ALASKA NORTHWEST BOOKS and PELICAN PUBLISHING CO. present
Tricia Brown
Author of the newly released
Alaskan Night Before Christmas
is available for school and library visits!
A freelance editor and author, Tricia Brown has written fifteen books for children and adults. Tricia is a former writer and editor for newspapers in Fairbanks and Anchorage, and was later named editor of Alaska magazine. During her career, she developed a deep interest in Alaska’s Native cultures, and traveled throughout the state to research her first children’s book, the award-winning Children of the Midnight Sun. Tricia continues to write children’s stories and about Alaska travel, history and natural history. Now based in Scappoose, Oregon, she travels often for research and speaking engagements. For more information, visit
Presentations: Tricia is happy to adapt her presentations to fit almost any age group.
General Author Presentation (grades K-6; 30 min.): The author will read her newest book, Alaskan Night Before Christmas, and talk about life in the real North Pole, Alaska, and the differences between caribou and reindeer. She may also read from her other popular titles, The Itchy Little Musk Ox, Groucho’s Eyebrows, or Children of the Midnight Sun.
Iditarod: The Last Great Race (grades 4-8, one hour): Having written and edited many books about dog mushing, including The Iditarod Fact Book, Tricia is well-qualified to teach students about Alaska’s state sport. Your students will learn about the history of the 1,000-mile Iditarod, the gear, training, and aptitude necessary for mushers and sled dogs.
How a Book is Born (any grade; 1 hour): Step-by-step talk about the stages of creating a book, from idea to writing, art, design, and binding. The author brings examples of reader-spread page proofs and printer proofs. She will show how a 32-page book is made on only 2 sheets of paper, with printing on both sides, cleverly folded and cut. Book blanks and sample copies of edited stories help children understand the process of birthing a book.
Alaska’s Native Peoples and Their Art (any grade; 1 hour): For primary grades, a touch-and-feel program is presented, with pass-around objects and a reference map. The author will talk about the Native people groups and their connection to the land and animals. Children will handle touchable samples of Native art from each of the each of the major Native groups, including a miniature kayak made out of seal gut, a short piece of baleen from a bowhead whale, a birch basket, a carved piece of jade, a caribou antler, a piece of ivory, and a modern piece of art: a Native-made purse crocheted from plastic bags. For older children, the presentation will also include photos of the animals and images of the Native artists. She will go into more detail about history and influences in Native art.
Presentation Needs:Table; whiteboard or chalkboard;flat surface for map display. Alaskan Night Before Christmas or Children of the Midnight Sun talks can includea multi-media presentation if the host school provides a video projector, screen, and minor tech support. Microphone needed for groups larger than 50.
Honorarium:$250/half-day; $500/full day, plus expenses.
Book Sales: Schools or libraries may create a fundraiser by purchasing books at a deep discount from the publishers, then sending flyers home with the children to solicit advance book orders. Write Tricia at for more details.
Praise for Alaskan Night Before Christmas!
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
Alaskan Night Before Christmas is sure to become another classic, gently reminding children and parents alike about keeping the spirit of Christmas year-round, not just when Santa's watching. Speaking as a mother and an Alaskan, I highly recommend this book.
Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska
I love thisstory of the timemy Kotzebue the Caribou landed on the “Naughty List”—but not for long! I’m so glad I gave Tricia and Alan those pads of paper, pencils, and art supplies so long ago. The dear children haveput them to good use.
Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo
Host, TV’s Into the Wild
Alaskan Night Before Christmas is a delightful twist on Santa & his yearly Christmas journey! Tricia Brown and illustrator Alan F. Stacy take us along to the North Pole for this wintry ride, which is actually led by Alaskan caribou—each one named after a real Alaskan town or village. Along the way, they meet up with “Star” the reindeer—and all learn an important lesson about selfishness—a fun and educational story!