Author: Caroline Fernandez

Rae, Rowena (Victoria, BC)

Non-fiction science books for ages 9+, and decodable fiction books for striving readers ages 6–9. Member of the Writers’ Union of Canada, CWILL BC, and SCBWI. Winner of the Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award for YA Non-Fiction (for Salmon: Swimming for Survival). Winner of a Moonbeam Award in the Reading Skills/Literacy category (for Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Sock). Included on the CBC/NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books List for Students K–12 (2023). Nominated for a Red Cedar Book Award (2023). Included as a starred selection several times in CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens.

2025 BC Red Cedar Book Award Nominee

2025  Victoria Children’s Book Prize Nominee

Rates for in-person presentations about my non-fiction books for grades 4–8 (45–60 minutes): $300 plus GST for one session, $450 for two, $600 for three, $750 for four. Plus travel fees if outside lower Vancouver Island (Mill Bay south).

Rates for in-person workshops about non-fiction for grades 4–8 (1.5–2 hours with a mid-point break): $450 plus GST for one session, $750 for two. Plus travel fees if outside lower Vancouver Island (Mill Bay south).

Rates for in-person visits about my fiction books for grades 1–3 (30–40 minutes): $150 plus GST for one session, $250 for two, $350 for three, $450 for four. Plus travel fees if outside lower Vancouver Island (Mill Bay south).

Rates for virtual visits (non-fiction only, 45–60 minutes): $200 plus GST for one session; $150 for each additional session on the same day.

Rowena writes both non-fiction and fiction books for young people. Her non-fiction science books are for ages 9 and up. She draws on her science education and experience as a field biologist to write about biology, ecology, the environment, and human health. As well as being a science enthusiast, Rowena loves history, so all of her science books also have a dose of history and stories from the past in them. Her fiction books are the Meg and Greg series of decodable fiction stories (co-authored with her sister, Elspeth Rae) for kids who are learning to read and striving to improve their newfound reading skills. Rowena is an experienced speaker who loves sharing her enthusiasm for science, nature, reading, and writing with young people in engaging, interactive presentations.

Non-fiction presentations

Group size up to 60. In all of my presentations, I talk briefly about how I got into my writing career before focusing on the topic selected. I use slides with photos, bring props with me, and encourage participants to interact through questions and whole-group activities. Every session ends with Q&A. Below are short descriptions of several presentations; I’m also happy to tailor a presentation to your class interests and needs.

Rachel Carson Changed Your Life and Mine. But How?: In this presentation, I introduce scientist and science writer Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, the book that many credit with launching the environmental movement. I use information about Carson’s life and writing to lead a discussion with participants about people’s relationships with nature, ecosystems, and the environments we live in. For grades 4–8.

We’re All Connected: In this presentation, I use several of my books to introduce connections in nature and in our lives, and I then facilitate an interactive session for participants to think about what these and other connections mean to their own lives. For grades 4–8.

Something’s Fishy!: In this presentation, I talk about some of the amazing facts I learned about salmon when I researched this book, from their migrations, to their life cycle, to the obstacles they face during their lives. I then lead participants through a discussion of ways they can make a difference for salmon—or any fish—living in a stream, lake, or bay nearby. For grades 4–8.

A Brief History of Vaccines: In this presentation, I tell some of the fascinating stories about the people who played a role in vaccine discovery and development over the past 250 years. I then lead participants in a discussion to imagine vaccines and human health of the future. The Q&A at the end of this presentation includes the option to submit anonymous questions about vaccines ahead of time. For grades 6–8.

Non-fiction workshops

Group size up to 20. In my workshops, I talk briefly about how I got into my writing career before focusing on the topic selected. I use slides with photos, bring props with me, and lead participants in small-group and individual hands-on activities. Every session ends with Q&A. Below are short descriptions of several workshops; I’m also happy to tailor a workshop to your class interests and needs.

Reading and Writing Nonfiction for Fun!: In this workshop, I lead activities with participants to explore ways to find writing ideas, narrow down a topic, gather information and facts, plan a writing project, do the actual writing, and then revise and polish the piece writing. For grades 4–8.

Write, then Revise…and Revise Some More!: In this workshop, I show examples of my own writing projects and how they evolved with revision, and I then take participants on a journey into the art of revising their own writing or a classmate’s writing. For grades 6–8.

All About the Facts: In this workshop, I introduce the concepts of misinformation and disinformation and lead students through a discussion of how they can find and evaluate information to use in their nonfiction writing projects. We talk about and do activities on different types of sources, the 5 Ws, and lateral reading. For grades 6–8.

Fiction presentation (for grades 1–3)

Group size up to 40.

Meet Meg and Greg!: In this presentation, I introduce participants to the Meg and Greg stories’ main characters: Meg, Greg, and Rocket the dog. I talk briefly about how I, my co-author, and the illustrator work together to write and illustrate the stories, and then I lead a mini-lesson on a spelling concept from one of the stories (teacher’s choice). After the mini-lesson, I read a part of the story that uses that spelling concept and show slides of the book pages so participants can follow along and clearly see the illustrations. The session ends with Q&A.

Equipment needed

For in-person visits: Projector (that operates with a MacBook) and screen, whiteboard or blackboard and markers/chalk, a table to spread out my props, a microphone for larger groups or if room acoustics are questionable. For workshops, participants will need pencil and paper and a hard surface to lean on (desk, book, etc.).

For virtual visits: I use my own Zoom account or your preferred online platform. I will need a support person to moderate the chat and help with technical aspects. If participants are in a single room watching on a big screen, I will need a room moderator to help with group discussion and Q&A.

Contact Rowena to book a visit:

    Cutler, Marcus Tecumseh, ON)

    A member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, SCBWI, and CANSCAIP.

    Rates: $250 for a single session, $200 per each additional session. For Kindergarten classes, two half sessions can be substituted for a full one. Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km outside of Essex County, Ontario. Virtual: $180 per session.

    Marcus began his career as an illustrator, and has since established himself as a writer, and presenter. He is the author and illustrator of the hilarious picture book I Do Not Eat Children, and is the illustrator of The Three Canadian Pigs: A Hockey Story, The Monster’s Travel Guide Part Deux: A Canadian Adventure, the Lark Ba detective series, and many, many more!

    WORDS VS. PICTURES – WHO WILL WIN?!?

    Grades K-6

    50-60 Minutes, or two 30-minute presentations for kindergarten groups

    What’s more important in a picture book, the words or the pictures? Marcus fearlessly tackles this controversial debate head-on in this fun and enlightening presentation that pulls from his unique perspective as both an illustrator and author. Focusing on how artwork can support, expand, and even contradict the text, Marcus will read and discuss a book he illustrated, The Three Canadian Pigs by Jocelyn Watkinson as well as his own book, I Do Not Eat Children. Students will then participate in a lively improvisational art and caption game that will finally determine who reigns supreme, the words… or the pictures?

    MAKING MONSTROSITIES

    Grades K-5

    50-60 Minutes, or two 30-minute presentations for kindergarten groups

    What happens to all the books that don’t get made? Prepare yourself as Marcus opens his Vault of Monstrosities, and discover that what lies inside is not just monstrous… but also wonderful! Focusing on the themes of creativity and resilience, Marcus will take students on a behind the scenes tour – from manuscript, to artwork, to printed copy, and all the parts in-between, to see how books sometimes do, and sometimes don’t, get made. The presentation will include readings  and discussions of Travel Guide for Monsters Part Deux: A Canadian Adventure, and I Do Not Eat Children, as well as a raucous call and response monster-drawing game that will teach students how fun it can be to make monstrosities!

    Virtual Visits:

    The classroom must have access to a camera and Google Meet or Zoom, and drawing materials for the students.

    In-Person Visits:

    The classroom will need a smart board or presentation screen, a pad of chart paper, and drawing materials for the students. Additional activity sheets will be provided. Marcus prefers a maximum group size of 35 to allow for higher personal engagement.

    Contact Marcus to book a visit:

      Hannigan, Jess (Hamilton, ON)

      Jess Hannigan is a writer and illustrator making picture books, editorial artwork, and more in Hamilton, Ontario. Spider in the Well is her first picture book. It’s a JLG Gold Standard Selection as well as a Kids Indie Next List pick. Some of her clients include The New York Times, Reader’s Digest Canada, Cottage Life Magazine, and The New Yorker.

      In-Person Presentations: $500 plus HST for one session, $900 for two, $1200 for three. These are currently available in Kitchener/Waterloo and the GTA only.

      Virtual Visits: $300 + HST for up to one hour, $200 + HST for each additional presentation on the same day.

      Awards:

      • Society of Illustrators, Warby Parker Visionary Scholarship Award‏‏‎ 2020
      • 2020 World Illustration Awards, New Talent Exploration Category Award

      Book Topics: Mischief, Lying, Deception, Humorous Stories, Money, Justice, Unfair Labour

      Presentation Format:

      My full presentation sessions are generally a 1hr presentation that covers how I developed my career, artistic style, and how I wrote and illustrated the book Spider in the Well. This can also include a reading of the book, of course! I end the session with a live drawing and a Q&A.

      Also available is a shorter, story time session (30-45min), with a brief intro about myself, a reading, and Q&A. Good for younger listeners!

      I typically work with children ages 4-9, but I’ve also enjoyed presenting to older kids/teens about my life as an author and artist, and provide advice for making creative work that you really like.

      I’m happy to work around your needs or hear out your presentation ideas!

      Other Notes:

      • A projector/screen is required for in-person visits, as well as a microphone for larger groups.
      • For any drawing activities, an easel with paper, markers, and crayons for the kids to draw along with.
      • A teacher/facilitator must be present for in-person presentations.

      Contact Jess to book a visit:

        Paruzel-Gibson, Natalia (Burlington, Ontario)

        Writers’ Union of Canada member. SCBWI member. Purple Dragonfly Book Award – 1st place winner. English language presentations for grades K-6; further age ranges available on request.

        In-Person Visits (45-60 minutes): $200 for 1 session; $150 for each subsequent session up to four sessions in one day. A session may be split into two 30-minute sessions for Kindergarten. Plus, a travel fee of $0.50/km if outside of Halton. 

        Virtual Visits (30-60 minutes): $100-$150 per session. A session may be split into two 30-minute sessions for Kindergarten.

        Natalia Paruzel-Gibson grew up backstage in the theaters and art galleries in Poland. Her mom’s passion for the arts inspired Natalia to write and create. After emigrating to Canada, Natalia was recognized by the Turzanski Foundation with a Young Talent Award for writing and reciting poetry. Her photography and art installations were exhibited in Toronto’s Nuit Blanche. Natalia lives in Burlington, Ontario. She is the author of the children’s book, A PICTURE DAY TO REMEMBER (Clavis, 2023), which focuses on themes of inclusivity, self-acceptance, and friendship in the classroom.

        Natalia’s school presentations are engaging and interactive. For students in grades K-3, each presentation includes a discussion of her favourite books, the role of the author and illustrator, an overview of character sketches from the book, the inspiration behind the story, a book reading, and an SEL focused activity using a customized activity sheet. There’s plenty of time for Q&A too!

        For students in grades 3-6, each presentation includes the above, plus an in-depth outline of the publishing process from concept through to the final product. This segment of the presentation is an excellent opportunity for aspiring writers to receive tips and suggestions to hone in on the craft of storytelling.

        Natalia is a very flexible presenter and can adapt her presentation to suit the needs of a school. If there is an interest in focusing more on one aspect of writing, she’s happy to accommodate.

        Natalia is glad to speak to an entire school or conduct more personal sessions where a few classrooms are amalgamated or split up by grade. Natalia requests a projector/white board for a Google Slides presentation, a table and coloured pencil crayons. For larger in-person presentations, she will require a table, microphone, and a PA system.

        Book Natalia for a visit:

          Daher, Anita, (Manitoba)

          Note: Last name pronunciation is “dare.” The Writers’ Union of Canada, Manitoba Writers’ Guild, ACTRA Finalist: White Pine, Red Cedar, MYRCA, Violet Downey, Arthur Ellis, Diamond Willow.

          Rates for in-person: $300 per single presentation, $200 for additional presentations at the same school per day.

          Rates for virtual: $200 per presentation.

          Anita Daher is an author, screenwriter, producer, and actor primarily of Icelandic and Irish heritage. She has been entrenched in the publishing industry since 1995, and helped found writing organizations in Yellowknife, NWT, and the Algoma region of Northern Ontario before landing in Winnipeg in 2004. From 2019 to 2021 she served as Chair of the Writers’ Union of Canada. She thinks too much, rises too early, and in her spare time enjoys renovating old campers.

          Anita is a dynamic speaker who has presented in hundreds of schools in urban, rural and remote communities across Canada, primarily in the North and West. She can do up to four presentations in the same school or area in a day. She has power point presentations appropriate to the grade, which include a professionally filmed scene adapted from one of her novels.

          Presentations

          • Grades 3 to 6
          • Grades 7 and 8
          • Grades 9 to 12

          For younger grades the focus is plot and planning. For older grades, it is “the story underneath,” or the heart of the story. Each touch on the author’s journey, and what—besides inspiration—you need to write a book.

          Presentations are generally 45 minutes, adaptable to school needs, and include time for Q & A.

          Group size preference, preferred venues (for in person), tech required for your presentations.

          Anita’s preferred venue is a library and is flexible regarding size of audience—whatever is appropriate to the space. She requires a projector with speakers to accommodate her power point presentation. 

          Contact Anita to book a visit:

            Frayne Sharon, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

            Writers Union Member. Young Adult and Adult genres. $300 plus HST and travel ($0.50/km outside Niagara) for 1 session, $500 for 2, $700 for 3 and $900 for full day.

            Virtual Visits: $100-200 plus HST (depending on time required)

            Background: Sharon Frayne was born in St. Catharines, grew up on a Niagara farm and in Muskoka, and now divides her time between Niagara and Northern Ontario. She was a high school Visual Arts and English teacher, an Arts Department Head, and Elementary Principal. During her career, she worked with many special needs children, their families and teachers. She’s an award winning short story writer and novelist, whose contemporary tales include diverse characters, environmental issues, Canadian history and outdoor settings.  

            Public Speaking and Workshops: Sharon is a dynamic, engaging, experienced teacher and Principal who is comfortable leading small groups, individual classrooms or presenting in assemblies. She enjoys speaking to adult groups and book clubs. Presentations include visuals and are interactive, tailored to individual and group needs.

            Workshop Themes (samples, more are available and can be customized)

            How to Self-Edit (suitable for students in grades 4- 12. Meets Ontario Curriculum Guidelines)

            How to create amazing, realistic, empathetic characters (for short stories or novel length)

            Does Setting matter? It sure does – let’s do some world building to enhance your story.

            Seven Steps to writing a prize winning Short Story.

            What’s a plot line? How to develop one for a short story or novel.

            Who needs conflict? Your story does – here’s how to create some.

            For Better or for Worse – How does Social Media Affect Us?

            Materials Required for School Presentations:

            Classroom or Library setting preferred. Microphone (if acoustics are problematic), table for computer and materials, screen and data projector. Preference is for individual classrooms, or similar age/grade groups up to 100.

            Free Virtual Visits!

            15 minute virtual visits, with a short teacher/moderator led Q & A session are available to classes or clubs who are reading one of my books.  This works best with small groups.

            Writer in Residence option:

            This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a working relationship with a group over a pre-arranged time period. This could be writing workshops, feedback sessions, book discussions and can be arranged to suit interest and ability levels.

            Publications:

            Magazines and Newspapers: Eden Mills Writers Festival Chapter Publication (winning writers), CommuterLit, Agnes and True, The Ekphrastic Review, Uproar, The Local (NOTL Paper), The Lake Report (NOTL Paper), Stage of Life (USA online publication) and others

            Novels: The Sound of a Rainbow, (Latitude 46 Publishing),2023 (gr. 8 -12)

            Caught Between the Walls, (Bygones Press), 2016 (gr. 6 -12)

            Awards:

            Frayne’s short stories and poems have won in the South Simcoe Arts Festival, Eden Mills Writers Festival, the Northern Ontario Writer’s Workshop, the Banister Poetry Contest and Stratford Rotary Writing Contest. She won the Best Novel Award in the Muskoka Novel Marathon in 2019, 2020 and 2022. She’s been a frequent winner of the NOTL Rising Spirits Writing competition for both short stories and poetry. Her personal essay, ‘Stepping into a Lifetime’ was the USA national winner in the Stage of Life writing competition.

            She won the Halton District School Board’s Award of Distinction for Creativity in Education and was nominated for the Ontario Premier’s Award for Education.

            Associations: In addition to belonging to the Writer’s Union of Canada, she’s an NOTL Writer’s Circle board member, past president of the Niagara branch of the Canadian Author’s Association. She’s a past Editor of the CAA Niagara annual Anthology and has appeared as a guest speaker at numerous Arts Festivals. She was featured in a televised production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ with the CBC.  She also belongs to the NOTL Pumphouse Art Gallery, and is a past board member with NOTL Newcomers Club.

            Contact Sharon To Book A Visit:

              Krampien, Celia (Welland, ON)

              SCBWI member.

              Celia Krampien writes and illustrates picture books and novels for young people. She grew up in a small town (population 400) in rural Southern Ontario where she spent most of her time reading and exploring the woods around her house. Celia loves creating bright, colourful, emotionally complex books. Celia’s books are best suited for students in grades JK – 8 but is happy to be flexible and adapt presentations to meet the needs of students of any age.

              Book topics: the power of stories, handling adversity, facing fears, differences in perspective, friendship, bullying, Halloween.

              RATES*:

              Virtual Visits

              $200 – 1 hour virtual presentation + drawing activity + Q&A  (Gr 3 and up)

              $100 – 30 minute picture book story time and drawing demo (Gr JK – 2)

              In-Person Visits

              $250 – two 30 minute picture book story time and drawing activity sessions (Gr JK – 2)

              $300 – 1 hour  presentation + interactive activity + Q&A (Gr 3 and up)

              $500 – two 1 hour presentations with interactive activity and Q&A (Gr 3 and up)

              $900 – all day visit, as many presentations/activities/Q&A sessions as we can fit! (Gr JK and up)

              In-Person, Large Groups (50+ attendees)

              $400 – 1 hr presentation + interactive activity + Q&A (requires podium, slideshow projection system, microphone & sound system)

              *HST will be charged on all fees

              Presentations (all can all be offered virtually or in-person)

              Storytime and draw-along – 30 mins (JK – Grade 2)

              – Picture book(s) read aloud

              – Drawing and colouring activity – students can draw and colour along as Celia demonstrates how to draw characters from her books

              – Q & A session

              Telling Stories with Pictures – 1 hour (Grades 3 – 5)

              – Slideshow presentation about using words and pictures as storytelling tools with examples from Celia’s recent book with Kristen Dickson, Fiona Builds a Fairyhouse

              – interactive drawing activity – students draw along with Celia, drawing their own fairytale creatures and creating a story to introduce them to the rest of the class (requires easel and large pad of paper)

              – Q&A session

              How a Story Becomes a Book (And Why Does it Take So Long?!) – 1 hour (Grades 4 and up)

              – slideshow presentation showing the step-by-step process of the creation of Celia’s spooky middle grade novel, The Bellwoods Game. Students will get a behind the scenes peek at Celia’s journey, starting at her first attempts at writing through to publication day

              – interactive activity- students will tryout different brainstorming techniques to answer the age old question of where ideas come from (requires easel and large pad of paper)

              – Q&A session

              Cover Stories – the making of a book cover (Grades 4 and up)

              – slideshow presentation about the step-by-step process of creating illustrated covers for middle grade novels and why sometimes it’s okay to judge a book by its cover

              – interactive activity – students draw along with Celia to create their own book covers (requires easel and large pad of paper)

              – Q&A session

              Equipment Required:

              –      Projector to display slideshow (in-person visits)

              –      easel and large pad of paper for presentations activities

              –      Paper, pencils/crayons/markers for students for presentations with brainstorming and draw-along activities.

              –      Microphone, sound system and podium for larger groups (50+ attendees)

              Contact Celia to book a visit:

                Stewart, Michael (Ottawa, ON)

                Fiction/Poetry, Two x Ottawa Book Award Nominee, Snow Willow Award nominee, eOne Television Adaptation Lab winner, Publishers Weekly BookLife Grand Prize winner, Twice named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, and more. TWUC, SCBWI, and CANSCAIP. Ages 10+.

                $250 per session, up to three sessions per day. Virtual Visits: $200 for each session.

                Michael tailors presentations based on the needs and desires of the group and can speak to any element of writers craft and process. As the author of middle grade novels, a middle grade novel in verse, interactive fiction, scriptwriting, and young adult novels, Michael enjoys working with students in workshop format, or as a presentation with a preference for audiences of under 50 students. 

                Mike Stewart Books

                Presentations by grade (60 Minutes):

                Michael always covers the top five questions (How did you become a writer? Where do you get your ideas? What’s the name of your cat?) quickly before delving into the presentation, always being sure to include: Why stories matter, why the students’ stories matter, and how knowing how to tell stories can help them be successful in any field. 

                Here are example themes by grade:

                4-8: Let’s write a story: Using a super secret technique, Michael works with students to generate strong story concepts. This includes learning the elements of a story pitch and can end with delivering and whiteboarding pitch ideas to go deeper and inadvertently learn Aristotelian story structure.

                4-7: Digital Resilience Through Poetry: Based on Michael’s novel in verse, Seeking Draven. This interactive presentation and workshop scaffolds student understanding of the internet, social media, and other digital literacies, while incorporating literary devices and poetry. If time allows, the students use prompts to develop their own poems. 

                7-9: The Heart of Structure: Using his novel Heart Sister, Michael explains how to use theme as a structuring tool, connecting this technique to popular books and movies. Further discussions explore students’ thoughts on organ donation, a central element to Heart Sister. Michael shares his family’s organ donation story and why he wrote the book. We explore common myths about organ donation and truths—completing a quiz as a class. Finally, we complete a private exercise in which the students explore the same questions Minnie asks other characters in the book, generally about self improvement. Heart Sister was named an official educational resource by Canadian Blood Services.

                4-12: Michael can elaborate on any elements of craft desired, from character, setting, structure, and theme to humour and literary devices.

                7-12: Emotion Driven Stories: In this interactive presentation, Michael shows the connection between emotion, stories, and healing ourselves. Using popular literature, movies, and his own books, Michael shows how powerfully resonant stories are based on therapeutic models we can use to create stories of our own.

                9-12: Advanced Craft: In this workshop-based format, Michael will work with up to 12 students to refine their stories. Includes Michael prereading student work and identifying elements of craft tailored to the students’ needs. Multiple sessions available.

                Anthology

                Grade 8+ School Anthology: Michael will organize a full grade (up to three classes) anthology of short stories. This includes a kick off session to identify the anthology’s theme, types of short stories, and what makes a strong short story. Later Michael will present techniques for successful self editing and peer editing, and tips on how to edit the work of others. After peer editing, Michael will assemble and format the ebook. Finally, students vote on preset cover options, and the book is launched on Amazon, allowing the students to try to hit number 1, while learning about the financial and marketing side of publishing. In total, this program includes 3 presentations, an ebook cover, ebook formatting, and ebook publication services. Please contact for fee.

                Contact Michael to Book a Visit:

                  Lukidis, Lydia (Montreal, Quebec)

                  Award winning author Lydia Lukidis, recipient of a Silver Birch Express honor (Forest of Reading) Award, SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the North American division, and multiple Cybils Award nominations.

                  Rates:For in-person workshops (Montreal and surrounding areas)- $300 for one sixty-minute session, $450 for two, $600 for three, $750 for four, plus a travel fee of $0.50/km.

                  For virtual workshops- $200 for a session of up to sixty minutes, $100 for each additional session on the same day, up to four sessions in one day. Flexible and able to accommodate schedules in a range of time zones.

                  Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. She also enjoys writing books with social emotional learning (SEL) themes such as friendship, empathy, and gratitude.

                  Workshops:

                  Lydia has 15 years experience working with children in elementary schools. She’s passionate about spreading the love for literacy and her presentations are dynamic and lively. The goal is to entertain and educate in a way that illuminates the magic of the written word.

                  Lydia offers writing workshops that tie in with educational curriculum for students from kindergarten to grade six. Each workshop begins with an initial presentation where she discusses her writing process giving particular attention to the art of editing. This will include some fun literacy games. Lydia will then help students brainstorm and start their own writing process. These workshops are an excellent opportunity for students to develop good writing and cognitive skills, improve literacy, and tap into creative self-expression. Study guides and follow up activities will be provided.

                  The workshops are tailored for each grade, here are the various options:

                  • Story Making 101 (1-6)
                  • Character Development (K-6)
                  • Fairy Tale Magic (1-4)
                  • The Power of Mythology (4-6)
                  • Persuasive Writing (2-6)
                  • The Art of Poetry (2-6)
                  • Personal Narratives (2-6)
                  • Crafting Nonfiction (2-6)
                  • Let’s Write a Book (2-6, a special 3-part workshop where students communally write and illustrate a book that Lydia will print)
                  • Author Reading with Puppetry Workshop (K-3)
                  • Advanced Narrative Building (6)

                  (35 students maximum for in-person, 100 for virtual)

                  Presentations:

                  • Sparking Interest through STEM: This presentation will show children that STEM is not only all around us, but it’s also fun and exciting! (K-3)
                  • Dream Big and Take the Leap: This presentation will highlight the perseverance required to achieve your dreams and how seeming “failures” can help you carve your path to success. The goal is to inspire students to dream big! (3-6)

                  (100 students maximum)

                  Suggested Reading:

                  Grades 2-5:

                  DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench is a lyrical spare-text STEM picture book that takes readers on a journey to where few humans have ever been. The narrative debunks scary myths about this mysterious place with surprising and beautiful truths about life at Earth’s deepest point.

                  (Themes: STEM, deep sea, biodiversity, conservation, oceanography, biology, geology)

                  Kindergarten-3:

                  Grades 2-5:

                  UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere: Look up–into the blue and beyond. What do you see? The sky–our atmosphere–may seem empty or invisible. But is it? Using spare, lyrical language, author Lydia Lukidis takes readers on an imagined journey up, up high to discover the surprising and wondrous things flying, floating, and happening between the treetops and the stars in this STEM-based picture book.

                  Themes: STEM, weather, atmospheres, clouds

                  Grades 2-5:

                  DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights is the true story of Dr. Mae Jemison, whose lifelong passions of science and dance prepared her to become a trailblazing astronaut, making her the first Black woman to travel into outer space. Throughout it all, she pursued her love of dance.

                  Themes: STEM, space, perseverance, breaking barriers, art meets science

                  Requirements:

                  Lydia will require a smart board with functional speakers for a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation. Students will need pencils, erasers, loose-leaf paper, and sometimes pencil crayons and markers. In order to ensure a successful workshop, it is essential that at least one educator/librarian remain in class for the duration of the workshop. For larger presentations in-person, she will require a table, microphone, and a proper PA system.

                  Lydia also provides manuscript critiques for fiction and nonfiction.

                  Contact Lydia to book a visit:

                    Campbell, Curtis (Toronto, ON)

                    Curtis Campbell

                    White Pine 2024 Nominee.

                    White Raven Selection Winner

                    Dora Mavor Moore Award, Best New Play Nominee.

                    Second City Award For Outstanding Comedy Winner.

                    Publishing Triangle Nominee

                    Booking Rates: $250 for one session, $200 for any additional sessions. A travel fee of $0.50/km if outside Toronto. Virtual visit rates negotiable. 

                    Curtis Campbell is a novelist and playwright based out of Toronto. His novels include Dragging Mason County and the upcoming Lying, Stealing, and Other Ways to Save the Planet. 

                    Writing Workshops Middle School, High School

                    Intro to Playwriting* 
                    Learn the fundamentals of writing plays while writing the layout for your very own.

                    Intro To Creative Writing*
                    This workshop teaches the basics of prose writing through the building blocks of the six W’s. By the end of the workshop, each student will have the building blocks of their short story.

                    Finding Character Voice
                    A workshop on writing in the first person, how to develop the voice of your character,  how to begin developing your writing style, and how you can begin putting this on the page. 

                    Creating Character
                    How do you bring a character to life? Find out while creating your own.

                    You Are A Writer
                    Everyone can be a writer, especially you! Learn how, through this guided workshop about putting yourself on the page.

                    *Available in both one class versions, and more in-depth two class versions.

                    School Visits, Presentations and Discussions

                    Dragging Mason County
                    Discussion of the White Pine nominated novel, and the issues explored within. Discussion topics include LGBTQIA+ youth issues, friendship and chosen family, allyship, homophobia and transphobia, theatre and drag, social media, and gender expression. For any class or club who have read the book.

                    LGBTQ+ Student Group Visit
                    A presentation and facilitated discussion with your school’s LGBTQ+ student group to discuss the past, present and future of LGBTQIA+ identities in Canada. This discussion is aimed at helping LGBTQIA+ students locate themselves within Canada’s queer context, while discussing healthy ways to create a positive space for all LGBTQ+ students in their school.

                    Talk To An Author and Playwright
                    An engaging Q+A about the literary and theatre industries with a particular interest in discussing how students can begin developing, or continue developing their own artistic practice.

                    The ideal group for writing workshops would be smaller, but I can make larger groups work just as well if there are a few staff members present.

                    A microphone would be great to have if we are meeting in a gym or cafeteria.

                    Workshops will always change by school and group, so I’m happy to customize and adjust based on your needs.

                    Contact Curtis to book a visit: