Authors' Booking Service is pleased to announce that children's author Sharon Jennings is now scheduling visits to schools and libraries for the coming year. Her rate is $250 for one session, $500 for two, $700 for three and $850 plus HST for a full day. In some circumstances, travel and/or accommodation will be discussed.

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

Sharon has written over sixty books for young people – picture books, chapter books, novels for reluctant (male) readers, mid-grade novels, screenplays. She teaches writing at Ryerson University, works as a freelance editor and manuscript reviewer, and gives workshops and speeches across Canada.

Here’s what the librarian from an Associated Hebrew School had to say about Sharon's visit:

Each one of the Primary teachers came to see me after school to tell me how enjoyable and valuable your presentation was. They felt that you were a perfect choice because you were able to gear your presentation to the needs/interest of each grouping of students.

A teacher from the Maven School in Toronto wrote:

Sharon was a huge hit at the school today. Bother teachers and kids were delighted with her talk/reading. She was funny and wonderfully interesting about her writing and how a story can get started just about anywhere if you’re “wide awake”.

Murray McCabe, CEO, King Township Public Library:

As writer-in-residence, Sharon built instant rapport with everyone she came into contact with. She has both the skill and personal attributes to establish an enjoyable teaching atmosphere. She was a joy to work with and delivered a program beyond our expectations.

Published Works

Novels

Home Free (Second Story Press) Spring 2009

Chapter Books

Bats in the Garbage (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 2003

Bats Out the Window (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 2001

Bats and Burglars (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 2000

Picture Books

A Chanukah Noel (Second Story Press) 2010

Qui a vole le baton de hockey? (Bayard Press) 2010

C’Mere Boy (Kids Can Press) 2010

Wiggle-Giggle Tickle Train (Annick Press) 2009

The Happily Ever Afternoon (Annick Press) 2006

Bearcub and Mama (Kids Can Press) 2005

No Monsters Here (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 2002

Priscilla’s Paw de Deux (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 2002

When You Get a Baby (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 2002

Priscilla and Rosy (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 2001

Into My Mother’s Arms (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 2000

The Bye-Bye Pie (Fitzhenry and Whiteside) 1999

Franklin (Kids Can Press) over 40 titles, 1998-2007

Sleep Tight, Mrs. Ming (Annick Press) 1993

When Jeremiah Found Mrs. Ming (Annick Press) 1992

Jeremiah and Mrs. Ming (Annick Press) 1990

Novels for the Reluctant Reader (grades 5-9)

Baseball Bats (HIP Books) Fall 2010

Bats on Break (HIP Books) Fall 2010

Batnapped! (HIP Books) 2008

Dancing on the Edge (HIP Books) 2008

Jingle Bats (HIP Books) 2007

Bats in the Graveyard (HIP Books) 2006

Bats Past Midnight (HIP Books) 2006

Pump! (HIP Books) 2005

Awards and Nominations

2011 Blue Spruce Nominee: C’Mere Boy!

2011 Silver Birch Honour Book: Home Free

2011 Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award Nominee: Home Free

2010 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award Nominee: Home Free

Governor General’s Literary Award Finalist 2009: Home Free

ForeWord Magazine Awards (U.S.): Best Book of the Year Finalist: Home Free

Next Generation Indie Book Awards (U.S.): Winner: Wiggle Giggle Tickle Train

Best Books (Bearcub and Mama): IRA (International Reading Association) and SSLI (Society of School Librarians International)

TD Bank Giveaway: When Jeremiah Found Mrs. Ming (given to every grade one student in Canada, 2002)

Palmares de Communication-Jeunesse: Franklin Goes to the Hospital (Benjamin va a l’hopital)

The Blue Spruce Award Winner: The Bye-Bye Pie

Mr. Christie’s Silver Seal: Priscilla and Rosy

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Finalist: Bearcub and Mama

Numerous honourable mentions, shortlists, starred reviews, bestseller lists, Year’s Best, CBC Radio’s Best Books list, etc.

Presentation Details

I have lively, fun, interactive presentations for kids of all ages – toddler to grandparent– and I encourage lots of questions. By explaining the stories behind my stories, I demonstrate to my audience that they, too, can be writers, for – to misquote Shakespeare – we are such stuff as books are made of. As a former language arts editor, I am mindful of using the terminology that can be helpful to teachers – brainstorming, word-webs, drafts, revision, and, when presenting scenes from my “Bats” books, I even get in a plug for good grammar when Sam refers to “me and Simon.” I read several of my books: with the littleones I challenge them to assist with the sound effects and to call out the repetitive bits (and I always include a 7th inning stretch!); as my audience gets older, I talk more about the writing process and the publishing world, always promoting Canadian children’s literature. My focus is on the students, making them – if not authors – much better informed readers.

I need a table for my book display and either a chalkboard or a paper flip chart.

I usually present to a couple of classrooms at a time (50-ish students) in order that all may see the illustrations and ask questions. Please make sure kids are close in age (not grade one and grade six!). For the younger audience, it’s best if they can be seated on (library) floor. I have also presented to colleges and universities in an auditorium setting.

As an instructor at Ryerson University and a former Writer-in Residence, I am very comfortable conducting writing workshops.