Category: Ontario-based

Bandali, Zain. (Milton, Ontario)

Writers Union Member. Author of Early Reader Chapter Book Mehndi Boy. A Silver Birch Express nominee, and New York Public Library Best Book for Kids joint winner in 2023. All ages & grade levels. Ideal for schools commemorating South Asian, Islamic Heritage, & LGBT Pride month festivities.

Rates: $300 plus HST for one session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.68 cents per kilometer if school is more than 30 km away from my home. A virtual visit is $150 plus HST per session.

Zain Bandali (he/they) is an unapologetic storyteller who uses the beautiful South Asian tradition of henna to push stubborn gender norms in a kid friendly way. Zain is a versatile public speaker that can engage the entire school, providing fully customizable sessions for primary, junior, and intermediate students that meet your school’s needs. From packed gymnasiums to intimate classrooms or libraries, any audience will leave being engaged by Zain’s author visits. Zain has led over 80 talks for his debut Mehndi Boy, and has presented across Canada, the Northeastern United States, India, and Dubai. Zain also enjoys presenting to intermediate and high school students on his experiences being Queer & Muslim too. 

“Zain’s sharing of his book “Mehndi Boy” with The Sterling Hall Schools grade 3-5 students was one we will never forget! Zain was incredibly personable and connected with the students immediately! We were all hooked as he read us the first 2 chapters of Mehndi Boy and explained the art of mehndi. Zain’s ability to bond with the students and make a big presentation feel like a cozy chat was fantastic to witness. It is wonderful to see teachers and students so enthused with a new book, they could hardly wait to get hold of “Mehndi Boy”and continue reading about Tehzeeb. We can’t wait to see what books Zain writes in the future and to have him back!” 

– Gillian Younger, Teacher Librarian
The Sterling Hall School

Mehndi Boy Session (45 – 60 min)

Mehndi Boy is a heartfelt story that celebrates identity, culture, creativity, and inclusivity. Learn about the inspiration behind Mehndi Boy, discover more about henna traditions and artistry, and engage in an interactive storytelling with the author himself!

  • Introduction to henna and its cultural significance in South Asian culture 
  • Discussion on the journey behind publishing Mehndi Boy
  • Interactive read aloud storytelling of two chapters
  • Q&A session for students to ask their burning questions
  • Fun colouring & activity sheets for educators

Grades: 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12

Audience: Any size 

No caps, preference for students in related ages and grades to be grouped together so that I may tailor my presentation that is best suited to them.

Tech Requirements: I’ll need a projector or screen to display visuals from the book, and a small table and chair at the front of the space for me. If we are in a larger space, I will also need a mic and mic stand, as well as a handheld mic for student questions ideally. 

Purchasing Books: Happy to arrange for the purchase of signed copies of Mehndi Boy to students and staff, or coordinate with school administration if there is interest in ordering classroom sets. 

Being Queer & Muslim Session (60 min)* Intermediate & High School ONLY

An engaging conversation about the LGBT community and Islam, drawn from my own personal experiences coming out as gay to my family, how I found comfort in my queer Muslim identity, and the ways in which it has impacted my writing. Perfect for GSA (gender and sexuality alliance) clubs or for Pride Month. 

  • Introduction to being LGBT in the context of Islam 
  • Dispelling the misconception “you can’t be Gay and Muslim” 
  • Coming out at 19, my own personal journey
  • Joy, writing, and finding community 
  • Q&A session for students to ask their burning questions
  • Resources and literature for educators

Rates: $500 plus HST for one session. Plus a travel fee of $0.68 cents per kilometer if school is more than 30 km away from my home. A virtual visit is $300 plus HST per session.

Grades: 7-8, 9-12

Audience: Preference for 10-60 students per session

Tech Requirements: Projector or screen. If we are in a larger space, I will also need a mic and mic stand, as well as a handheld mic for student questions ideally. 

Contact Zain to book a visit:

    Weisfeld, Oren (Toronto, Ontario)

    Non-fiction storyteller. Widely reviewed author. Canadian LongReads recommended. All ages. $200 plus HST for 1 session, $350 for 2. In-person (G.T.A.) and virtual.

    Oren Weisfeld is a sports journalist whose work appears in The Guardian, Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, CBC, TVO, and more. His new book, The Golden Generation: How Canada Became a Basketball Powerhouse (ECW Press, 2025), has been called “Essential reading for basketball fans… especially for fans of Canadian sports history.” 

    Oren’s presentations focus on the power of storytelling in an ever changing media environment. The goal is to empower young creators with the tools to craft compelling narratives and share their views confidently and entertainingly across various platforms. He also enjoys giving media literacy workshops for older groups. 

    Oren generally begins presentations by introducing himself and recapping his career. While attending Oakwood Collegiate Institute in downtown Toronto, Oren fell in love with soccer and basketball but wasn’t good enough to continue playing competitively after high school, so he found a different way to stay involved in sports. He started by writing about them for his University newspaper and hosting shows at various radio stations around the country. Twelve years later, sports journalism has taken Oren from Victoria, B.C. for the Olympic men’s basketball Qualifying Tournament to Las Vegas for NBA Summer League to writing about several Olympic Games and World Cups. 

    Oren highlights how sports have a unique power to bring people together in an increasingly divided society. He explains the multitude of ways that kids can stay involved in their favourite sport long after their playing days are over, including sports journalism, content creation, public relations, coaching, and business. Finally, he dives into the basic tenets of sports storytelling and how narratives are created and distilled in the modern media environment. 

    Sports Writing Workshop

    Oren reads a chapter from his new book, The Golden Generation, to provide an example of what entertaining sports journalism can look like. He then explains how research, reporting, interviewing, writing, and editing combine to make a good story, teaching participants how to back up their opinions with facts and defend them with confidence. 

    The participants are then split into partners, where they interview each other and write a short “profile” story about their partner’s life using quotes from the interview. Select volunteers will then read their story to the group, who will edit it together following Oren’s lead, focusing on using colour to paint a picture, developing a hook to pull readers in, grammatical improvements, and how to incorporate quotes. This gives participants a taste of everything that goes into sports journalism, from interviewing to writing to editing to public speaking. 

    Content Creation Workshop

    Oren explains the shift we have seen in recent years from print to video journalism and content creation. He will then show participants examples of video essays, vlogs, and podcast clips from the internet, and the group will discuss why some videos were more successful than others.

    Again, participants will be split into pairs and work together to create a 30 second TikTok video (also known as a Reel) about their favourite sport or hobby. They will first storyboard the topic on paper before writing a script, recording it on a phone, and finally using TikTok or Instagram to edit the video. Oren will show participants how to include background music, images, text, and transitional elements into the videos to make them entertaining and informative, encouraging as much creative expression as possible. A couple volunteers will then share their videos with the class, who will discuss them in detail. 

    Media Literacy Workship

    Leaning on his Bachelor of Arts from Western University’s “Media, Information & Technoculture” program, Oren will begin by asking participants if they can make a distinction between media and social media. He will then highlight how our media consumption has changed over the years and what it means for our attention spans and productivity now that we consume media in shorter bursts. The groups will also discuss the difference between journalists and influencers — highlighting the unique ways that each of them shape trends and consumer behavior — before learning to differentiate between authentic and curated and/or branded content

    Oren will then give participants the tools to do research using a wide variety of mediums including books, newspapers, documentaries, podcasts, and large language AI models like Chat GPT. Participants will learn how to distinguish fact from fiction and to detect misinformation on these platforms. This workshop will end with a quiz where Oren tests participants on their media literacy and ability to snuff out biases in the media. 

    Contact Oren:

      Neville, Danny (Ottawa, Ontario)

      Danny is a member of CANSCAIP, SCBWI, and TWUC. Virtual visits $150 + HST. In-person $250 + HST (available in Ottawa, ON only).

      Danny is a children’s author, elementary school educator, and former teacher-librarian. He has worked in both public and independent schools across five continents. Danny is an advocate for fully funded and staffed school libraries, as well as a champion for 2SLGBTQ+ identities and communities. He currently lives in Ottawa with his husband and daughters. 

      As an author of chapter books, Danny’s presentations are best suited for elementary school audiences (Gr. 1-5). Presentations are prepared in collaboration with teachers and organizers.

      Presentation Options:

      Writing Workshop Style – This presentation includes a brief introduction to Danny’s journey as a writer, then dives right into the writing process for youth. He discusses tips for brainstorming ideas, various story map examples, how to write drafts, and the importance of editing and revising. By the end, participants will have a plan for creating their own 6-sentence stories. Best suited for single classes (or groups up to about 25 participants), the presentation runs for approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the grade level and needs of the group.

      Author Journey Format – This presentation includes Danny’s path to becoming an author, his writing process, a more in-depth look at his books and stories, as well as a Q&A session at the end. The presentation can be adapted for single classes or larger groups (up to 100 participants) and runs for approximately 45 minutes, depending on the grade level and needs of the group.

      Contact Danny for book a visit:

        Becker, Shari (Toronto, Ontario)

        SCBWI, CANSCAIP and The Writer’s Union. Picture Books, Middle Grade & YA

        Shari Becker is a critically acclaimed novelist and picture book author who has been writing and creating content, fiction and nonfiction for children and teens for over 25 years. Her nonfiction picture books include Taking Turns With Turtles: A Rescue Story and Sprouting Wings, which she co-authored. Her fiction picture books include Maxwell’s Mountain and Horris Grows Down. She has also written the YA climate-change adventure novel The Stellow Project, and she is currently working on a middle grade contemporary manuscript.

        Over the span of her writing career, Shari has tutored, taught and led creative activities for students in elementary, middle and high schools across North America. In 2017, Shari founded Whale Rock Literary Workshops, a master-level writing education company for children’s authors that employs award-winning authors and editors as well as MFA-level faculty. She holds an MA from New York University and kicked off her career developing branded content for Nickelodeon, Disney-owned properties, and an Emmy Award–winning puppeteer.

        Shari’s books have received honors including Bank Street Best Books Outstanding Merit, Children’s Book Council Notable Social Studies Book for Young People, Golden Kite Finalist, Oklahoma State Sequoyah Book Award Nominee, Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award Nominee and Charlotte Zolotow Honors. Multiple titles are Junior Library Guild selections, and she has received starred School Library Journal as well as a starred Publishers Weekly Reviews.

        Rates:

        Within Toronto, for in-person workshops, Shari’s rates are $300 for one session, $550 for two and $800 for three sessions. HST is additional. All sessions are between 45 and 60 minutes. For virtual workshops, Shari’s rates are $250 for one session, $450 for two and $675 for three. HST is additional. Kindergarten visits can be split into two 25 minutes visits with different classes. Travel fees may apply outside the metro-Toronto area.

        Presentations are available in Montreal when possible as I am there often.

        Presentations Available:
        Preschool through Kindergarten
        Taking Turns With Turtles: A Rescue Story
        25-30 minute storytime with question and answer period and optional art activity connected to turtles or other community helpers. Shari is happy to connect with teachers and librarians ahead of time to adapt the presentation to their current curriculum.

        Maxwell’s Mountain
        25-30 minute storytime with question and answer period and optional art activity connected to map-making and trip planning. Shari is happy to connect with teachers and librarians ahead of time to adapt the presentation to their current curriculum.

        Grades 3 – 5
        Sprouting Wings
        This 45-60 minute presentation includes a reading of the picture book as well as a conversation about the backstory and/or questions students may have about James Herman Banning.

        Class conversation will revolve around community and untold stories. Students will be given time to brainstorm an idea and write a story about either a community they are a part of or a greatest story from their family. If there is time we can share and read aloud.

        Shari is happy to connect with teachers and librarians ahead of time to adapt presentations to the current curriculum. As well, if appropriate, Shari can combine Taking Turns With Turtles as part of a class discussion around the concept of community.

        Grades 5 – 12
        Shari has taught workshops in schools and afterschool programs for private and public groups. She tutored high schoolers in essay writing as well as in writing personal statements for the US university application process.

        She will coordinate with school faculty to collaborate on specific, 45-60 minute writing workshops, aligned with the current curriculum, if desired, drawing on Shari’s extensive background in teaching creative writing and educational / academic writing to students.

        Some examples of her workshops for middle and high schoolers include:

        Using concrete nouns and creative verbs to enhance your writing
        We’ll explore how making word choices in writing can elevate a piece of writing. Shari will share and explore examples of paragraphs from age-appropriate literature where the authors use concrete nouns and unique verbs. Shari will create a list of nouns and verbs with students and each student will write their own paragraphs, which we will then share out loud and discuss.

        Character development
        Memorable characters stay with readers for a lifetime. Shari will lead students through a conversation around their favorite characters. She’ll investigate why these characters are beloved and how the authors created them. Shari will share selections from literature and discuss with the class all the various questions an author needs to consider when creating a character. Students will each be asked to answer a series of questions about a character and then write a paragraph where they “tell” us about a character using the “show don’t tell” approach.

        Dialogue and body language
        Compelling dialogue makes stories believable. In this workshop we’ll read a series of novel excerpts where characters are talking to each other. We’ll look at how real conversations often don’t include full sentences. Characters cut each other off, repeat themselves, start an idea and then continue later. We’ll look at how authors describe the characters’ bodies while they are speaking so that the reader can imagine the scene. Shari may ask two or three students to come up and act out the scenes they read. Students will then have an opportunity to write themselves or with partners a scene that contains dialogue and body language.

        Personal Essays
        Personal essays can be a powerful writing tool for both students applying to universities and students looking for a form of self-expression. Using examples of the US Common Application essay as a starting point, Shari can teach 10th-12th graders the art of writing about oneself. She’ll talk about how to find a great topic, how to use narration as a tool to hook readers, and how to bring the narrative together in a way that is memorable.

        Equipment required: Equipment differs from presentation to presentation. Flip chart and markers or whiteboard and pens, microphone and podium (for large rooms), paper and pencils or pens (for workshops). Art supplies may be needed or brought by author, TBD. Teacher and/or librarian must be present.

        Contact Shari to book a visit:

          Johnston, E.K. (Southwestern Ontario)

          Writers Union Member. Sci-Fi/Fantasy, White Pine (4) and Red Maple (1) nominee, Amy Mather’s Award winner, Monica Hughes Award nominee (2), LA Times Book Prize nominee, William C Morris Debut Award nominee. Grade 7-12.

          $500 for one session, $650 for 2, $900 for 3, + travel ($0.68/km, SW Ontario). Virtual visits $200.

          FOREST OF READING 2026 NOMINEE

          EK Johnston has been telling herself stories for as long as she can remember, and she’s pretty thrilled that her for real grown up job involves telling stories to other people. She especially loves talking to students, because those are the people she is writing for. With 17 YA novels (and counting!), EK can speak on the writing process and publishing as a business, and she loves answering the kinds of questions teenagers come up with.

          EK’s presentations are mostly student-led, following a Q&A format so that she engages with her audience on topics they find interesting (though she can “improv” while they’re warming up). She can answer a few questions about Star Wars, with the understanding that there are some topics she can’t speak on lest the chip in the back of her head activate. She prefers to talk to no more than 60 students for an hour (with teachers present), but also enjoys smaller groups, like book club lunches. She needs a microphone in any room bigger than a classroom, and appreciates some water and a bit of room to pace. (Sometimes she might need a desk to sit on, because she has a chronic spine condition.).

          Contact E.K. to book a visit:

            Presley, Nadine (Oakville, ON)

            Writer’s Union member. CANSCAIP.

            Rates:

            For in-person visits within the Greater Toronto Area, the rate is $300 + HST for the first session and $150 + HST for each additional session on the same day and at the same location. Each session runs 45 minutes to one hour, with a maximum of four sessions per day. Travel fees may apply.

            For virtual visits, the rate is $150 + HST per session, with the same session length and daily maximum of four.

            About Nadine Presley’s School Visits
            Poetry | Picture Books | Memory | Identity | Belonging | Home | Ramadan

            Nadine Presley is a Syrian Canadian picture book author passionate about storytelling and the healing power of poetry to preserve memory and identity. She brings a warm, empathetic, and flexible approach to her presentations, adapting to each group’s energy and interests. Drawing from her own experiences, growing up bilingual (English/ Arabic), rediscovering poetry after displacement, and her writing journey, Nadine creates engaging, sensory-rich sessions that invite students to explore their voices, connect deeply with stories, and develop empathy through creative self-expression.

            Sample Sessions by Grade:

            JK to Grade 1
            Using The City of Jasmine and A Ramadan Night, Nadine brings picture books to life with expressive reading, sensory language, and a gentle conversational style. These sessions are joyful, warm, and often filled with laughter, the laughter of family and cousins, the smell of jasmine in the air, and maybe even a surprise sound effect or two. Nadine also brings custom coloring pages to help students reflect through art. Rooted in rhythm, repetition, and inclusive conversation, these sessions are designed to spark curiosity, empathy, and joy.

            Grades 2 to 4
            Nadine encourages students to step into someone else’s shoes through her stories, while also reflecting on their own identity and emotions. With joy, energy, and a touch of the unexpected, she keeps students engaged while introducing them to rich sensory language and poetic imagery. Sessions often include simple, open-ended writing or drawing prompts that invite students to explore who they are and where they come from in creative, playful ways. Sessions can focus on a particular book or theme (e.g., Ramadan, memory, family, displacement), and are easily adapted for different classroom needs.

            Grades 5 to 8
            Nadine shares her journey from growing up bilingual to finding her voice as a poet. Students are invited to explore how stories carry memory, shape identity, and build empathy. Using guided sensory exercises and powerful writing prompts—such as “I come from…”—she helps students peel back the layers of their own experience and express themselves with authenticity and emotion. These sessions focus on creating immersive, layered writing that connects with readers. Includes Q&A and discussion around writing, publishing, and the creative process.

            Note: Nadine also has a deep passion for working with classes with students with special needs. Her inclusive, flexible sessions use tools like visual supports, sensory-friendly activities, and differentiated approaches to ensure every child can engage meaningfully and feel seen through storytelling.

            Contact Nadine to book a visit:

              Bontje, Laura (London, ON)

              Member of Editors Canada, CANSCAIP, and the Writers’ Union of Canada. School-age presentations are available for grades K–5 (author talks) or grades 5–8 (workshops). Custom presentations and workshops for adults or older students are also available.

              In-person presentations (45–60 minutes; max. 4 per day): $300 for 1 session; $250 for each additional session. For kindergarten, one session can be divided into two 25- to 30-minute presentations.

              Virtual presentations (45–60 minutes; max. 2 per day): $200 per session. For kindergarten, one session can be divided into two 20- to 25-minute presentations.

              Writing workshops (2 hours): $500 per session.

              NOTE: HST applies to all sessions; mileage of $0.55/km applies for visits more than 25 km from London, Ontario.

              Laura Bontje is a freelance fiction editor and children’s book author who writes stories that celebrate childhood curiosity, language, and STEM. A former teacher, Laura brings her experience in English and ESL classrooms to her presentations with students. Her first book, Was It a Cat I Saw? (Amicus Ink; illustrated by Emma Lidia Squillari), was released in 2024. Her second, When the Air Sang (Annick Press; illustrated by Sarah Whang), comes out on April 8, 2025, with more to come! Laura was raised in Calgary, Alberta, and now lives in London, Ontario.

              Author visits include a reading of one picture book, as well as time for Q&A. (Teacher tip: consider brainstorming some general questions with the class in advance!) Sessions can be customized to touch on themes that students are learning about in school. In addition to an introduction to the author and the writing and editing process, presentations may include the following:

              Was It a Cat I Saw? for kindergarten: interactive explanation of simple palindromes, seek-and-find in illustrations during read-aloud

              Was It a Cat I Saw? for grades 1–4: interactive introduction to more complex palindromes and figurative language; importance of rough copies and revision in text and art

              When the Air Sang for kindergarten [available after April 8, 2025]: interactive explanation of insects vs. bugs, comparison of the human and insect life cycle

              When the Air Sang for grades 1–4 [available after April 8, 2025]: introduction to annual vs. periodical cicadas, interactive brainstorming or game about identifying traces and traits of animals

              Writing workshops for grades 5–8: How do you get from idea to character to plot? Through a mix of discussion, examples, and writing prompts, Laura will guide students through the process of creating a story arc with clear stakes and understanding how each writer’s unique voice and imagination can lead to a variety of creative outcomes.

              Presentations for adults: From conference sessions to writers’ group visits, Laura is happy to customize presentations or workshops to suit the needs of your group! Reach out any time to discuss the possibilities.

              Laura can present to groups of any size, but the presentation style may vary according to the logistics of the group size and the space. Book orders and signings may be possible as part of the visit; contact Laura to discuss details.

              School presentation requirements: a screen and projector for PowerPoint (please notify Laura of technical needs for plugging in to the system), a microphone for presentations in gyms. Students can be seated at desks or on the floor.

              Workshop requirements: a whiteboard and paper flip-chart are preferred (along with markers), but if only one is available, that will still work. Seating that allows for collaboration in partners or small groups is ideal. Students will need paper and writing utensils.

              Contact Laura to book a visit:

                Dobson, Jillian (Richmond Hill, ON)

                Photo credit: Dorothy Puddester

                Jillian is a member of The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC), the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP), the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the CCBC.

                Jillian is the author of GIRL TAKES DRASTIC STEP!: How Molly Lamb Bobak Became Canada’s First Official Woman War Artist with artwork by Genevieve Simms. This is an inspirational story of perseverance through art with the title drawn directly from the first page of Molly Lamb Bobak’s World War II war diary.

                In Person Rates: $200 for one session (45 mins) Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km if outside of Greater Toronto Area. Virtual visits (30 mins) $150 (All visits subject to HST).

                This book and presentation would support the following subjects and themes:

                Canadian History/World War II History/Art History/Art/English/Remembrance Day/International Women’s Day/Women’s History Month

                Jillian is an experienced presenter and will engage young readers in the story of hard work and determination of how Molly Lamb Bobak followed her dream and became Canada’s first official woman war artist. Jillian will highlight how author and illustrator work together and the research process for this book including a glimpse of pages of Molly’s war diary.

                A live reading of the book followed by an introductory discussion and visual presentation about how women enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corp during WWII and what that experience was like for them based on Molly Lamb Bobak’s headline style journal.

                An engaging hands-on activity will encourage students to document, through writing and various mediums of art including sketching, doodling and drawing what goes on in their lives and classrooms in a unique way. Students will work on activity sheets to write their own headlines and then work as reporters to create a shared classroom headline journal.

                For older grades there will be a discussion about perseverance and following your dreams based on the story with art prompts for creating a dream journal.

                English language presentations for grades K-6 with a maximum per group of 30 with teacher or librarian present. Jillian will gladly collaborate with teachers or librarians to tailor the presentation to the interests and needs of the participants. Personalized and signed books may be ordered in advance and information will be provided to the organizer.

                Virtual Presentations:

                Reading and interactive online activity of building a classroom headline journal page or guided instruction through activity sheet shared with teacher/librarian in advance. Grades 1-6 – 45 minutes.

                Library Visits: (Pre-school to grade 6)

                Interactive reading followed by guided multi-media worksheet activity to create a headline journal page.

                Technology required: Screen or area to project, table and chair or stool

                Contact Jillian to book a visit:

                  Ludwig, Sidura (Thornhill, ON)

                  Membership: Writers’ Union of Canada, SCBWI, CANSCAIP, Association Jewish Libraries.

                  Awards: Vine Award for Fiction, 2021 (You Are Not What We Expected); Danuta Gleed Award, finalist, 2021; Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award, finalist, 2008.

                  Presentation rates, in person:  $325 for one session, $500 for half day (two sessions), $1000 for full day (four sessions, max). For outside of GTA, $.50/km. Presentation rates, virtual: $200 per session.

                  RISING is the recipient of the Canadian Jewish Literary Award for children and youth

                  Sidura is an internationally published writer of books for children and adults. She has over 30 years experience leading creative writing workshops to students of all ages. She loves nothing more than being in front of the classroom and sharing her life-long love of writing and books. She is the author of the picture book RISING (Candlewick, 2024), the middle grade novel SWAN (Nimbus, 2024), the adult short story collection YOU ARE NOT WHAT WE EXPECTED (House of Anansi, 2020) and the adult novel HOLDING MY BREATH (Key Porter Books, 2007).

                  Presentations

                  Middle Grade (4-8) (one hour)

                  Rejection is Your Best Friend – my journey on how I became a full-time working writer, including the year I tried to get rejected as many times as possible, and what I learnt along the way. Includes reading from SWAN, question and answer and short writing prompt.

                  Writing Historical Fiction – learn the background to writing SWAN, from idea, to research, to deciding why to write in verse. Includes photos from research in Nova Scotia. Writing workshop on how to get started when writing historical fiction and the importance of curiosity and asking questions (I WONDER poem).

                  Grades 1-3 (one hour)

                  How I became a picture book writer – presentation includes how I became a writer (with images from childhood), and how picture books get made. I read from RISING and include a lot of interactive questions with students. Art workshop on making a picture book, using an unpublished manuscript, where students get to be the illustrators. All art supplies included.

                  JK-SK (45 minutes)

                  Let’s Eat! – interactive song and storytime about making challah and celebrating Shabbat. Discussion on what foods do you eat when you are celebrating something? Read from RISING. Two station art workshop afterwards: 1) drawing picture of what you eat when you’re celebrating 2) learn to “braid challah” with Play Doh. All art supplies are included.

                  Maximum number of students: Grade 1-3, 50; JK/SK, 30; grade 4-8, 100

                  Preferred location: library or classroom, but am fine with anywhere that allows students room to both my presentation and art workshop (for JK-Grade 3).

                  Equipment: (Grades 1-3) projector, screen, glass of water, tables with enough seating for students for art workshop; (JK-SK) chair and table for circle time, tables and seating for students for two-station art workshop; (Grades 4-8), projector, screen, microphone for large groups

                  Contact Sidura 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: