About Us

Kerri Kunkel McPhail
President and Founder

Kerri Kunkel McPhail has been creating tours for award-winning authors since 2001. Kerri graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After working for several years on Wall Street, she earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. During her tenure as an elementary teacher in the New York City Public School System, Kerri was highlighted as a master teacher for her work in literacy instruction.

With this instructional background, Kerri is uniquely qualified to work as a liaison between authors and schools. She brings an understanding of the curriculum needs and teaching methods to the forefront when recommending visiting author programs. In addition, as a mother of three, Kerri understands children, and frequently consults with authors on how to plan and deliver programs that will resonate with young readers. She travels extensively to meet with authors and is constantly seeking new, exciting and high-quality programs for her 400-plus school clients.

One of Kerri’s proudest accomplishments is the creation of the ABC Literacy Program for the Port Chester Carver Center, a community-based organization in Port Chester, New York. Kerri has been able to bring award-winning authors and books to underprivileged youth.

Kerri treasures the long-term relationships she has built and fostered with authors, illustrators and educators, all of whom share the singular goal of instilling in children a lifelong love of reading.

Betsy Polivy
Literary Consultant

Betsy Polivy has 25 years of experience in creative marketing, sales, and large event planning. From 1985 to 1995, she was the owner of Once Upon A Time, one of the country’s leading independent children’s bookstores. She then went on to organize author and illustrator events at educational venues nationwide. Throughout the years, while running both of these businesses, she also curated many art exhibitions devoted to original children’s picture book art. In addition, she has coordinated countless school book fairs, organized community fundraisers, presented at industry conferences and staged concerts featuring notable children’s entertainers. An incurable entrepreneur, Betsy continues to consult for authors, illustrators and members of the publishing industry.