Jess Hannigan is the author and illustrator of picture books, including Spider in the Well, The Bear Out There, and The Cow in the Dark at Night. Some say she has the heart of a designer and the sensibility of a professional clown. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario.
Her picture books have been Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, Kids Indie Next list picks, featured on NPR, honored by the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee’s 2026 Best Children’s Books of the Year list, and have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, and SLJ.
Book Topics: Hannigan’s picture books are all cheeky comedies, whether its spider webs and wishing wells, a familiar bear-related fairy tale with a twist, or a curious cow that may be lacking some stranger-danger senses. Librarians and booksellers have praised her books as great read-alouds, appealing to a wide range of age groups!
In-Person Presentations: $350+HST for one session, $500+HST for two same-day sessions, and $900+HST for an all-day visit. For presentations outside of the GTA and Kitchener/Waterloo region, travel expenses may need to be included. Virtual Visits: $250 + HST for one session, and $100 + HST for each additional presentation on the same day.
Presentation Format: Full presentation sessions are generally a 1hr, and covers her journey to becoming an author, developing her artistic style, and how she wrote and illustrated one or multiple of her picture books. This can also include a reading of the book, of course! The session can also be ended with a live drawing and/or a Q&A session. Also available is a shorter, story time session (30-45min), with a brief intro about Jess, a reading, and Q&A. Good for younger listeners!
Jess typically works with children ages 4-9, but she’s also enjoyed presenting to older kids/teens about my life as an author and artist. Presentations can also provide advice for making creative work that feels unique to you! Happy to work around your needs or hear out your presentation ideas!
Other Notes:
● A projector/screen is required for in-person visits if we want to show the slide presentation, as well as a microphone for larger groups of kids. ● 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.
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 is a Polish-Canadian children’s book author, book marketing consultant, and writing coach. With a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, she is the author of Something Lost Something Found and A Picture Day to Remember (Clavis, 2023), which has been translated into multiple languages. Her forthcoming book, Nina and the Missing Night (Pownal Street Press, Traditional Program), will be released on November 3, 2026, and is now available for pre-order.
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, the inspiration behind the books, a book reading, a discussion about how to come up with a story idea, an overview of how a book comes to life, and an SEL focused activity. There’s plenty of time for Q&A too!
Testimonials:
“Natalia presented a well crafted, engaging and hands on presentation to our grade one classes. It left our students buzzing and provided us as educators with lots of wonderful jumping off points to engage our students in meaningful writing activities. Highly recommend Natalia for an in school presentation! Thank you for sharing your story and knowledge with us.” -Robin W. Grade One teacher, Frontenac Public School
“We were absolutely thrilled to host Natalia at our school this week for a truly unforgettable author visit. Her engaging presence and amazing energy captivated our students, who were fascinated to learn about the behind the scenes magic of the writing process. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the reading of her book, “A Picture Day to Remember,” which left our young readers inspired and smiling. Thank you, Natalia, for exceeding all of our expectations—we are already counting down the days until we can welcome you back next year!” -Poonam G. Vice-Principal, Orchard Park Public School
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.
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.
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.
Member: Writer’s Union of Canada, Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Winner: Second Story Press’s Aboriginal Writing Award. Finalist: Ontario White Pine Award, Ontario Silver Birch Award, CLA Book of the Year for Children, CODE Burt Award, Hackmatack Award, Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award, First Nations Communities Read Award. Several times included in Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Children and Teens. All ages from 8 and up. Up to 100 or so participants. $250 for one session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km to and from Brampton, Ontario. Virtual visits $200 plus HST for 30-60 minutes, $150 plus HST for each subsequent session on the same day.
Susan Currie is a passionate and dynamic elementary teacher in Brampton, Ontario. Before she entered the public school system, she earned a living as an accompanist, music director, choir director, dinner musician, leader of various music programs for children, and piano teacher. She’s the author of two middle grade novels, and two YA novels. Her novels all explore themes of friendship, music, navigating challenges, being resilient, and finding your identity. She has also written three nonfiction books on Indigenous topics. Susan has been on multiple Indigenous writing teams through the Elementary Federation of Ontario. She wrote lesson plans and prompts for Spark, Pearson’s online reading program. Susan is an adoptee who was in the foster care system briefly as a baby, and only learned of her Haudenosaunee heritage (Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan) as an adult. She is happily married to John and has a wonderful daughter named Rachel.
Susan is extremely flexible as a presenter and can customize a presentation to the needs of each venue. Through years in the classroom, she is very comfortable engaging in conversation with young people. In each presentation, she will include readings from her books and a Q and A. Possible topics could include the following, but please reach out to discuss your needs as Susan will happily customize a session.
Friendship, strategies for building your voice, facing down bullies
Notable Indigenous figures like Autumn Peltier; telling how she has fought to protect water around the world; sharing how you can help
The history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Cayuga Nation, including life long ago, the impact of the Indian Act, and the rise of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; what you can do to help with reconciliation
Susan’s own history as an adoptee who later learned her Cayuga heritage
Raising awareness of social inequities, such as institutionalized racism, the limited rights of foster children, and differences in opportunities based on socioeconomic status; sharing how you can advocate for others in your immediate community and around the world
What it is like to be a writer, with focus on the process of writing a novel, and the steps you go through to have a published book
Susan is also delighted to do writing workshops with small groups (no more than 15 or so). Topics might include the following, but please reach out to discuss your needs as Susan will happily customize a session.
Building exciting scenes or characters
Fun ways to edit your work that bring your story to vivid life
Finding your creative voice
Using other art forms to inspire your writing – paintings, pieces of music, dance, etc. Writing a story based on one of these.
Telling a story from your life in a dramatically compelling way
Writing effective and interesting dialogue
Creating a character driven plot
Susan’s Books:
Basket of Beethoven (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2001)
Grades 4-8
Sam, whose single mom is so strapped for cash that she can barely afford food, talks the privileged Helen into teaching him how to play the piano. He has to keep up his end of the bargain, which involves getting rid of the threatening bullies who plague her. But anything is worth having an outlet for the music inside him. Themes: friendship, family, strategies for standing up to bullies, resiliency, courage, music, creativity, imagination.
The Mask that Sang (Second Story Press, 2016)
Grades 4-8
Cass learns about her Indigenous identity via a mysterious Haudenosaunee mask that shows her visions and sings to her. Through her friendship with Degan, an Indigenous boy, she uncovers what the mask is trying to tell her. Themes: magic realism, bullies, resiliency, systemic racism, residential schools, foster care, loss of identity, found friends, Indigenous history in Canada.
Haudenosaunee: the People and Nations (Saunders/Beech Street, 2023)
Grades 4-12
This nonfiction book explores the history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the impact of the Indian Act on Indigenous peoples in Canada. It also tells about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and ways that ordinary people can help to fulfil the calls to action. It highlights how the Haudenosaunee are fighting to regain their language and culture.
Amazing Women in Canada: Autumn Peltier (Saunders/Beech Street, 2024)
Grades 3-12
This nonfiction book tells about Autumn Peltier, who has become a water warrior on the global stage, fighting for the protection of water around the world, and advocating for the rights of people on reserves to have clean water. She has shown resiliency in her mission, not backing down even in the face of negative criticism.
Indigenous People and Nations: Cayuga (Saunders/Beech Street 2026)
Grades 4-12
This nonfiction book tells about the history of the Cayuga Nation, one of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. While highlighting ways that the Cayuga lived in the past, it also explores the impact of the Indian Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the fight to revitalize Cayuga language and culture.
Fierce Voice (Common Deer Press, 2025)
Grades 6-12
This YA novel is the sequel to Iz the Apocalypse (described below). Iz has everything she’s ever wanted: she’s found the foster home of her dreams and is attending the prestigious music school she moved heaven and earth to get into. But secrets from her past keep threatening to spill into the present, and Iz is sure that her newfound loved ones will abandon her if they learn of her terrible history. When she meets Skye, a young foster child with her own terrible secret, Iz must make a dreadful choice—one that could free them both from their demons or completely destroy everything Iz has fought so hard for. Is raising her voice worth the risk? Themes: advocating for foster children; music education; found family; adoption; finding your own power.
Fierce Voice is listed by CBC Books – 23 Canadian books for tweens & teens to read this fall
Iz the Apocalypse (Common Deer Press, 2023)
Grades 6-12
This YA novel is about a musically gifted foster child who does whatever is necessary to be able to attend a prestigious international high school for music and to have a voice of her own. Themes: challenges foster children face, including the way that a disrupted education eliminates many possibilities for the future; how past trauma impacts the present; creativity and the arts; finding identity; loneliness and found family.
All Venues. Equipment required: a glass of water, lunch if she’s staying for the day. A table to spread her things out on. A microphone for larger groups or in the gym. A screen and projector for presenting slides and doing shared writing.
Writers’ Union member. CANSCAIP member. Picture Books. Middle grade. Graphic Novels. English language presentations and workshops for all ages.
In-Person Visits (45-60 minutes): $300 for 1 session; $250 for each subsequent session up to four sessions in one day. A session may be split into two 25 minute storytime events for grades K-2.
Virtual Visits (45-60 minutes): $200 per session. A session may be split into two 25 minute storytime events for grades K-2.
FOREST OF READING 2026 NOMINEE
HST applies to all sessions. If travel is over 50 km, a rate of 50¢/km, round trip, will be charged. Accommodations may be required if the event is a lengthy distance for Casey to travel or takes place over multiple days.
Notables:
Multiple nominee for the CCBC Book Awards, the Forest of Reading, and the Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Awards (MYRCA)
Red Cedar Fiction Award winner
Selected for Junior Library Guild, OLA Best Bets, and the International Youth Library’s White Ravens list
Barnes and Noble Best Picture Book nominee
Testimonial: “Casey’s presentation was an absolute delight and so engaging for the over 150 students that came to see her! She shared her own story of perseverance in chasing her dream of writing stories and was so personable with the students answering all of their many questions with humour and respect. Casey’s story writing exercise provided the audience with an excellent example of developing their own story. Truly an inspiration to inspiring authors young and old. Thank you!” – Peggy Cline, Children’s Programming Coordinator, Grimsby Public Library
Casey Lyall is the author of nine (and counting!) humorous books for kids such as the Howard Wallace, P.I. series, A Spoonful of Frogs (illustrated by Vera Brosgol), Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is, Waking the Dead and Other Fun Activities, and The League of Littles (illustrated by Sara Faber.)
Casey offers fun, dynamic, and interactive presentations that entertain and inform while leaving her audience excited about creating their own stories.
Her general presentation covers the key elements that Casey has learned over her years as a writer while allowing time for a Q&A with students and a group story-building game. Casey 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 or on one of her books specifically, that can be accommodated.
Casey also loves presenting at libraries! She’s available for storytime visits as well as workshops for all ages. Reach out to discuss what kind of visit would best suit your organization.
If there is an interest in book sales at an event, Casey can provide order forms with instructions to help organize the process in advance. She co-ordinates with a bookstore that offers her titles at a discount.
Testimonial: “Casey presented at the Lakefield Literary Festival Children’s Tent Event, and we loved her performance. She had the kids and adults laughing with her fun, improvised story. It was hilarious, and very engaging for the audience. Casey was a skilled, organized and enthusiastic performer, and our community adored her.”- Kacie Gardiner, Lakefield Literary Festival and Selwyn Public Library
Free Virtual Visits: Casey offers a limited number of free fifteen-minute virtual visits to classes or book clubs who have read one of her books. These sessions are strictly Q&A only with no presentation.
Writing Workshops: Available on request. Fees negotiable based on time and intensity. Casey will work with schools and libraries to craft a workshop specifically suited to their needs. These are available for smaller groups – maximum size is one class or approximately twenty adults.
Equipment: Casey can accommodate presentations to groups of any size, but if she is presenting in a large venue, a microphone is required. A librarian, teacher, or other school representative must be present throughout any event. A digital projector and screen may be required (Some presentations are accompanied by PowerPoint slides. Casey can bring her laptop or provide a flash drive). A table to keep supplies on is also appreciated.
Member of The Writer’s Union of Canada; Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators (SCBWI); Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators & Performers (CANSCAIP); Access Copyright; MASC Artist/Instructor
Amanda’s rates: In-person workshops: $400 for one session, $625 for two, $850 for three. Virtual presentations: $300 for one session, $525 for two. No travel costs within GTA or Eastern Ontario. $.50/km west of Toronto, north of Ottawa.
Each program is adapted to the needs of the class/group.
CCBC Book Awards: Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People nominee, 2025 Lane Anderson Award
Amanda West Lewis combines careers as a writer, theatre artist, and calligrapher. She is the author of ten books for youth and young readers, including three-starred A Planet is a Poem, Focus Click Wind, (listed as one of the Best Books of 2023 by The Globe and Mail),and the semi-autobiographical novel These Are Not the Words, (recommended by the American League of Poets as recommended reading in 2022.)
Amanda’s books have been nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award and the Violet Downey IODE Award. She has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
In her theatre career, Amanda has acted, directed, produced, and written for theatre, as well as founded The Ottawa Children’s Theatre, a school dedicated to theatre education for young people. Her calligraphic artwork has been exhibited in numerous shows and she has written books on calligraphy and the development of writing.
Amanda teaches writing, theatre, and calligraphy to people of all ages, in schools and libraries across Canada.
Born in New York City, Amanda moved with her mother to Toronto, Canada as a teenager. She now lives with her husband, writer Tim Wynne-Jones, in the woods near Perth, Ontario, where they raised their three children.
Author Readings/Presentations
“A PLANET IS A POEM” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining Science and Literary Arts (Grades 1 – 5)
EUREKA! 2024 Excellence in Children’s Non-Fiction Award, California Reading Association HONOR BOOK;
NCTE Notable Poetry Book;
Cybils Award nominee 2024;
School Library Journal Best Poetry Books 2024
Lane Anderson Award 2025
This unique workshop combines Science AND Writing! Working with the book A Planet is a Poem, we’ll explore the solar system through poetry. What is a poem? How do planetary scientists use metaphors to explore big ideas? Why did I pair Saturn with a Sestina poem form? What’s a Companion poem, and why does it work for Pluto and Charon? We’ll take a deep dive into our solar system, talk about some of the poetic and magical things we can discover there, and write poems based on our discoveries.
Equipment And Other Requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board.
WRITING FROM MEMORY: A Poetry Writing Workshop (Grades 1 – 12/sec V)
Memories are made of small moments that can form the basis for new story ideas. In this collaborative workshop, we’ll start with the writing prompt: “What is your earliest memory?” Together, we’ll create a series of group poems that are both specific and personal. We’ll also look at examples of how this same memory prompt inspired the verse novel “These Are Not the Words.”
The workshop explores ways that our memories and dreams can spark ideas and springboard us into larger writing projects.
Equipment and other requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board. Writing utensils.
“CONFLICT FROM BOTH SIDES”A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining History and Literary Arts (Grades 5 – 12/ sec V)
In “Conflict from Both Sides,” the focus is on an empathetic understanding of World War 2. Looking at the lives of British and German children, we’ll explore true stories of young people in England, Germany, the United States, and Canada who had to face the challenges of World War 2 and the Vietnam War. Working with the novels September 17 , The Pact, and Focus. Click. Wind, we’ll discuss the impact of propaganda, indoctrination, racism, and survival.
Equipment And Other Requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. Writing utensils
“A LENS ON THE PRESENT” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining History and Literary Arts (Grades 7 – 12/ sec V)
Opening a window into the past gives us an understanding of our present moment. Using the YA novel Focus. Click. Wind, we’ll look at some of the reasons behind political activism in 1968 and draw parallels between 1968 and contemporary political movements. Looking at the past shows us there are reasons to be optimistic and hopeful about our own future.
Equipment and other requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. Writing utensils.
“WHAT’S BEYOND?” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop Combining Literary Arts and TheatreArts (Grades 7 – 12. sec V)
We can learn a lot about a character by what they don’t say. Conveying the space between words –– the pauses in life –– is an essential skill for any writer. This unique, interactive workshop combines theatre and writing skills. Drawing on improvisation and drama games, we’ll explore character motivation, points of view and dialogue as we discover the hidden meaning beyond the words.
Equipment and other requirements: A large pace to move around in. Writing utensils.
“ILLUMINATED LETTERS”A Cross-Curriculum Workshop Combining Literary Arts and Visual Arts(Grades 5 – 12/ sec V)
This workshop helps to develop a love and passion for letters by combining writing skills with artwork.
The workshop starts by writing simple poems based on participants’ names. Then, we’ll learn how to draw Versal letters in the style of 15th Century Books of Hours. These illuminated letters will be used to create a uniquely decorated poem. Equipment and other requirements: Two-session workshop. A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board. Paper and pencils.
Indigenous Editor’s Association, longlisted for the First Nations Community Reads Program, ANDPVA National Signature Online Event 2022.
Presentation Rates: 250.00 for one session, $450.00 for two, $675.00 for three, $1,000 for full day. Travel fee $.50/km if outside of Toronto. I don’t drive and would require funding for train or bus, plus Uber if available.
Virtual Visit Fees range from $200-$250
Christine Miskonoodinkwe-Smith- is a Saulteaux woman from Peguis First Nation and the author of “These Are the Stories: Memories of a 60s Scoop Survivor”. She is an author, editor, writer, and journalist who graduated from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Aboriginal Studies in June 2011 and went on to receive her Master’s in Education in Social Justice in June 2017. Her first non-fiction story “Choosing the Path to Healing” appeared in the 2006 anthology Growing Up Girl: An Anthology of Voices from Marginalized Spaces. She has written for the Native Canadian, Anishinabek News, Windspeaker, FNH Magazine, New Tribe Magazine, Muskrat Magazine and the Piker Press. She has also co-edited the anthology Bawaajigan with fellow Indigenous writer Nathan Niigan Noodin Adler.
Readings, Talks on Healing, Writing
Preferred Venues- small spaces, libraries, café’s etc
Preferred Audience Size-10-25 people, more if comfortable
Member of the Writer’s Union, CANSCAIP, Storylines Trust, SCBWI, IAAMB, and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Multi-awards, including Literary Classics Book Awards (Silver), Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, Canada Book Awards, Finalist for Best Book Awards, Wishing Shelf Book Awards for my 8 picture books so far. Ages 5 – 8/Kindergarten – Grade 3. Author of picture books and middle grade books.
$200 for one in-person reading, Q&A, and prepared presentation, plus travel ($15 within Toronto, cost of return ticket on a case-by-case basis for outside of Toronto within southern Ontario—in-person visits will depend on ease of travel to the location). All activity PDFs and book order forms are included and emailed in advance of the scheduled visit.
$150 for one virtual reading, Q&A, and prepared presentation. All activity PDFs and book order forms are included and emailed in advance of the scheduled visit.
Regan has been a published children’s book author since 2015, and has been doing in person class presentations as her schedule has permitted since 2018. In 2020, she pivoted to virtual presentations. Because of her commitment to writing, her canine and feline massage therapy business, and marketing her three businesses, she is only available for 1-2 class presentations in one day. She is now also expanding to include more school and library visits.
Presentations according to book and Grades:
Peter Little Wing (Gr. 4 – 6):
Peter, a captive Southern Fiordland tokoeka kiwi, and his friends from the National Aquarium—Onion, a little blue penguin with an inner ear imbalance; Tim, a tuatara with Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Rangi, a kea with clipped wings—embark on a quest through the unfamiliar wilderness of New Zealand in search of three ingredients needed to create an elixir to cure Peter’s ailing grandfather. Together, they traverse the length of the South Island of Aotearoa, all the way across the Cook Strait and back home to the North Island. They learn what they are all capable of in the wild of the wop wops, and what the world beyond the “Wall of Shadows” of Peter’s habitat is all about.
After a reading of Chapter 1, plus a Q&A, I have a keynote presentation which will include information about the species represented by the main characters (kiwi, little blue penguins, tuatara, kea, brushtail possums and Green and Golden Bell frog), as well as a few other NZ species of interest. Included is information about New Zealand itself, and the locations mentioned in the book (Napier/Hawke’s Bay, Queenstown, Haast Pass, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson, Punakaiki, Mount Richmond Forest Park, the Wairau river, Picton/Marlborough region, and Wellington).
There is also the opportunity for your students to do their own presentations and project assignments and an optional NZ/British vocabulary/expression discussion. I am available to return to watch and review student presentations (extra $100 plus travel fee).
Along with book order forms, I can also send a PDF of optional projects and presentations the students can do. The approximate length of the reading, Q&A and key note presentation is 60 minutes.
Dog Band (Gr. 1 & 2): In this story, a newly formed band comprised of dogs ask their group of diverse friends—from dogs to frogs—what their favourite music genre is as they decide what kind of music they want the band to play.
After the reading of the story, I have a keynote presentation that includes a bit of information on some of the real life versions of the main characters, along with some background on their (dog/cat) breeds; information about types of musical instruments, including brass, percussion, strings, keyboards, and woodwinds (sound samples are included). I then give a little introduction and discussion of each of the musical genres presented in the book, including: rock, jazz, hip hop, folk, reggae, opera, swing/big band, rock & roll, blues, country, musical theatre, classical.
Easy and fun activities are included in the PDF I email in advance, along with book order forms: five colouring pages, two drawing pages, maze, name the members of the band, and postcard. The approximate length of the reading, Q&A, and presentation is 30 minutes.
Chloe the Unfeathered Parrot (Gr. 1, 2 & 3): This tale is based on a true story, and a true parrot, and the people at the Parrot Sanctuary who help this near-featherless parrot find her forever flock.
After reading, I have a keynote presentation on parrots and parrot rescue. We’ll talk a little bit about the real Parrot Sanctuary, some of the issues presented in the book (Why did Chloe start plucking her own feathers? Why was her previous owner’s home and lifestyle not the right fit for her?), a little bit about the real Chloe, the other parrots mentioned in the book, facts about different kinds of parrots (those that are sometimes kept as pets, and those that are only in the wild), diagram of a parrot’s wing, set up and care for pet parrots, and optional extras like “what is an orthinologist?” Also optional, presentations that the students can do (make a poster, make a diorama, raising awareness certificate).
Easy and fun activities are included in the PDF I email in advance, along with book order forms: five colouring pages, two drawing pages, maze, name the parrot, and postcard. The approximate length of the reading, Q&A, and presentation is 30-45 minutes.
For an additional $175, plus travel (Toronto area only), a 15-20 minute visit from volunteers and one or more parrots from The Parrot Sanctuary can be included after my reading, Q&A, and presentation. This additional $175 is donated directly to The Parrot Sanctuary. (Please note that if the parrot visit option is chosen, all efforts will be made to keep the parrots “nut free” but that parents with children who have nut allergies should be made aware ahead of the visit).
And for an additional $250, there is also the option to take this visit “on the road” to the Children’s Conservatory at Allan Gardens (19 Horticultural Avenue, Toronto)! Join the author, Parrot Sanctuary volunteers, and parrot guests with your class at Allan Gardens for a reading of Chloe the Unfeathered Parrot and presentation, as well as Q&A and engagement with Parrot Sanctuary volunteers and parrots! (Please note that parents with children who have nut allergies must still be made aware ahead of the visit)
Tamara Turtle’s Life So Far (Grades 2 & 3): Through the eyes of one Red-eared Slider turtle, this story explains why pet turtles should never be impulse purchases, and why they should not be released into the wild.
After the reading of the story, I have a keynote presentation that includes discussion/comparison of portions of the story (i.e. What does the Painted turtle mean when she says the wrong kind of animal in the wrong place can throw everything off?); optional exercise—dividing into groups to make lists of what was learned from the book, and questions they still have; basic facts about Red-eared Slider turtles; Red-eared Slider key features; turtles you might find in pet stores; turtles native to Ontario; map of Red-eared Slider distribution; map showing where they have “invaded” Ontario; pet turtle set up equipment; what a pet Red-eared Slider needs to be happy & healthy in your home; pet turtle foods and “human foods” that they can and cannot eat; approximate (and simple) budget for keeping a pet turtle (to discourage impulse buying or adopting); reasons people sometimes give up their pet turtles and what they should do; what is a herpetologist?; optional vocabulary and activities (make a poster, make a diorama, raising awareness certificate).
Easy and fun activities included in the PDF I email in advance, along with book order forms: four colouring pages, a maze, picture drawing. The length of this presentation can be adjusted to best suit your class, whether you need to fill an hour or half an hour.
For an additional $150, plus travel if outside Toronto (and depending on whether there is a volunteer available in your region—contact me to discuss options), a 15-20 minute visit from one of the volunteers and her Red-eared Slider turtle from Little RES Q Reptile Rescue can be included after my reading, Q&A, and presentation. Afterwards, there is also the option to include a “turtle” activity session. This additional $100 is donated directly to Little RES Q
Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese (Gr. K, 1 & 2): This story is about a Burmese cat whose creative imagination games take her on wonderful adventures.
After the reading of the story, I have a keynote presentation that includes a little bit of background on the origins of the Burmese cat; examples of Beverlee’s imagination games; then the kids get a chance to reimagine different animals!
Easy and fun activities included in the PDF I email in advance, along with book order forms: five colouring pages, a story writing page, drawing pages, and a maze. The approximate length of the reading, Q&A, and presentation is 20-30 minutes.
Alternate Class Visit ($50 extra): Picture book writing and illustration workshop (with reading of Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese) for Grades 2 through to 6
Objective: To allow kids to discover the ins and outs of creating their very own picture books from both sides, authorship and illustration
My visit: After a reading of Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese, I take the students through the process of how the book was created—from writing the story, to planning the illustrations, working with the illustrator, then putting the book together with the publisher. Students will see the very first edition of Beverlee—my Grade 6 picture book writing project overseen by Canadian author Emily Hearn, allowing them to see how far a “little writing project” can go. This visit goes hand-in-hand with a picture book writing and illustrating project that the students will undertake. They can begin either before my visit, during my visit (after my presentation), or after my visit, but whatever stage of the process you want my visit to take place, the students’ picture book project would unfold as follows:
Mixter Twizzle’s Breakfast (Gr. K, 1 & 2): This story is about an odd, red, round-shaped mischievous creature living at Riverdale Farm in Toronto, who learns the error of his mischievous ways when he accidentally hatches a baby chick.
After the reading of the story, I have a keynote presentation that includes some background information about Riverdale Farm (in Toronto, where the story is set); short presentations on some of the farm animals present in the story.
Easy and fun activities included in the PDF I email in advance, along with book order forms: three colouring pages, maze, drawing page, make a poster, and parts of a chicken. The approximate length of the reading, Q&A, and presentation is 30 minutes.
Libby the Lobivia Jajoiana (Gr. 2 & 3): This story is about a cactus plant who learns that what makes her different also makes her very special.
After the reading of the story, I have a keynote presentation that includes information and background on Libby’s (lobivia jajoiana cactus) and Violet’s (African Violets) native habitats; violets in space trivia; cactus uniqueness and traits (how they evolved); growing a cactus or violet at home. Easy and fun activities included in the PDF I email in advance, along with book order forms: three colouring pages, drawing pages, maze, and further to growing a cactus at home (full instructions through Cactus Caffeine’s YouTube channel). The approximate length of the reading, Q&A, and presentation is 30 minutes.
For an additional $250 the full reading and presentation of Libby the Lobivia Jajoiana can be booked at Allan Gardens on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday. After the reading, presentations, and Q&A, teachers and students are invited to stroll through the greenhouses (especially the cactus enclosure!). Total time available in the greenhouses is 2 hours (including reading and presentation). Please note that there is a playground located in the park outside the greenhouses, which makes for a great “waiting space” for staff and students prior to the visit.
Sloth the Lazy Dragon (Gr. K, 1 & 2): In this story, a brave little dwarf helps Sloth get in shape by teaching the dragon about nutrition and exercise.
After the reading of the story, I have a keynote presentation that includes examples of healthy foods; examples of exercise (which can be turned into an interactive activity); which are the healthier food choices discussion.
Easy and fun activities included in the PDF I email in advance, along with book order forms: make a poster, name some vegetables, name some fruit, circle healthy food choices, two colouring pages, two drawing pages, maze.
Merry Myrrh the Christmas Bat (Gr. K, 1 & 2): In this story, Myrrh experiences the wonders of his first Christmas, as well as the kindness of the farm family that find him in their home.
After the reading of the story, I have a keynote presentation that includes information about the little brown bat, including North American distribution map; information about white-nose syndrome (which adversely affects many bats); frequently asked questions about bats answered; why bats are so important to our ecosystem.
Easy and fun activities included in the PDF I email in advance, along with book order forms: three colouring pages, parts of a bat sheet, maze, make a poster, and draw the four seasons. The approximate length of the reading, Q&A, and presentation is 30 minutes.
I prefer groups of no more than two classes (of approximately 30 students per class). Any venue is fine (in-person) provided there is a projector and screen available. I have a MacBook Air M1 2020, or iPad Pro first generation with an HDMI adaptor for each. I can also provide the files on a USB thumb drive. If absolutely necessary, I do have an Epson projector, but I do not have a screen. PDFs of activities and book order forms will be sent by email in advance. It is up to you whether you prefer to pass these forms or activities on to students/parents by email, or print out and photocopy for your class.
Jen Lynn Bailey is an award-winning children’s author and certified Ontario elementary teacher. She is the recipient of the 2023 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award, picture book category, for her debut picture book This is the Boat that Ben Built (illustrated by Maggie Zeng, published by Pajama Press 2022).
Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, the Ontario College of Teachers, the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Canada, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP). English language presentations and workshops for grades K-6; all ages on request.
In-person rates for a classroom visit (40- to 60-minute sessions): $275 for one, $400 for two, $530 for three, $680 for a full day (4 sessions). For larger presentations with up to 100 students in the same or adjacent grade level(s): $375 for a 45- to 60-minute presentation. Published fees are for schools; fees for other settings are subject to change. Venues over 25 km from Ottawa centre will be charged a travel fee for artist’s transportation costs.
Virtual visit fees are $150 for one 45-minute session (or two 25-minute sessions for kindergarten students); $125 for each additional session the same day.
Jen is an experienced teacher, workshop leader, and presenter who loves introducing kids to the animals of the northern river ecosystem through fun, interactive sessions. She also enjoys teaching about writing and about how picture books are made. She will gladly collaborate with teachers and/or librarians to customize visits to meet the children’s interests and the teachers’ curriculum requirements. Students and staff have the option to order personalized, signed books which will be delivered to their school. Jen will provide ordering instructions.
Here are some sample presentations, which each include an author intro and Q&A:
This is the Boat that Ben Built – Participatory Reading & Activities Age level: K – grade 1; Duration: two 25-minute sessions. Appropriate for up to 30 students for optimal engagement.
The first 25-minute session introduces kids to the northern river ecosystem in a fun participatory reading session of This is the Boat that Ben Built. Jen also discusses idea generation and the inspiration for the story. The second 25-minute session includes a generative alliteration activity and an animal size classification activity.
Key concepts: ecology, species diversity, food webs, STEM, poetry
Key themes: curiosity, natural world, exploration
Explore a Book! Explore an Ecosystem! Age level: Grades 2-6; Duration: 45-60 minutes. Appropriate for classroom visits or larger venues.
Students will explore the picture book This is the Boat that Ben Built through the lens of a reader, writer, scientist, and artist. They’ll discover how the author and illustrator work together to create a picture book, and how the animals of the northern river ecosystem are interconnected in the story and real world.
Key concepts: ecology, species diversity, food webs, STEM, picture book creation, writing process, cumulative stories, science
Writer’s Workshops Age level: K – grade 6; Duration: 45-60 minutes (shorter for kindergarten). Appropriate for visits with up to 30 students.
Animals as Story Starters: Story ideas come from our real-world experiences with people, places, and things. One great source of inspiration is animals in their natural environments. In this workshop, we’ll use animal behaviours, habitats, and adaptations to generate story characters, settings, and conflicts.
Witty Words, Awesome Animals: A Poetry Workshop:Kids will use their “poetry toolkits” to uncover meaning and music in a variety of animal poems, then generate their own. For K-4, the emphasis will be on descriptive words, comparisons and repeated letter sounds; in grades 5-6 more specific poetic techniques will be identified and explored (e.g., similes and metaphors, alliteration, consonance, assonance, onomatopoeia)
If you are interested in writing workshops for students in grades 7 – 8, secondary school, or college, or in workshops for adults, please contact Jen about your group’s needs. Jen offers picture book manuscript critiques as well.
Following a participatory reading of This is the Boat that Ben Built, Jen will lead kids in a simple craft about the animals in the northern river ecosystem. Digital templates will be provided in advance; craft supplies to be provided by the library.
General Equipment needs: For in-person visits, laptop with PowerPoint or Google Slides (Jen will bring her own laptop if it can be connected to school projector, otherwise she will bring a USB stick), digital projector and screen for presentation, microphone if the space is larger than a classroom, chair or stool. For virtual visits, school Zoom account (or similar). Student supplies depend on chosen session and will be discussed prior to visit. Teacher or librarian must be present for all presentations, virtual or in-person.
Jen offers picture book manuscript critiques as well.
