Kalli Dakos is the best-selling author of over 2,000 poems about elementary school life. Her books include If Yours"re Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand, Whatever You Do!, Donrs"t Read This Book, The Goof Who Invented Homework, and The Bug in Teacherrs"s Coffee. These books are all Childrenrs"s Choice Selections from the International Reading Association.Her newest book, Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig, (also a Childrenrs"s Choice Selection) is an introduction to Shakespearean language for young children.Kalli visits schools all over the United States and Canada, and is now working internationally in schools as far away as Hong Kong.As a former teacher and reading specialist, Kalli uses her educational background to design school visits that provide sound reinforcement for standards of learning disguised as high-energy fun and filled with audience participation.Her huge selection of props and toys pulls in even the most reluctant readers and writers and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Everyone becomes involved in the drama of the elementary school world.

Children discover a goldmine of writing possibilities, from the pencils on their desks to the secrets in their hearts. Teachers, principals, custodians, secretaries and parents are all encouraged to read, write, and perform poetry along with the students.When we operate from within the spirit of childhood, we have our greatest power as educators.Dakos, 2001Kallirs"s books and school/conference programs are a celebration of this spirit.