speaker as well as many performances and general sessions throughout the weekend.</p>
August 3-8 , 2006
Ryan will be in sunny California at the <a href=”http://www.scbwi.org/events.htm”>Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators annual summer conference</a>! Ryan’s head will surely implode as he drowns in a sea of talent and creativity. Wish him luck!</p>
June 2 – 4, 2006
Ryan and Kevin along with a few other local authors will be sharing a booth at <a href=”http://festivalofthearts.org/”>Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts 2006</a> in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. I believe we will be located in the art tent selling prints and books most of teh weekend. Stop by and say "hi". We will also be doing two performances this weekend, <strong>Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 p.m.</strong> on the children’s stage!</p>
May 31, 2006
Ryan will be on <a href=”http://www.wgvu.org/tv/wgvushows/newsmakers.html”>WGVU’s Newsmakers with Fred Martino</a>! Ryan is recording on Wednesday. Check Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. and the Sundays at 10:30 a.m. to catch the half hour feature on Ryan and his program developed for the Loop – "Write. Create. You.
March 18-20, 2006
Michigan Reading Association’s 50th Annual Conference, Cobo Hall & Detroit Mariott Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI . More Information: <a href=”http://www.michiganreading.org/”>www.michiganreading.org</a></span></p>
December 04, 2006
Ryan was on TV! Ryan was a guest host for WGVU’s annual member drive and got to announce a very exciting thing to keep your eyes peeled for on WGVU for 2007. So check back here often for future developments.</p>
November 09, 2006
Ryan thanks the Home Township Library in Edmore, MI for having him present last night. Ryan loves libraries and had a really great time; thanks to all who attended.</p>
October 21 , 2006
Celebration of the Book – Ryan will be presenting with Kevin Kammeraad an interactive and musical presentation at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch Children’s Library Storytime Room. A great family opportunity for fun and music. Stp by and say "hi"!</p>
August 29, 2006
</span>Are you a teacher? A librarian or media specialist? Have any in your life? Ryan is booking his 2006-2007 touring schedule and would love to come to your school too! His rates are affordable, he is extremely flexible, and speaks to every age group (he has a little bit of something for everyone). So don’t dilly-dally. Go to your local <a href=”http://www.puppytron.com/events_school.htm”>Events</a> section to find out more, or <a href=”http://www.puppytron.com/contact.htm”>Contact Ryan</a>today.</p>
August 22, 2006
</span>Our first advance review has come in! the very cool Cookie Magazine – a top notch and leading parenting magazine for the new, trendy, urban-type of mom and dad – has just given our upcoming album "A Curious Glimpse of Michigan: the Music" 3 out of 3 stars – their highest rating. Check out <a href=”http://www.cookiemag.com/”>this month’s issue</a> for the full review.</p>
August 15, 2006
Ryan has decompressed from his exciting trip to Los Angeles! He met alot of wonderful people and confirmed that the rumors are true – Ryan is an incredibly tiny fish in a vast galaxy of an ocean. But that’s okay. It also confirmed that Ryan should dream big and never give up! Hooray for learniung lessons!</p>
3-8 , 2006
Ryan will be in sunny California at the <a href=”http://www.scbwi.org/events.htm”>Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators annual summer conference</a>! Ryan’s head will surely implode as he drowns in a sea of talent and creativity. Wish him luck!</p>
July 10 , 2006
Ryan thanks the Ann Arbor Arts Center for having him as a guest presenter for their summerteen art program. Ryan had alot of fun working with a really talented group of young people!</p>
June 2-4 , 2006
Ryan appearing at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts this weekend!
May 31, 2006
Ryan will be recording a television interview on <a href=”http://www.wgvu.org/tv/wgvushows/newsmakers.html”>WGVU’s "Newsmakers with Fred Martino</a>". Ryan will be talking about his life and career and his involvement with creating the "Write. Create. You." middle school program in conjunction with WGVU and the Loop. New episodes air Wednesdays at 6:00p.m. and repeat Sundays at 10:30a.m. Not sure when the actual show will air, but Ryan will keep you posted.</p>
March 18-20, 2006
</span>Michigan Reading Association’s 50th Annual Conference, Cobo Hall & Detroit Mariott Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI <br />
More Information: <a href=”http://www.michiganreading.org/”>www.michiganreading.org</a></p>
February 27, 2006
Ryan is working on a brand new animation, coming soon to the Gallery.
February 21, 2006
Exciting news for Spring of 2006, we have been working very hard in a recording studio putting together our latest exciting work! "<em>Music Inspired by A Curious Glimpse of Michigan</em>". It is over 40 minutes of music (about Michigan) by Ryan, the Kammeraads, and a whole bunch of great various artists, and will be available as soon as we finish it! It is so good, that when you hear it, your head will explode…with goodness. Ryan will keep you posted! (why does Ryan always refer to himself in the third person anyway?)</p>
January 10, 2006
How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck?" is out and the reviews are coming in. Check this Sunday’s Grand Rapids Press for a review, and check the February issue of Grand Rapids Family Magazine for a feature as well.</p>
<p>If you missed our Book Release Party last month, that’s okay – Ryan and Kevin will be in the area for three upcoming book signing events: Saturday, January 21- Pooh’s Corner, breton Village Mall; Wednesday, January 25 – Reading Tree, Northland Drive; and Saturday, March 4 – River Bank Books, downtown Grand Rapids. Hope to see you there!</p>
Dec. 10, 2005
It is official – "How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck?" is (finally!) arriving, and <a href=”http://www.tomatocollection.com/”>Kevin Kammeraad</a> and Ryan will be presenting at Schuler Books & Music (28th Street) for a <a href=”///C:/web_images/woodchuckflyer.jpg”>gala book release party</a> at 11:00am on December 10, 2005. We will be doing a musical presentation of the Woodchuck song, showing the making of the book, and having alot of fun! Please come and help us celebrate and be the first to see our new book! Oh yeah, the book will be $18.95 and preordering is available!</p>
October 26 , 2005
</span><a href=”http://www.wgvu.org/wcy/”>Write. Create. You</a>. – a creative writing project between WGVU and the Loop. Ryan will be presenting at four different schools for this collaboration. Ryan’s first one was with some of the kids from Burton Middle School. We had fun learning how to tell a story thru pictures alone, and writing naratives on the details they see in illustrations.</p>
October 17 , 2005
</span>Ryan will be presenting at the semiannual Student Teacher Fire-Up at Aquinas College – one of Ryan’s very favorite seminars!</p>
August 17 , 2005
</span>Ryan will be in the Detroit area on Wednesday for Sterling Book Connection and Macomb Intermediate Schools’ Summer conference – pitching Creativity in the Classroom. Remember: Ryan is available to come to your school or event, to speak to teachers, parents, or students on creativity – and to do art workshops with kids. Drop a line if you are interested in rates and availability.</p>
July 18 , 2005
</span>Hey friends, it’s summertime. Ryan hasn’t been to the beach as much as he would like to. But he has been doing alot of work. In fact, Ryan just finished the very final component of his contribution to an exciting new anthology book project. The results of all his hard work should be seeing the light of day at the end of the summer! (?) More news soon. I will also be adding a lot of new summer art to the the <a href=”http://www.puppytron.com/gallery.htm”>Gallery</a> section. (I’m really excited about a new one called "Nine Lives" coming soon!)</p>
May 12-14 , 2005
</span>Special thanks to WGVU for having me at their annual Cool Teacher Banquet. Wow! What a great time! Thank you for one of the warmest welcomes I’ve had at an event!</p>
<p>What is next? Next weekend, Ryan will be going to EDCO’s 2005 L.A.P.s conference on Mackinac Isle at the Grand Hotel! This is Ryan’s very favorite educator’s conference, sure to be a wonderful time.</p>
May 4 , 2005
</span>Ryan will be the guest speaker at this year’s WGVU Cool Teacher Banquet. Click <a href=”http://www.wgvu.org/kids/coolteacher.html”>here</a> to read all about it.</p>
April 22 , 2005
</span>Ryan will be doing an art session with some little tykes at the Early Literacy for Kids (ELKs) Second Annual Breakfast Buffet held, appropriately, at the Elks Highlands Country Club. 8:00 am til 12:00 noon <br />
$12.00 for adults – $6.00 for children under 12 . Call 453-2451 x 210 for ticket information. Hope you can make it.</p>
April 4 , 2005
</span>Hey, hey! Great news – A Curious Glimpse of Michigan has been nominated for the Michigan Reading Association’s 2006 Great Lakes Great Books Award for the 4th and 5th grade catagory. There are 8 books on the ballot for this catagory, and kids from select 4th and 5th grade classes across Michigan get to vote for their favorite book. Wish us luck!</p>
February 28, 2005
</span>March is a really busy month for Ryan. March is National Reading Month, so it makes for busy times for book people. On March 7th Ryan will be speaking again at the semiannual Student Teacher Fire-Up. Then Ryan will also be at the Michigan Reading Association Conference held right here in Grand Rapids. The MRA is the big event of the year for Michigan author/ illustrators. Ryan will be doing the pre-MRA luncheon on March 11,then will be presenting on March 13th. So much to do, so little time!</p>
February 4, 2005
</span>Hey, guess what!? "A Curious Glimpse of Michigan" was quoted on the Michigan Public Radio program,<a href=”http://www.michiganradio.org/stateside.asp”>Stateside</a>! You can even listen to the broadcast from their website! Really cool!</p>
January 19, 2005
Ryan presented to the Friends of the Library at <a href=”http://www.flatriverlibrary.org/”>Flat River Community Library</a> in Greenville. Ryan had a fun time talking about "A Curious Glimpse of Michigan" as well as doing fun activities with the audience.<br />
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In other news, headway is being made on the latest book! Ryan is one of 12 illustrators contributing to "How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck?" by Danny Adlerman, to be out this Spring! <span><br />
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November 11, 2004
</span>This weekend, Ryan is going north…alllll the way up to Traverse City – for the Michigan Association for Media in Education Library Conference. It is going to be really nice up there – will he ever want to come back home? Ryan is speaking at MAME for his second year, and is looking forward to it lots. <br />
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October 22-23, 2004
</span>Celebrate Literacy Conference 2004 will be held at the downtown campus of Grand Valley State University, and Ryan is lucky to attend and present with some of the finest authors and illustrators in Michigan. This is Ryan’s second year at CLC, and it is a super fun conference – with the goal of building awareness and taking active steps in encouraging literacy in students. For more info on CLC, check <a href=”http://www4.gvsu.edu/soe/CLC/authill.htm”>this link</a>. <span><br />
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October 18, 2004
Ryan will be presenting at the semiannual Student Teacher Fire-Up at Aquinas College – on the subject of fostering creativity in students. Speaking to teachers ready to start their first sessions in the real teaching world, Ryan will be helping them to literally "fire up" for their new roles as student teachers.
October 9, 2004
Ryan will be appearing at the <a href=”http://www.barefootgarden.com/barefoot.htm”>Barefoot Gardens</a> with many other authors and illustrators. The event is open to the public and Ryan will be presenting between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Come join us for a day of fun. Books and art prints will be available.