Our Presenters – Authors' Booking Service

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.

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.

Daniel-Ayoade, Yewande (Calgary, Alberta)

Writer’s Union, CANSCAIP, SCBWI member. Author Visits (grades K-4), Writing Workshops (grades 5-12), Black History Month presentation (grades K-12).

Rates: $300 plus GST for one session, $500 for two, $750 for three, $1000 for a full day (four sessions). Plus, travel expenses if outside the Calgary area.

Virtual visits: $150 plus GST for one session (60 minutes), $100 for each additional session on the same day to a maximum of four sessions.

Willing to travel. Schools may consider booking together to split travel expenses.

Yewande Daniel is a management consultant and children’s book author of Nigerian descent. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in business administration. Her writing focuses on introducing children to West African history and culture and draws heavily on her own immigrant experience. Yewande has done author visits for five years, taught large groups of children in a Sunday School setting for over twenty years, led virtual sessions as part of the Calgary Public Library’s Ultimate Summer Challenge, and delivered Black History Month presentations about the history of Blacks in Canada to schools in the Calgary area.

Presentation Details

Grades K-2

1 one-hour, or 2 thirty-minute presentations may include:

Author introduction and writing journey
Basics of story writing with games and practice exercises
Book reading and author Q&A

Grades 3-4

1-hour presentation includes:

Author introduction and writing journey
Behind the scenes – how a book gets published
Basics of story writing with games and practice exercises
Book reading and author Q&A

Grades 5 and up

1 to 2-hour workshop includes:

Author introduction and writing journey
Make your own picture book
- Coming up with story ideas
- Creating a rough draft
- Outlining a picture book dummy

Kids in this workshop receive a free blank book to bring their story to life. Kids may complete the picture book as part of follow-on class assignment or at home.

Black History Month (all ages)

This highly interactive session introduces students to the history of blacks in Canada and includes:

A timeline of blacks in Canada
Black people that changed the world
Dealing with stereotypes

Can be customized to include any topics pertaining to black history.

School presentation requirements: a computer and projector for PowerPoint, a microphone for presentations in gyms. Students can be seated at desks or on the floor.

Workshop requirements: a whiteboard or paper flip-chart (along with markers). Paper and writing / drawing utensils.

Contact Daniel-Ayoade to book a visit:

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.

January 29, 2025: Karen is available for a school author visit in Brampton or Toronto.
January 30, 2025: OLA Super Conference CANSCAIP Book Tasting (10:30-11:25 am) Karen will present PLAYDATE SURPRISE.
January 31, 2025: OLA Super Conference book signing of PLAYDATE SURPRISE and UNE SURPRISE MERVEILLEUSE with illustrator Laura Watson at 11 am at Scholastic Canada booth #211.
May 5-9, 2025: Karen is available for author visits to schools in Saanich and Victoria, BC.

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:

Dobson, Jillian (Richmond Hill, ON)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Virtual Presentations:

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

Library Visits: (Pre-school to grade 6)

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

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

Category: Our Presenters