Category: Our Presenters

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:

    Strauss, Rochelle (Toronto, ON)

    Writer’s Union member. Member of CANSCAIP, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Science Writers and Communicators of Canada, Society of Children’s Book and Writers and Illustrators, National Marine Educators Association, North American Association for Environmental Education, Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication, and Canadian Network for Ocean Education. A selection of awards and honour include UNESCO Ocean Literacy, United Nationals Sustainable Development Book Club, Green Prize for Sustainable Literature, Santa Monica Public Libraries Winner, Sigurd F Olsen Nature Writing Award for Children’s Literature Winner, International Book Award, Society of School Librarians Winner, and several other awards and honours.

    Fees for on-site visits: $350 + HST per presentation, $600 + HST for two presentations on the same day. Each additional presentation on the same day $250 + HST, up to a maximum of 4 presentations. Mileage for school visits outside of Toronto $0.61/km. Accommodation fees may apply if outside GTHA. Fees for virtual visits: $350 + HST per presentation, $250 + HST for each additional presentation on the same day, to a maximum of 4 presentations per day.

    Rochelle Strauss is on a mission to change the world – one book at a time! As an environmental educator and award-winning children’s author, Rochelle is dedicated to building environmental literacy and inspiring people to become active stewards of our planet. Through her work, she uses compelling storytelling to bring complex ecological processes and environmental issues to life, helping young people better understand the natural world and empowering them to make a positive impact. Most importantly, Rochelle also brings HOPE by sharing ripples of change – good new stories from around the world. Rochelle’s children’s books have won several awards, been translated globally and incorporated into curriculum in the US. The Global Ocean is a UNESCO endorsed Ocean Decade Activity, and One Well: The Story of Water on Earth was selected as part of the UN’s SDG Book Club in support of SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. One Well has also sold over half a million copies internationally. An active speaker and presenter, Rochelle can often be found building environmental literacy in classrooms around the world and raising the profile of non-fiction books as tools for STEM education at conferences and teacher training workshops. 

    School Programs:

    The Global Ocean

    What if Earth had a beating heart that powered everything on the planet? In a way, the Global Ocean is like Earth’s Heart.

    Using this powerful premise, this presentation focusses on building Ocean Literacy – the understanding of the ocean’s influence on us, and our influence on the ocean.

    Diving into the global ocean students learn about the ocean and how it sustains all life on Earth. They explore the important roles the ocean plays in supporting life, such as regulating Earth’s climate, controlling weather, providing habitat, and as a source of food for many animals on the planet (including people). Students also hear about the many issues affecting the health of the global ocean such as pollution, global warming, overfishing, habitat destruction, etc.

    But Rochelle’s emphasis is on HOPE. Using stories called ripples of change, Rochelle shares good news stories of ocean conservation and action from around the world, to demonstrate how people, organizations and governments are taking action and making a difference. An interactive activity engages the entire audience to demonstrate how even the smallest action have a big impact, leaving students feeling empowered, inspired and hopeful!

    Curriculum connections: water cycle, ecosystems, habitats and communities, environment, diversity of living things, earth systems, climate change, food chains and webs, earth and human activity, weather and climate.

    One Well: The Story of Water on Earth

    Imagine for a moment that all the water on Earth came from just one well.

    During this presentation, Rochelle leads students on a journey to become Well Aware, by building their water literacy. Students discover how all water on Earth is connected, as well as explore the water cycle, water as habitat, and the issues impacting Earth’s one well, such as the limited amount of freshwater on Earth, access to the well, demands on the well and pollution in the well. Shared stories also demonstrate how plants and animals (including people) use and depend on water.

    The presentation wraps with good news stories and an opportunity for students to brainstorm actions they can take to protect water on Earth. A final dramatic moment comes with an activity that demonstrates how every student has the power to create their own ripples of change. The activity leaves the students feeling empowered and inspired.

    Curriculum connections: water cycle, ecosystems, habitats and communities, environment, diversity of living things, earth systems, climate change, food chains and webs, earth and human activity, weather and climate.

    Order One

    Important Info:

    • Grades: 3-7 (accommodations can be made for younger/older)
    • Group size: Max 150 students per presentation (happy discuss larger groups)
    • Requirements: LCD projector and screen, as well as mic and speaker for groups of 30 or more.
    • Virtual visits can be conducted via Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.
    • Times: Rochelle can (and has!) accommodated presentations around the globe, in a range of time zones.

    Contact Rochelle to book a visit:

      Jones, Kevin (aka Kevin heronJones) Brampton, Ontario

      (Writer’s Union), Hackmatack Award Nominee (2023)  Named Brampton’s Official Writer-in-Residence (2025) Knowledge Bookstore nomination for best spoken word CD recording (2011) Telly Award: Video production of heronJones Presents The Season (2006) Golden Sheaf Award nomination for the Yorkton Short Film Festival multicultural category for heronJones Presents The Season (2006) Roots Lounge Slam Poetry Champion (Multi Awards) Wordlympics Team Poetry Slam Runner-up (2004) Urban Music Association of Canada nomination for best poetry recording (2001)

      In Person and Virtual Visits.  Grade four to University in age:

      Workshops/Author Readings $400 per session (1 hr)

      Workshops include Performance/reading along with lecture and coaching (up to 40 students per session)

      Author Readings include Live reading and discussion (no restrictions on number of students)

      Performances $400 per session (1hr)

      Performances include Live show/concert with Q&A (no restrictions on number of students)

      Travel rates .50 cents per kilometer, round-trip outside of the GTA

      Multiple sessions up to 4 per day are negotiable

      Kevin heronJones is a novelist, poet, journalist, editor, narrator and lecturer. This electrifying artist is best known for his profound and powerful delivery. He is currently serving as the city of Brampton’s first Writer-in-Residence. He grew up in Jane/Finch Toronto and Brampton.  He studied journalism at Sheridan College and creative writing with the University of Toronto. He is the founder of PoeticSoul, an organization dedicated to promoting the poetic arts scene and providing lovers of poetry with quality entertainment. He’s held numerous workshops for students throughout the Greater Toronto Area, providing an interactive introduction to storytelling and spoken word where students are challenged to create their own prose and oratory creations and believe in their creative abilities. He has authored three published novels, three books of poetry, he has recorded three spoken word poetry CDs and narrates literature through his Listen Fiction platform.

      Writing Fiction Workshop: Finding Inspiration

      60 minutes, grades – 4-8

      Students are encouraged to create their own stories with coaching from Kevin Jones

      How do we know what to write? Inspiration comes from the places we least expect (the places we don’t pay attention to)

      What is your favourite show, movie, song, poem?

      What is your favourite saying, quote, lyric?

      What excites you, makes you mad, happy, upset?

      What are the top news stories? What did you read on a billboard today? What did you see in a commercial?

      These are possible starting points when you are trying to figure out what to write

      * Additional Writing Workshops can be constructed to suit your school’s writing goals and student interests.

      Author Reading

      60 minutes, grades – Elementary/Middle School/Secondary

      Narration/reading excerpt of Half Court Trap or Not Talking About You (Elementary/Middle School)

      Narration/reading excerpt of Hacking Heartbreak (Middle School/Secondary)

      Discussion of novel’s themes

      • Half-Court Trap – Body image, sportsmanship and bullying
      • Not Talking About you – Racism and sportsmanship
      • Hacking Heartbreak – Social media ethics, romantic relationships and cyberbullying

      Black History Month Assembly:

      60 minutes, grades – Elementary/Middle School/Secondary

      Spoken word poetry performance

      Talk about equality

      Celebration of African achievements

      African History facts

      Q & A

      Writing Poetry Workshop:

      60 minutes, grades – Elementary/Middle School/Secondary/College

      Spoken word poetry performance

      Storytelling and Poetry for Beginners (Elementary school students)

      The Art of the Spoken Word (Secondary school students)

      How to Write and Perform Slam Poetry (Secondary school, College/University)

      Urban Griots (College/University students)

      What You Think Is What You Are (Business/General public)

      Preferred Venues 

      Workshops – Classroom or library

      Poetry performances – Gymnasium or Theatre

      Author Readings – No stipulation

      Tech Required

      Projector for workshopsand author readings

      Book Kevin for a visit

        Hazard, N.M.L. (Nadja) Toronto, ON

        Member: The Writers Union of Canada, CANSCAIP, SCWBI. Fiction writer. Skipping Stones Book Award 2025. In person sessions: $250 for one, $450 for two, $600 for three, $800 for four . Mileage within Toronto waived, otherwise $.50 cents/km for SW ON.

        Nadja is a veterinarian turned writer, and an experienced workshop facilitator for both adults and children. She is the author of a children’s chapter book series, as well as a short story collection and a novel for adults. As a life-long animal lover and longtime advocate for them, Nadja always shares her passion for nature and animals with her audiences.

        “A truly engaging and inspiring visit. The children were completely captivated by her storytelling.” Judith Goldberg, Principal, Bayview Glen PS (YRDSB)

        Presentations:

        Nadja is an extremely flexible presenter, and very familiar with the Ontario curriculum through her work with Scientists in School. She is willing and able to adapt her workshops to cover topics such as animal needs and characteristics, life cycles, habitats, biodiversity, and more.  She also loves to facilitate creative writing with engaging prompts and activities. Regardless of the workshop theme, Nadja shares her childhood love of both books and animals, her career as a veterinarian, and her passion for storytelling.

        Let’s Talk Dogs!

        Target Audience: Grades 1-3

        Nadja will guide students through ways to understand doggie feelings in this dynamic and interactive presentation. Her second children’s chapter book, Tizzy and Me: The Incredible Adventure of Moondog’s Eye, explores the joys and challenges of adopting a dog. Using her book as a guide, students will learn Doggie SOS, a quick and simple way to stay safe around dogs, as well as how to read a dog’s body language. (For some extra fun, they’ll also learn to speak a little guinea-pig!) Students will have a chance to “adopt” their own dog. As a wrap-up, students will use story stones to generate their own animal stories.

        Let’s Be Animal Kind

        Target Audience: Grades 2-5

        Description:

        Nadja will introduce students to the mink, a semi-aquatic animal native to Canada. Using her children’s chapter book, Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways to Love a Mink as a guide,students will learn about mink characteristics, as well their needs. They will be introduced to the issue of mink fur farming in Canada, in a sensitive and age-appropriate way. Finally, they’ll get to be “Animal Kind” kids and explore ways to take action to help animals. Each student will design, make and keep their own poster and/or button. As a wrap-up, students will use story stones to generate their own animal stories.

        Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways to Love a Mink: friendship, family, kindness, conflict, mink, dogs, animals, animal activism, protests, Toronto, LGBTQ+.

        Tizzy and Me: The Incredible Adventures of Moondog’s Eye: friendship, family,  adoption, dogs, guinea pigs, animals, dog safety, doggie language, doggie SOS, veterinarian, Toronto, LGBTQ+.

        Group Size Preference: 12 – 25 (maximum 40)

        Venue: classroom

        Tech: projector and screen for Power-Point

        Book Nadja for a visit

          Santos, Paola (Edmonton, AB)

          Bilingual picture book author (Spanish-English). Member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Canadian Children’s Book Centre, and Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP). Rates are $120 plus GST for a 30-minute Storytime and Q&A, $200 for a single 60-minute session, $325 for two, and $450 for three. Please note that a travel fee also applies.

          Virtual visits rates: $100 plus GST for a 30-minute Storytime and Q&A, $150 plus GST for a single 60-minute session, $300 for two, and $400 for three.

          Paola Santos is a Venezuelan-born children’s book author. After moving to Canada, she found the courage to share the words and stories that had long been enclosed in her imagination. Her stories are now woven with her culture, experience in a new country, hope, happiness, and diversity. Paola holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Literature and Children’s Literature and Reading Promotion. With her playful energy, she would engage young students (K-6) through storytimes, workshops, and activities.

          Paola’s sessions:

          Storytime & Movement Break. Topics: Latine culture, nature, family, intergenerational relationships, and the five senses. Suitable for grades K–2. What if a story could take you somewhere warm and full of flavor? Paola will begin this engaging session by sharing a bit of her childhood in Venezuela and will invite children to experience a taste of her culture. Then, she will bring How to Eat a Mango or Cómo se come un mango to life in a lively, interactive read-aloud. A playful movement activity will follow, helping students connect the story with their bodies and imaginations. Paola’s naturally playful approach will turn storytime into a mini celebration of language, joy, and curiosity. (30-minute session)

          Storytime & Writing with the Senses. Topics: Latine culture, nature, family, intergenerational relationships, the five senses, and creative writing. Suitable for grades 3–4. Paola will open this session by sharing her own story, growing up in Venezuela, and becoming an author in a second language. This personal introduction will connect naturally to the read-aloud of How to Eat a Mango or Cómo se come un mango, inviting students to experience the story with open minds and curiosity. Before concluding with a brief Q&A, students will dive into a writing activity using their five senses to spark original ideas. Paola will help children see writing as an adventure, where even a sound, scent, or texture can inspire a whole new story. (Up to 60-minute session)

          A Book Blooms / Un libro Florece. Topics: Latine culture, creative process, creative writing, and book journey. Suitable for grades 5–6. Paola will take students on a lively, behind-the-scenes journey through the creation of How to Eat a Mango. From initial sparks to discarded drafts and surprising turns, students will discover the creative process in all its playful, unpredictable stages. Paola will share how her cultural background, love of language, and childhood in Venezuela shaped the story. Through an interactive “HOW TO” brainstorming activity, students will experiment with turning their ideas into books that could bloom next. (Up to 60-minute session)

          Explore, Sense, Write! / ¡Explora, siente, escribe! Topics: Latine culture, nature, the five senses, creative process, and creative writing. Suitable for grades 5–6. In this hands-on workshop, Paola will help students unlock the magic of their senses through guided activities that turn everyday moments into stories. She will share how her memories of smells, tastes, and sounds from Venezuela have shaped her writing, and will invite students to explore their sensory memories in playful ways. With an interactive approach that blends observation, imagination, and fun, Paola will show students how even the smallest details can spark big ideas. (Up to 60-minute session)

          Required equipment for virtual visits: Screen, good internet connection

          Required equipment for in-person visits: Digital projector, whiteboard, or screen; table for laying out books and/or props at the front of the room

          Required materials: Pencils, paper.

          Book Paola for a visit:

            Thompson, Allister (North Bay, ON)

            Writer’s Union member, Children’s Book Centre member, Editor’s Association of Canada member, Hackmatack Children’s Choice nominee

            $300 plus HST for 1 session, $600 for 2, $800 for 3 and $1000 for 4, + travel (.50 cents per kilometer +HST south of Huntsville, west of Sudbury, and north and east of North Bay).

            Virtual Visits: $150 plus HST for one session, 20-60 minutes, $100 for each additional session on the same day.

            Allister Thompson is a lifelong book editor in all genres and for all age groups and a writer with a passion for books that grapple with the biggest issues of our time. He has a gift for writing and speaking about climate change and environmentalism in a way that can spark hope and activism in young readers. His presentations on Birch and Jay, his speculative fiction/post-apocalyptic young adult novel set in northern and southern Ontario, thoughtfully examine how we came to be in the dire situation we are in as a species and how generations of the future can walk a different path.

            Allister Thompson - Birch and Jay

            Presentations are for grades 10-12, preferred size of group around 30 but larger possible

            Interested participants may be developing a passion for writing or members of an environmental or climate change club.

            Only requirements for participants are pen and paper

            Example of presentation:

            Allister begins by presenting the plot and themes from his young adult post-apocalyptic climate-change novel, Birch and Jay, and then talking about how climate change is affecting young people and their perception of their future, but also how it has entered the popular consciousness through art: books, film, TV, gaming, and music, giving examples that the teens can relate to.

            He examines what kinds of stories are out there: hopeful, bleak, etc., and asks students for examples they have seen or read.

            Several music prompts are used (original music by the author, and also examples from popular music) to get students brainstorming about how climate change is affecting them personally. Students are asked to decide if the music is hopeful/bleak, and they will write something in response to that.

            Lastly, students have a few minutes to come up with their own hopeful scenarios through writing prompts such as “The future to me looks like…?” The outlook for coming generations will be very challenging. What does hope look like for them? What would they like the world to look like in a hundred years? Allister will specifically be asking them to think about positive change, not bleak scenarios, as an entry point for them to think about things they can do in their own lives to embody positive change where climate and the environment are concerned. The group will discuss some of the provided examples.

            Themes: Earth Day, activism, conservation, feelings and social situations

            Book Allister for a visit:

              Backhouse, Frances (Victoria, BC)

              Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada; Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers; and Society of Environmental Journalists. Winner of City of Victoria Butler Book Prize. Finalist for: Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award; Young Readers’ Choice Book Awards of BC Red Cedar Award (x2); Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award; Green Earth Book Award; City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize; Lane Anderson Award; VanCity Book Prize; and Edna Staebler Award for Creative Nonfiction. Other book honours include: Gold Standard Selection (Junior Library Guild); and Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K–12 (National Science Teaching Association and Children’s Book Council).  

              In-person: $300 for one session; $550 for two (same day, same location); $800 for three. Virtual: $250. Plus GST on all fees. No travel costs within Greater Victoria region. For other areas, travel costs may include transportation (e.g., mileage at $0.50/km; ferry fares) and lodging, if required.

              Frances Backhouse is an award-winning author of nonfiction books for children and adults, whose science writing draws on her experiences working as a biologist, park naturalist, and environmental journalist. Her engaging, fact-filled, photo-rich books for ages 9-12 explore the lives of iconic wildlife species, highlight their ecological importance and survival challenges, and introduce readers to scientists, conservationists, and young people who are working to ensure these animals will be with us forever. She believes in giving kids hope and the tools to make a difference in the world.

              Frances also enjoys speaking to adult groups about her adult books and about writing. She has taught creative nonfiction and journalism to university students and community learners.

              PRESENTATIONS

              My presentations run 45-60 minutes and are best suited to grades 3 to 7, but can be adapted to suit audience interests and needs. I use photos from my books (shown as slides) and props (handed around if group size permits) to illustrate ideas, and read short selections from my books to encourage student reading. I love to interact with participants and I welcome questions. Topics and themes include nature, environment, ecology, conservation, biodiversity, human-wildlife relationships, and citizen science.

              Owls Are Awesome

              “Owls: Who Gives a Hoot?” is on the longlist for the Green Earth Book Award 

              This presentation reveals the secrets of these popular yet mysterious birds and introduces participants to some of the 19 species that live in North America, ranging in size from the tiny elf owl to the hefty great horned owl. I also talk about the threats owls face and how kids can get involved in owl conservation, using real-life examples from the profiles of young people in my book Owls: Who Gives a Hoot?  (a 2024/25 Yellow Cedar Award nominee).

              What’s So Great About Grizzly Bears?

              “Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness” is nominated for the 2024/25 Red Cedar Book Award 

              Grizzly bears, one of North America’s most iconic wildlife species, once roamed across half the continent. Today, their range and numbers are much diminished and they are dealing with many challenges. In this presentation, I explore what makes grizzlies special and what they need to survive and thrive. I also talk about my experiences working as a field biologist studying grizzly bears in northern British Columbia. This presentation is based on my book Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness (a 2024/25 Red Cedar Award nominee).

              Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers

              This presentation explores the history and biology of Canada’s national mammal – an animal that was almost hunted to extinction during the fur-trade era, but is now found in big cities, wilderness parks and everywhere in between. I talk about the beaver’s amazing engineering skills, explain the term “keystone species,” and highlight the important role these radical rodents play as habitat creators, water stewards, and climate change allies. Participants will also learn about young people who are contributing to coexistence efforts that make it easier for us to live alongside these endearing but sometimes frustrating animals. This presentation is based on my book Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers.

              Bear Buddies, Beaver Boosters and Owl Allies: How To Be a Friend to Wildlife

              Life is hard for many wild animals these days and people are their biggest problem. But each of us has the power to turn things around and be a wildlife supporter. In this presentation, I share ideas about how young people can take action and make the world a friendlier place for all kinds of wild animals. I also offer inspiration and examples with real-life stories and photos of kids profiled in my books – Owls: Who Gives a Hoot?, Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness, and Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers.

              Better With Bison

              A presentation about bison – North America’s largest land animal and an important cultural and ecological keystone species – will be available once my new book, Bison: Community Builders and Grassland Caretakers, is published in Spring 2025.

              For all presentations:

              Group size: Flexible; 45 maximum preferred.

              Venue: Classroom or library preferred.

              Equipment and tech needs:

              In-person presentations – A projector and screen; speakers (only for presentations that include video clips); a table; a microphone for larger groups or if room acoustics are poor.  

              Virtual presentations – Access to your preferred online platform, including screen-sharing ability. A support person to help with technical matters and moderate the chat, if used. A room moderator to facilitate student participation and Q&A. The support person and room moderator can be the same person (e.g., a teacher or librarian). If the participants are in more than one room, each group should have its own moderator.

                Autio, Karen (Kelowna. BC.)

                Member of Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP); Children’s Writers & Illustrators of BC Society (CWILL-BC); and Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC). Fiction and non-fiction, 2X Word Award winner, CBC Kids Book Club Pick, OLA Best Bets, MYRCA finalist, Arthur Ellis finalist, 2X Chocolate Lily finalist.

                Karen is the author of 11 books for young readers, with her newest disability-inclusive picture book called PLAYDATE SURPRISE and in French UNE SURPRISE MERVEILLEUSE.

                PLAYDATE SURPRISE (Scholastic Canada) for ages 3-7 has been shortlisted for The Word Award 2025 for Books – Children – Christian & General Market!

                JK-Grade 6. $300 for 1 session, $500 for 2, $700 for 3 and $900 for 4, maximum 4 sessions per day, + travel and lodging if outside of the Okanagan Valley, BC, unless otherwise stated.

                Virtual Visits: $250 for 1 session, $200 for each additional session on the same day; via Zoom or other preferred online platform; support personnel (to moderate and manage technical aspects)

                Karen is an experienced presenter who welcomes the opportunity to talk about the writing process and share her passion for researching and writing. Each of her five interactive presentations is tailored to one or more of her picture books, middle-grade novels and narrative non-fiction. Karen reveals the inspiration behind the book(s), explores relevant book-related topics, uses props and Power-Point, and includes a reading followed by time for Q&A.

                JK to 3: I CAN, TOO! & PLAYDATE SURPRISE: Disabilities, Inclusion and Friendship based on picture books I CAN, TOO! and PLAYDATE SURPRISE: play, accessibility, adaptive equipment, movement, sports, inclusive playground

                2 to 5: Kah-Lan: Sea Otters and a Thriving Ocean based on chapter books KAH-LAN THE ADVENTUROUS SEA OTTER and KAH-LAN AND THE STINK-INK: sea otters, ocean, adventure, survival, oil spill, marine mammal rescue

                3 to 6: MAKING SEAKER: Writing and STEAM topics based on middle-grade contemporary novel MAKING SEAKER: new girl, science, technology, trackable model boat, Nipigon, Great Lakes, Paddle-to-the-Sea, self-realization, acceptance, friendship

                3 to 6: Growing Up in Wild Horse Canyon: Exploring Centuries of History based on narrative non-fiction picture book GROWING UP IN WILD HORSE CANYON set in the Okanagan Valley, BC, covering Indigenous content (Syilx Okanagan, Nsyilxcən language, First Nation quest, history, culture), wild horses, fur brigade, settlers, railway, secret wartime commando training, firestorm

                4 to 6: Bringing Canadian History Alive based on middle-grade historical novels SECOND WATCH, SAARA’S PASSAGE, and SABOTAGE: Canadian home front during World War I, living in 1914-1915 in Northwestern Ontario, First World War, shipwreck of Empress of Ireland in St. Lawrence River, tuberculosis, sanatoriums, spies, sabotage, internment camps; Finnish immigrant family dynamics

                Maximum group size: To promote interaction during in-person presentations, Karen prefers to meet with smaller groups, so a maximum of three classes.

                Venue: Library or classroom preferred

                Equipment Required: A table to hold presentation materials; a screen, computer and projector for displaying PowerPoint presentation from a USB drive; a microphone if the venue is not the library or classroom; lunch (egg salad sandwich on brown bread) if she is staying for the day.

                Please note: Her surname is pronounced like Audio with a soft T.

                Contact Karen 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:

                    Cacao, Joanna (Winnipeg, MB)

                    Member of SCBWI and CCBC.

                    In Person: $300 plus tax per hour. (1 session = 1 hour)

                    Virtual Visits are $250 plus tax per hour.

                    *If outside of Manitoba: travel and hotel accommodations are needed. 

                    *Will do a maximum 4 sessions in one area in a single day.

                    Awards & Lists:

                    • 2025 IL Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award – Nominees
                    • 2025 MYRCA Northern Lights Award Nominee
                    • 2024 Aurora Award Nominee
                    • 2024 Utah Beehive Book Awards – Nominees: Graphic Novels (Children)
                    • 2023-24 Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award in the Middle School category.
                    • 2023-24 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Book Award – Reading List
                    • 2023-24 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Secondary Book Award – Reading List: Middle School
                    • 2023 CBC Books’ Best Canadian Books for Kids & Teens
                    • 2023 CBC Children’s and Young Adult Favorites Award List
                    • 2023 CBC Children’s Favorites Award List: Grades 3-5
                    • 2023 CCBC Choices List: Fiction for Children
                    • 2023 Bank Street Children’s Book Committee Best Books of the Year – Book List: Ages 9-12
                    • 2023 Sakura Medal
                    • 2022 VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award – Honors: Youth

                    Joanna Cacao is a Canadian Filipino illustrator and author primarily for middle grade graphic novels. She is most known for her collaboration with Christina Soontornvat for The Tryout and The Squad, as well as her debut author/illustrator graphic novel: The Secret of the Ravens.

                    Book Topics: Fantasy, Magic, Adventure, Culture, Friends, Family, Asian, Middle School, Poverty, LGBT+


                    LIFE OF A CARTOONIST

                    Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a cartoonist? What are their lives like? What goes into the world of creating a graphic novel from start to finish?

                    Joanna delves into her experience from drawing on her notes in school to creating her first webcomic and taking the leap into traditional publishing. Joanna discusses her trials of following her dreams, growing up Filipino, seeing her name on a bookshelf for the first time and experiencing fame and getting to know her fans. Presentation ends with a Q&A.

                    Ages: 8+
                    Group Size: No max.

                    A/V Needs: In Person sessions require the use of a projector, virtual sessions require the ability to share screens. 

                    The above is Joanna’s go-to presentation, but she is happy to delve into other topics or activities to suit your school needs/events/activities! She has also done conversation styled panels, and is absolutely happy to be part of one.

                    Contact Joanna to book a visit: