Category: French presenters

Campbell, Ashlee (Toronto, Ontario)

Bilingual early elementary picture book (Spanish/English). All ages.

$200 plus HST for 1 session, $350 for 2, $500 for 3 and $650 for 4, + travel (50 cents per kilometer, round-trip for SW ON). Virtual Visits: $150 plus HST, for one session, 20-60 minutes, $125 for each additional session on the same day.

Ashlee is an experienced speaker and Creative Writing teacher at the highschool and elementary levels. Ashlee tailors her talks to each group and is available to present in English, Spanish and French or a combination of languages of instruction. Ashlee is available to do multiple talks or workshops over the course of the day with groups ranging from kindergarten to high school. As a homeschool co-op organizer Ashlee also prepares talks and workshops for mixed-age groups. Ashlee has also given talks on writing, publishing and the author’s journey for adult groups.

Sample pre-recorded workshops available upon request. Ashlee also takes workshop requests.

Examples of workshop options:

All presentations available in English, French and Spanish or a combination of language of instruction.

JK- Gr. 2 – 45 – 60 mins (including speaker-led multilingual “brain breaks” for children)

Reading of “Senora Sanasana” followed by a character creation workshop including a LA tie-in worksheet for Gr. 2 and a drawing activity for younger ages.

OR

Reading of “Senora Sanasana” followed by learning Spanish words and class discussion about languages spoken and heard in the children’s home and communities and creation of a classroom word cloud of words in other languages the children know.

Gr. 3-6 – 45 – 60 mins

Character creation workshop based on common nursery rhymes, sayings and idiomatic expressions, including worksheet and writing activity and group discussion about the rhymes and sayings from their diverse backgrounds. Workshop includes time for students to share their characters.

Highschool – 45 – 60 mins or two sessions for increased content creation time

Introduction to critique circle practices and character creation workshop (see above). Workshop includes discussion of “own voice” stories and how to create supportive, compassionate and constructive writing critique groups.

Adults – 45 – 60 mins

“Abundance versus scarcity for artists” – this is a talk on having an “abundance” mentality as an artist, basing our creative practices on the belief that there is enough space and enough audience in the world for everyone’s art and writing. This talk also delves into how we define success and takes an anti-capitalist approach to redefining both “success” and “audience” in order for artists to thrive.

All Venues. All Group Sizes. Equipment required: A table or podium. A microphone for larger groups or in the gym, or if the room acoustics require it. A screen and projector for power-point.

Contact Ashlee to book a visit:

    Polak, Monique (Montreal, Quebec)

    Writers’ Union of Canada, CANSCAIP, Quebec Writers’ Federation, English Language Arts Network

    Monique Polak is three-time winner of the Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, recently renamed the Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature. Her work has been nominated for several prizes including the Arthur Ellis Award, Best Juvenile or Crime Book and the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People.

    Presentation rates: $250 per hour. Plus travel unless I am in Toronto area for
    other reasons. I come to Toronto several times a year to visit family and friends. I charge HST.

    Monique Polak is the author of 32 books for young people – and she has two
    more books slated for publication! Monique was a long-time teacher at
    Marianopolis College in Montreal, where she taught, amongst other courses,
    Writing for Children and Print Journalism. Monique began her writing career as a reporter and her stories have been published in newspapers across Canada. A
    classic extrovert, Monique loves doing writing workshops with kids (and adults) of all ages. Monique’s mother was a Holocaust survivor who went to school with Anne Frank, and Monique has a special interest in Holocaust stories and the history of the Holocaust.

    Monique has done writing workshops for students in Grade 1 all the way to
    university.

    With her youngest audiences (Grades 1-3), Monique teaches basic story-telling
    skills, such as how to find a beginning, middle and end, and how to ensure that a story has drama. She also reads from her new picture book, The Brass Charm.

    With older audiences (this includes students in Grades 4 and up, high school
    and college students), Monique shares writing tips she wishes someone had
    shared with her when she was an aspiring author. Monique also discusses the
    inspiration behind some of her stories. And of course, expect Monique – who
    love stories – to tell some stories. You can also expect writing exercises.
    Monique is especially interested in personal memory as a source of inspiration.
    One of her exercises is designed to use personal memory to find the story
    participants in her workshops most need to tell!

    Monique can handle groups of any size! No special supplies needed – Monique’s only requirement is that students have paper and pen (or in the case of very young participants, crayons!).

    Contact Monique to book a visit:

      Beddia, Lea (Joliette, Quebec)

      CANSCAIP and SCBWI member, two-time recipient of Canada Council of the Arts grants. Member of Quebec Writers’ Federation and selected mentee for Young Adult fiction in 2020.

      Workshops are best for ages 9 to 17. $250.00 for one sixty-minute session. $450 for two sessions. $675 for three sessions and $900 for 4 sessions. + travel (50 cents per kilometer, round-trip for Lanaudière, Laurentides, Montreal, Laval, Mauricie regions.

      Virtual Visits: $200 for one 60-minute session, $100 for each additional session on the same day, up to four sessions in one day.

      Lea is an experienced English Language Arts teacher who loves to talk about books and writing. As a writer of books for striving readers, she is passionate about bringing accessible literature to all readers and second language learners. Lea believes anyone can be a writer and all it takes is the right tools, some hard work, and the right encouragement. She wants to bring the power of writing to all types of learners. She is experienced working with students will learning difficulties, and can offer flexible workshops to accommodate all learners. She provides graphic organizers and worksheets, including editable digital copies for learners using assistive technologies. She has also been known to bring tasty snacks!

      Writing Workshop Topics for ages 9 to 17

      Workshops are conducted in English, but Lea is comfortable speaking French to second language learners. She can answer questions/provide translation and communicate fluently in French. Participants who speak languages other than English or French are encouraged to teach Lea some new words!

      All workshops use a combination of large and/or small group discussion, group activity/game, writing, revising, and sharing.

      Writing Makes Sense: Showing vs. Telling

      Lea will use a combination of discussion, group activity and writing to create strong sentences using sensory details.

      Words for Humanity: Using Conflict to Write About Emotions

      Based on the “Cards Against Humanity” or “Cards Against Maturity” game, with an age-appropriate and positive twist, we will create solutions to problems for our characters.

      From Memory to Fiction

      Based on the game “Clue,” students will use detective work to piece together memories to create a setting, a character and/or a conflict as a stepping stone for their own creative writing.

      Dialogue that doesn’t drag: using dialogue to build character.

      Using video clips of well-known characters, students will predict what/how characters will speak. We will use character charts, to create personalities and with them, a way to let characters speak that is dynamic and exciting.

      Words, Words, Words: Beyond the Thesaurus.

      Based on the game “Taboo,” and incorporating improvisation/acting students will explore their vocabulary by acting out adverbs, describing movements and using action words instead, to create a scene.

      These workshops are ideal for groups between 10 and 20 participants. Lea prefers small settings for workshops such as a classroom, library or other space large enough to move around, but not so large that she cannot connect with each participant.

      Tech requirements include a blackboard/whiteboard and a screen for the dialogue workshop with internet access, speakers, etc. Participants will require writing materials, including assistive technologies for students who use them in the classroom on a regular basis.

      Contact Lea to book a visit:

        Tondreau-Levert, Louise (Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Québec)

        Louise Tondreau-Levert

        Writers’ Union Member (UNEQ). AAOF (Association des auteurs de l’Ontario Francophone). CCBC (Canadian Children’s Books Center). Fiction, short stories, picture books and illustrated biography of Louis Riel.  

        Louise is a member of the “Union des écrivains” (UNEQ).

        Novels and first reading books, picture books and an illustrated biography of Louis Riel.

        In-Person Visits:  From 4 to 14 years $250 for 1 session, $400 for 2, $575 for 3 and 700$ for 4, + travel (50 cents per kilometer, round-trip from GSLR near Hawkesbury. [6 km] Lodging and meals if necessary are at the expense of the host organization.

        Virtual Visits: $250, for one session, 20–60 minutes, $100 for each additional session on the same day.

        A native of Montreal Louise Tondreau-Levert holds a certificate in childhood and youth literature from UQAM. For 10 years, she prepared and hosted “Storytime” at her local library. In October 1994, her text “Le grand lit de la petite Mimi” received the first prize in the literary competition of the magazine Lurelu. In November 1996 “Le lit à grimaces” was published by “Les 400 coups” and in 1997 it was among the finalists for  the Mr. Christie prize. Since then, Louise has published several short stories as well as many books such as those of the series “Virevent le petit fantôme” for the editor “Le soleil de minuit”, as well as the series “Les bêtises” and “Drôle de boulot” at “Dominique et compagnie”

        Workshops
        Louise is a flexible presenter. No two groups are ever the same and no two of her presentations are ever the same. She much prefers to interact with her audience than to give a dry presentation.

        From the 2nd grade,to improve interest in the activity reading of one or two of the author’s texts is suggested before her visit.

        For students from 10 to 14 years old the author suggests learning a bit of history with the novel “Le roman-vérité Louis Riel.” Others suggestions:  Sharing the daily life of children in Western Canada when Louis Riel was a child and during his adolescence when he attended Montreal College, taking a look at the history of Western Canada from the buffalo hunt to the founding of the province of Manitoba.

        For an overview of the Algonquin language check out Louise’s book, “Le secret de la lanterne”  written in French and in Algonquin.

        From 7 to 9 years old, the author reads one or two of the books in the series “Virevent le petit fantôme.” ( 5 books). She explains how the small ghost gets to meet children even if his mother does not agree. A documentary follows every short story. The subjects of the documentaries are bats, castles, storms, manatees, pigeons and peregrine falcons.

        From 4 to 7 years old, the animation takes the form of storytelling with among others, the albums, “Museau et l’œuf,” “Les monstres du prince Louis,” and “Le lit à grimaces.”

        6 to 10 years old, Une délicieuse compétition

         The author gives the definition of the word “competition” and then lists a few synonyms. After reading the book, “une délicieuse compétition,” which is projected on the class screen, Louise asks: should we pronounce, bretzels or pretzels? Where does this bread come from? Are there any cake names in this album that seem strange to you? Do these names have any other meaning? Then, she offers a friendly match between schoolmates. The team that can remember the more names of breads and cakes mentioned in the story wins!

        All the  author’s books are projected on the «Interactive Board». She brings her computer and all necessary connections. One class at a time or a maximum of 35 participants. 

        Contact Louise to book a visit…

          Camlot, Heather (Toronto, ON)

          Writers’ Union Member. Fiction and nonfiction writer.

          Heather’s rates are $300 for one session, $550 for two, $800 for three. For virtual presentations: $300 for one session, $500 for two. HST applies to all sessions. No travel costs within Toronto or if I am in your city (I travel to Montreal several times a year). Able to present in English and French.

          Heather is an award-winning children’s author, journalist, editor and translator. Her two middle-grade novels, CLUTCH and THE OTHER SIDE, received Skipping Stones Honor Awards and nominations for Forest of Reading, among other honors. CLUTCH was also named a 2017 Best Book from Kirkus Reviews.

          The Other Side Heather Camlot

          Heather is also an accomplished nonfiction writer. SECRET SCHOOLS and THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER were named Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? True Stories of Imagination and Determination received a Skipping Stones Honor Award. Her next nonfiction book, Becoming Bionic and Other Ways Science is Making Us Super,

          In her presentations, Heather aims to entertain and educate, leaving the audience interested in writing fiction and nonfiction as well as looking into their own history for inspiration.

          PRESENTATIONS (60 minutes, grades 3+)


          Heather engages students with a fun and interactive presentation, customized to audience and interest.

          • Generally speaking: Heather shares the inspiration and the challenges of writing works that delve into history and social justice. She also discusses the basic elements of writing fiction and/or nonfiction, how to give stories life through research and why bringing the past to the present is so important. Q&A session and reading are included.
          • What does it mean to be a superhero?: This STEM/STEAM-related presentation draws on BECOMING BIONIC. We’ll delve get into how science is turning us into superbeings – powering up our bodies with what we may not have been born with and what we may never have thought we’d need. We’ll discuss what those powers look like in the real world, based on the sections of Becoming Bionic. We’ll create our own superhero identities and answer the ultimate question: Cape or no cape.
          • Stand up and speak out: This social-justice-related presentation, based on THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER, begins with a quote from Captain Alfred Dreyfus: “My only crime is to have been born a Jew.” How would students fill in the last word of Captain Dreyfus’s quote to reflect their lives or world around them? We’ll discuss the meaning of social justice, play a game of news fact vs news fiction, and discuss ways to stand up and speak out.

          Maximum presentation size: 100 for virtual presentations; 60 for in-person reading/Q&A. Teacher and/or librarian must be present.

          WORKSHOPS (60 minutes, grades 3+)

          • Look no further: A simple moment can kickstart the writing process. Students choose a moment in their own lives or family history and turn into a work of fiction or nonfiction. Based on CLUTCH and THE OTHER SIDE.
          • What’s news?: Bias in the media is not difficult to spot. This session will delve into media literacy and how to determine if what you’re reading is fact…or fiction. I’ll test students’ knowledge of news fact vs news fiction through a fun game and we’ll create a reference guide to better judge whether what they are reading, seeing, hearing is objective, biased or completely fake. Based on THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER.
          • A single object: A single object can inspire an entire world. Students will begin with an “item of interest” and learn how to add different layers — setting, storyline, character, big reveal — to build a short story. Based on THE OTHER SIDE.
          • Just the facts: How do you write a nonfiction book that makes tough subjects compelling and easy to understand all the while ensuring it stick to the truth? Based on her nonfiction books.
          • Get activ-ist!: “What cause would you defend…and how would you defend it?” We’ll discuss various forms of activism and what is important to students right now. We’ll come up with methods to get messages across and students will put ideas into action by creating a poster for their cause. Based on THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER and I CAN’T DO WHAT?
          • Customized topic: Heather is happy to tailor workshops to your needs and audience, including educators and the general public. Topics can include social injustice, advocacy, World War II, the Holocaust, antisemitism, soccer, baseball, media literacy, arts and entertainment, etc.

          Maximum workshop size: 30 (flexible).
          Equipment required: Flip chart and markers, screen and projector, microphone and podium (for large rooms), paper and pencils (for workshops). Teacher and/or librarian must be present.

          Heather offers the services of professional editing, copyediting, proofreading and
          translating. She also provides manuscript evaluations – fiction and nonfiction.

          Contact Heather to book a visit:

            Hohn, Nadia (Toronto)

            The Writers Union member. Picture book. All ages. $350 for 1 session (60 min) $ 600 for 2 sessions of 60 minutes (1/2 day)$ 400 for 2 x 30 minute sessions (great for JK to 1). Full day (4 sessions) $ 1000. + kilometrage. Can present in English and French.

            Nadia is fully booked for the remainder of the 2021/2022 school season. She is currently scheduling for the 2022/2023 school year. 

            Malaika’s Costume (2016) and Malaika’s Winter Carnival (2017).

            Continue reading “Hohn, Nadia (Toronto)”

            Messier, Mireille (Toronto, ON)

            Writers’ Union Member. French/English author. Picture books. Great for immersion students! K to 6.

            For the 2021-2022 school year, Mireille is only doing virtual visits!

            Mireille’s rate for a 45/50-minute virtual presentation is $250 for 1-5 classes, $350 for 6-10 classes and $450 for 11+ classes. HST extra. Please note that presentations may not be recorded for later use or shared.

            Mireille has a picture book ideal for Remembrance Day with students in grades 1-6! Contact her about presenting “Sergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War” at your school or event! (available in English or French)

            Mireille can present “Treasure”/ “Trésor”, “The Branch” / “Ma branche préférée” and “Fatima and the Clementine Thieves/Fatima et les voleurs de clémentines” ans “La magie de Casse-Noisette”/ “Nutcracker Night” in either English or French or both.

            Mireille also has many books that are published in French only and range in genre – from picture books, to chapter books and non-fiction. She enjoys presenting to immersion students and offers lively presentations that are tailored to the language level of the students.

            School presentations will include a reading of the selected book, an activity based on the theme of the book and a discussion with the author about her craft.

            Available in French or English/French (bilingual) Mireille 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.

            Here is an example of her presentations by grade:

            JK to 1: two 30-minute sessions for the price of one full session using her book “Quel fouillis!” (includes a tool-related activity and a song) or “Une Bestiole à l’école” (includes an insect-related activity and a song).

            Grade 1 to 4: The majority of Mireille’s books are for this age group. 45 to 60 minutes: Session featuring a book of your choice plus a related activity followed by a Q&A on topic/book selected.

            Themes available: Remembrance Day/World War I/ World War II/Military Mascot (Sergeant Billy), Environmental conservation (Treasure/Trésor), Environment/Weather (The Branch/Ma branche préférée), Nature/Animals (Tellement Sauvage), Travel/Geography (Charlotte partout), Non-Violent Conflict Resolution (Fatima), Anagrams/Word Play (Voilier d’Olivier/Quand les zéros), Food/Cooking (Salade de César), Sports (Charlotte Olympique)…

            Grade 4 to 6: 45 to 60 minutes. Session featuring a book of your choice plus a related activity followed by a Q&A on topic/book selected. Books available for this level are “Fatima et les voleurs de clémentines” (advanced picture book) and the middle-grade chapter books from Les aventures de Viviane et Simon series.

            Contact Mireille to book a visit: