We Teach Life Lessons
Empowering young minds through stories that build character and compassion.
Inspiring Assemblies
Interactive presentations that teach students respect, empathy, and self-confidence — lessons that last beyond the classroom.
Engaging Books
Character-building stories used by educators nationwide to promote positive values and prevent bullying.
Impactful Workshops
Hands-on sessions for parents and teachers designed to strengthen communication and support student growth.
Ralph Burgess
Ralph Burgess is a passionate author and speaker dedicated to shaping the character and confidence of young learners through storytelling.
His books and presentations have reached classrooms across the United States, Toronto, and Mexico — empowering thousands of students to embrace empathy, respect, and resilience. Recognized by major school districts and featured on national platforms like NBC’s Today Show, Ralph’s work continues to inspire meaningful change in education.
Featured Books & Talks
Browse Ralph’s character-building stories and classroom programs, perfect for assemblies, lessons, and school libraries.
Join Ralph Burgess, creator of Cool Calvin, as he introduces The Letter of Life — the first screenplay in the Cool Calvin series.
In this inspiring story, Calvin and his magical pencil travel through time, helping children from around the world discover hope, empathy, and the courage to make a difference.
Upcoming events
Join Ralph Burgess at these upcoming conferences and workshops!
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New York City Elementary School Principals Conference
Brooklyn, NY
March 21, 2026
Ralph Burgess will appear for book signings and workshop sessions at the New York City Elementary School Principals Conference.
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National Bullying Conference
Atlantic City, NJ
May 27–31, 2026
Catch Ralph Burgess at the National Bullying Conference, where he’ll lead anti-bullying workshops and book signings throughout the event.
Solutions for the Many Faces of Bullying
This empowering book provides children and educators with practical strategies for standing up against bullying. It addresses both the bullied and the bystanders, helping students understand how kindness, empathy, and courage can change toxic environments. Ralph’s storytelling combines real-life lessons with relatable characters, giving readers a sense of responsibility and hope.
The Impact of Ralph’s Work
Empowering students and educators through stories, connection, and real-life transformation.
Empowering Schools
Educators gain practical tools to strengthen school culture and promote lasting behavioral change.
Building Character
Every lesson, story, and assembly encourages self-respect, empathy, and moral growth in students.
Inspiring Futures
Children discover the confidence to make positive choices and lead with kindness every day.
Milestones
New York City Dept of Education Purchases Nearly 10,000 Anti-Gang Children’s Books From African American Self-Publisher
Newark, NJ — From the time his book was showcased on NBC’s Today Show in July 2006, sales have been soaring for the Newark, New Jersey-born self-publisher. With more than 30,000 books sold over the last year, Cool Calvin’s No Bandanas for Me-Staying Gang-Free Anti-Gang children’s book can be found in more than 600 schools across the country. In 2006, Burgess Publishing and Media entered into a distribution deal with Sussman Sales, a book distribution company that has been providing New York City schools with books covering all subjects ever since 1973. Sussman engineered the sale of 8,100 copies of the English version and 1,500 copies of the Spanish version of the book to the NYCDOE. Read More
Ready to Bring Ralph to Your School?
Ralph delivers lively, age-appropriate programs for K–5 that combine storytelling, audience participation, and practical follow-up activities for teachers.