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Brian Cretney

His rate is $400 for a half-day (including two presentations) and $750 for a full day (including four presentations), plus kilometrage.

Brian is a member of The Writers' Union of Canada; schools wishing to invite him may be eligible for a travel and fee subsidy to offset the cost of his visit. Contact us for details of this program.

In addition to writing and illustrating children’s books, Brian Cretney is also an elementary school teacher (now half-time to allow for writing and visiting schools).

Here's what educators have to say about Brian:

“Thank you so much for coming to our school last week. EVERYONE (including the teachers) loved your presentation. The teachers are also doing many of the follow-up activities you provide in your Teacher’s Guide. The feedback has been wonderful!”

Cynthia Nugent

“Brian, we had sooooo many wonderful comments about your reading today...they loved you! Your book was immediately checked out and I imagine it will keep going out again and again for some time now.”

Bev Carew

Published Works

Tooter’s Stinky Wish, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, May 2011
Last In Line, Gospel Folio Press, June 2007

Nominations

Eleanor M. Johnson Elementary Teacher Award (2007)

Last In Line: Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario Writer’s Award (2008)

Brian’s Presentation Details

My goal is to promote literacy and creativity through multi-media, drama-driven presentations, often described by children as “fun” and described by teachers as "inspirational.” I begin with my own “story” as a boy who hated reading and the one magical moment that changed all of that. I then walk children through the process of creating a picture book (“From Brain to Book”) and show how the work of an author is just like students’ writing at school. Story time follows, incorporating costumes, puppets, and singing. In the final segment of the presentation, I demonstrate some simple drawing exercises to show three things: 1. All kids have an imagination; 2. All kids can draw; 3. Doodling is a good place to start when writing a story. He wraps up by showing examples of his own paintings, from rough to finished product.

The West Niagara News reports: “...the students were just totally engaged and wanted more.” Niagara This Week wrote: “It was with the control of a conductor that teacher and children’s book author, Brian Cretney, commanded the audience of children, parents and teachers...”

Teachers also benefit from Brian’s visits. With his solid background as a teacher, he provides extensive, curriculum-based resources to support classroom learning, ensuring that educators get maximum mileage out of his visit both before his arrival and after he leaves.

Grades I will present to: K - 6. 

Maximum number of students per session: 75-80

I have presented to larger groups in the past and am certainly open to doing so if it works best for the school. Please contact me if this is something you are considering.   
I am comfortable presenting in: classroom, library, auditorium, and gymnasium. However, in my experience, I find that the library is best for author visits. Nametags are helpful, though not necessary.

Equipment and other requirements

Flip chart or white board. Markers.

Screen (which usually requires the basketball nets be pulled up out of the way if we’re in the gym.)

Glass of water.

I bring everything else with me (laptop, projector, chords, speakers)