Authors’ Booking Service is pleased to announce that children’s author, journalist and creative writing teacher Lesley Simpson, is now scheduling visits to Ontario schools for the coming school year.

Lesley would love to plan a visit to your school or library or treehouse! Her rate is $250 hourly plus travel from Toronto and she will travel within a one hundred kilometre radius of that location. Please contact Authors’ Booking Service to inquire about dates.

Lesley is a member of the Writers' Union of Canada, and so schools wishing to invite her may be eligible for a travel and fee subsidy to off-set the cost of her visit. For details of this program, please visit contact us.

Here’s what Reisa Smiley Schneider, cultural arts director of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver said:

“Lesley Simpson's love for children shines through in her presentation. From the moment the preschoolers arrived Lesley had their attention. She kept them active with interactive games, art activities, and the telling of stories. One of the boys was so involved in The Purim Surprise that he broke out into song singing Happy Birthday to Naomi, the main character.”
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Published Works

The Hug (Annick Press, 1985)
The Shabbat Box (Kar-Ben Books, 2001)
The Purim Surprise (Kar-Ben Books, 2004)
Heart Failure (lulu.com, 2006)
The Hug (Annick Press, 2010) in a new board book format
Forthcoming picture book: Yuvi’s Candy Tree (Kar-Ben Books, 2011)

Awards and Nominations

“Our Choice” selection from The Canadian Children’s Book Centre for The Hug
Notable Book Designation for The Shabbat Box from the Association of Jewish Libraries in the United States
Winner for Heart Failure in the Battle of the Books Contest to Write The Great Canadian Novel, 2006

Presentation Details

Lesley loves to read her picture books and organize hands–on art activities to enrich the reading experience. She will also give children a sneak peek reading of unpublished stories. For children aged 8 through high school, Lesley teaches tricks to unleash your creative writing voice. 

Specifics Overview from Lesley:

I will present to grades K - 12

Maximum number of students per session: 30

I will consider up to 40 if required.

 

I offer workshops to all grades.

Maximum participants for workshop: 40

 

I also offer...

Professional Development Workshops for teachers who want to teach creative writing as well as creative writing workshops for kids.

 

I am comfortable presenting in a classroom, library, auditorium or gymnasium. I have a soft spot for treehouses!

 

I require a microphone.