schedule a mugsy & bugsy author visit
Author Visits That Inspire Kids to Read, Create, and Dream Big
What I Do
I offer interactive author visits that show students how real-life experiences can become stories. Using my Mugsy & Bugsy: The Secret Cat Agents® series, I introduce students to the real cats behind the books, share where my story ideas come from, and show how an idea develops into a finished book.
What Students Experience
* Age-appropriate storytelling and interaction
* Behind-the-scenes of writing a book
* How I became an author — and how kids can turn their own ideas and experiences into stories
* Q&A with students
* Themes: perseverance, kindness, creativity
* Signed books available
Tailored for Different Grade Levels
My author presentation is designed for elementary students and can be adapted to the age and interests of each group.
Grades K–2: Younger students enjoy meeting the real cats behind Mugsy & Bugsy, learning how real-life experiences become stories, and an interactive read-aloud from the series. The presentation introduces themes of perseverance, creativity, and the joy of reading in an age-appropriate way.
Grades 3–5: Older elementary students explore my personal journey from struggling to learn to read as a child to writing my first book at age 12 and eventually becoming a published children's author. We take a deeper look at perseverance, storytelling, where ideas come from, and how an idea develops into a finished book.
Mixed K–5 Groups: My full K–5 presentation is designed to engage a broad elementary audience and can be adjusted to fit the grade levels participating in the visit.
Holly Barr is a Massachusetts children's author available for elementary school author visits, literacy programs, enrichment programs, library events, and community presentations throughout New England and beyond.
Ready to plan a visit?
Tell me about your school, program, or event - and I'll customize the perfect Mugsy & Bugsy experience for your learners.
real school visits
Readfield Elementary School - Readfield, ME
2nd Grade Author Visit
I had the opportunity to return to my own elementary school to read to a group of 2nd graders. The visit was especially meaningful, as many of my Mugsy & Bugsy stories are inspired by growing up in this part of Maine.
Teacher Testimonial: "Hi Holly - Thank you so much again for visiting our classes today at Readfield Elementary Scho
Sherwood Middle School - Shrewsbury, MA
5th and 6th Grader Author Visit
In January 2026, I had the pleasure of presenting to 1,000 5th and 6th grade students at Sherwood Middle School during their community meeting. We talked about how Mugsy & Bugsy persevere through challenges-and why perseverance matters in everyday life.
Teacher Testimonial: "A spectacular presentation-Holly was a huge hit with
For SLPs, Reading Specialists & Educators
Speech & Language Learning With Mugsy & Bugsy
The Mugsy & Bugsy series is now being used by Speech-Language Pathologists and early-literacy educators to build essential language skills in fun, story-based sessions.
These stories naturally support:
- WH-questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How)
- Describing skills & vocabulary
- Story retell
- Sequencing
- Problem-solving
- Perspective-taking
- Early comprehension
- Engagement through humor & animals kids love
🎒 Perfect For
- SLP pull-out sessions
- Literacy intervention groups
- Classroom centers
- Homeschool pods
- After-school programs
- Reading specialists
- Occupational therapists doing language-rich activities