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
* Preorder book order forms available for families, with personally signed books delivered to students
during the author visit.
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.
Photo Gallery
Maranacook Community Schools – October 23, 2026
What an incredible day returning to Maine as a children's book author! I had the pleasure of sharing Mugsy & Bugsy with K–5 students from four elementary schools: Manchester, Wayne, Readfield, and Mount Vernon.
We talked about perseverance, trying new things, and never giving up! A special highlight was reuniting with my former track coaches, Coach Cow
Mugsy & Bugsy are officially library-ready! Thanks to Maranacook Community Schools, students will be able to check out the adventures and enjoy them long after my author visit!
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