We're very excited to announce our next Author visit! Michael Patrick O'Neill, author of many non-fiction books, will visit our school on November 10, 2025. 

Michael Patrick O'Neill

Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Michael is an award-winning photographer, author and FAA Certified (Part 107) drone pilot specializing in marine wildlife and environmental issues. He lives in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and for the last 33 years has traveled extensively worldwide photographing diverse aquatic animals, habitats and man's impact on them. 

He has written and photographed nine non-fiction marine life books designed to encourage school children to read, write and become involved in science and conservation. They have received outstanding reviews from School Library Journal and are distributed nationally in the educational system. To learn more about his books, please visit Batfish Books. When not making photographs or writing, he is on the lecture circuit promoting a greater appreciation for the natural world, especially the oceans and their inhabitants. He has presented to over 500,000 kids in more than 500 schools in the US in the last 20 years. 

His images have appeared in hundreds of publications worldwide including BBC Wildlife, National Geographic Magazine, and The New York Times, among many others, and have won the most prestigious competitions, including World Press Photo, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Pictures of the Year (POY).

During his visit, signed and personalized copies of his gorgeous, hard-cover ocean books will be available for purchase. These books offer a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with exciting marine life topics and prepare for an educational and inspiring author visit. Please complete this form to pre-order books, which will be signed and delivered to the school. Thank you for supporting this exciting author visit! We look forward to an engaging and educational experience for our students. Books may be ordered after November 6th and will be delivered to Austin Elementary after the Author visit.

Ordering Instructions

• Please complete one form per purchaser (parent, guardian, or teacher).

• Indicate the quantity of each book and the name(s) for personalization.

• Enclose payment (cash or check payable to Batfish Books).

• Return this form to your child’s teacher by October 31st to ensure delivery by the author visit.

• Contact the school Librarian, Mr. K, for late order instructions: ekuykendall@conroeisd.net or 936-709-8409