Authors’ Booking Service is pleased to announce that children’s author Mindy Willett, is now scheduling visits to Ontario schools for the coming school year.     

Mindy would love to plan a visit to your school or library.  Her rate is $250 per session, plus $60 per session towards accommodation. There is no travel charge within the GTA. For travel outside the GTA the standard kilometrage applies.

Here is what, Ms. Lovett-Doust’s Gr. 5/6 class had to say about this author's presentation: 

We could tell you must have been a good teacher because we liked the way you talked to us. We like that you wrote your books with other people, to help them tell their stories. It is amazing that Tom is the same age as us and he is on the radio and has helped write a published book already at his age!

The thing that we liked best about your presentation was all the things you brought with you and shared with us. It was so generous of you and we like hands-on stuff because then we know what it is really like. We are so happy that you trusted us to take care of your very special things.  

You taught us some things that we didn’t know about life in the north. You also taught us that sometimes we need to change our way of thinking when our life is different from other cultures, like about hunting animals. People in the north use the environment around them like it is their grocery store! That was something we had never really thought about!

And here is what Lyn Taylor, Librarian at JH Sisson’s school had to say:

Mindy gave lively and engaging presentations about the creation of these books – the stories, people, and circumstances behind each one.  Mindy quickly captured the attention of those listening through the beautiful photographs and fascinating details about the history and settings of the stories. She offered a variety of hand-held items presented in the books that were passed around for the audience to enjoy.  With her many years of experience living on the land with northerners, as well as her teaching background, Mindy knows how to engage participants through her questions and lively anecdotes that hold the interest of all ages – kindergarteners to adults.  Every class in our K-5 school thoroughly enjoyed her presentations and found it hard to leave at the end of their sessions! 

These books are extremely well done and serve an important role in documenting many aspects of traditional aboriginal culture and lifestyles in the North.  People around the world have a great curiosity about the North and these books help satisfy that deep interest.  Their well researched information and beautifully presented format are brought to life through Mindy’s delightful presentations.

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Published Works:

We Feel Good Out Here (co authored with Julie-ann Andre)

The Delta is My Home (co-authored with Tom McLeod)

Living Stories (co authored with Therese Zoe and Philip Zoe)

Come and Learn with Me (co-authored with Sheyenne Jumbo)

Awards and Nominations

Silver Birch Express Nomination 2010 

Mindy’s Presentation Details:

My presentations are very interactive which make for a more enriching experience for my audience and me. The content is as listed below;  

• I start out with a bit of background about myself and the north.
• I often use a power point with images only (no text) to share images of the places and things I talk about.
• In smaller groups (under 30) I build the map of the NWT on the floor with different items and have the children moving around and doing things.  Their involvement helps them to remember and have a connection with what they’re learning.
• I emphasize the things that northerners have in common with them to help to alleviate the stereotypes Canadians have about the north.  I also highlight some of the wonderful things that make northerners unique.  We celebrate diversity together.
• I bring many items and hide and fur clothing for the children to try on and touch.  If it’s a very large group it is not possible for all children to try the clothes on.

Grades I will present to: K-10  

Is this flexible? Though this book is ideally enjoyed by Grades 4-6, I can adapt to other grades.      

Maximum number of students per session: 30 is ideal

Is this flexible? Yes, I will consider a larger group. Please discuss this with me.   

Do you offer...  

Venues you’re comfortable in:  (classroom, library, auditorium, gymnasium)

I am comfortable in all settings.   

Equipment and other requirements:  

• A projector screen for a PowerPoint presentation if the venue is a gymnasium or auditorium.
• A Power socket with multiple plug points
• No Bottled water please.  A glass of water would be much appreciated.
• I do insist that a librarian or teacher be present throughout the presentation.