Our Presenters – Page 2 – Authors' Booking Service

Marianayagam, Maria. (Calgary, Alberta)

CANSCAIP and Canadian Children’s Book Center member, multi-starred reviewed author, Calgary’s Top 40 under 40, with published titles from board books to middle grade.

Maria’s rate in and around Calgary is:

IN-PERSON: $300 for one session, $500 for two, $750 for a full day (three one-hour sessions). Option to add a lunch-time signing or small-group session with keen readers for $100. Classroom writing workshops are available for $500. GST and mileage are also applicable. A travel fee of $0.50/km for areas outside Calgary.

VIRTUAL: $200 + GST, one hour, Zoom. **For the 2025/2026 school year, Maria is booking virtual visits exclusively.

FOREST OF READING 2026 NOMINEE

Maria Marianayagam is a Tamil Sri Lankan-Canadian engineer turned children’s book author. She fell in love with children’s books (again!) after becoming an Amma (mom). She was born in India and grew up across four provinces in Canada (Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta). Her debut picture book, The Amazing Power of Girls (Sourcebooks eXplore, 2024), was named a Children’s Book Council Teacher’s Favourite, a CCBC Best Science Book, and endorsed by the presidents of Girls Inc. and Actua Inc.

She is the author of the quadruple-starred, critically-acclaimed middle grade novel, No Purchase Necessary (HarperCanada/HarperCollins, 2025), the family favourite 4-title board book series, The Baby Virtues (Hachette, 2024/2025), and her most recent STEM picture book release, Wait ‘Til You’re Older (Sourcebooks eXplore, 2025).

Maria is an experienced speaker, comfortable in front of an audience of kids and adults alike. Maria’s sessions revolve around a slide presentation, book reading, and Q&A (activity can be included as well). Working with each educator or teacher/librarian, Maria selects the perfect book or books that will be appreciated by each age group.

Here are examples (but all can be tailored):

Grade 1-4: STEM focus: The Amazing Power of Girls or Wait Til You’re Older. Audience members will learn about Maria’s journey from engineer to author, how to find careers that marry both STEM and art, plus an introduction to the science elements of the book. Enjoy a reading of the book to conclude the presentation. Optional Q&A. (30-45 mins.)

Grades 1-4: Cultural focus: Curry Means More [available after Oct 28, 2025]. With a warm, inclusive tone, Maria Marianayagam encourages students of all backgrounds to share and celebrate their own family traditions—whether it’s a stew, sandwich, or snack. This visit blends read-aloud moments, behind-the-scenes insights into writing a book, and fun, reflective questions that help students see the beauty of their own heritage and imagination. Optional Q&A. (30-45 mins.)

Grade 5-6: Writing Workshop: Using the STEM-focused presentation for The Amazing Power of Girls, Maria will dissect literary devices like diction, personification, puns, and more, using examples from the book, and have students write their own poetry to present. (1 hr., 1 classroom maximum)

Grade 7-9: No Purchase Necessary: In this thought-provoking talk, Maria explores how she built the central ethical dilemma in No Purchase Necessary, and how characters become real when they face tough choices with no easy answers. Including a reading from the novel, a behind-the-scenes look at the writing process, and an exercise where students reflect on their own values and write about a dilemma of their own. Optional Q&A. (30-45 mins.)

Grades 7-9: Writing Workshop: In this hands-on writing workshop, author Maria uses scenes from No Purchase Necessary to show students how to convey powerful emotions—like fear, guilt, or excitement—not through dialogue alone, but through body language, movement, and action. Maria guides students in understanding how actions can reveal character, deepen stakes, and drive plot. Maria will read a short scene from the novel, identify Ajay’s feelings and how it’s shown through action, and then have students write a short scene where characters show an emotion without saying it outright. (1 hr., 1 classroom maximum)

Maria’s presentations are visual, interactive, and fast-paced. She prefers to speak to a maximum of 100 students at a time (but can be flexible, if needed). Her presentations work best with 1-3 classrooms at a time, with workshops being most effective with one classroom. She requires a screen, a laptop with 2 USB ports, and a microphone (if it’s an assembly presentation).

Contact Maria to book a visit:

Presley, Nadine (Oakville, ON)

Writer’s Union member. CANSCAIP.

Rates:

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

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

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: $300 + HST per presentation, $200 + 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.

Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth

Please contact Rochelle directly to discuss presentations in support of Tree of Life.

Teacher’s guides available upon request 🙂

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:

Backhouse, Frances (Victoria, BC)

Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada; the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers; and the Society of Environmental Journalists. Winner: City of Victoria Butler Book Prize; Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society Book Award for BC Authors. Finalist: Green Earth Book Award (x2); Young Readers’ Choice Book Awards of BC Red Cedar Award (x3); Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award; Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award; City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize; Lane Anderson Award; VanCity Book Prize; Edna Staebler Award for Creative Nonfiction. Other book honours: Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection (x2); National Science Teaching Association and Children’s Book Council Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K–12 (x3).

In-person: $300 for one session; $500 for two (same day, same location); $700 for three (same day, same location). 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.

Bison: Community Builders and Grasslands Caretakers is a finalist in the Youth/Middle-Grade category for the 2026 High Plains International Book Awards.
2025 BC Red Cedar Book Award Nominee
2025/2026 Young Readers’ Choice Book Awards of British Columbia’s Red Cedar Award

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

These STEAM/STEM-related presentations run 45-60 minutes and are best suited to grades 3 to 7. I use slides and props (handed around if group size permits) to illustrate ideas, and read short selections from my books to encourage student reading. Each presentation includes a participant activity and time for Q&A. Topics and themes include nature, environment, ecology, conservation, biodiversity, human-wildlife relationships, and citizen science.

Better With Bison

Bison – also known as buffalo – are North America’s largest land animal, but that’s just one of their claims to fame. They are also an important keystone species whose range once covered most of what is now the United States, western Canada and northern Mexico, and they are foundational to many Indigenous cultures. In this presentation, I talk about how bison were nearly hunted to extinction, how they were saved and why returning bison to the land is so beneficial. I also share the stories of some of the young people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who are welcoming bison back home and are profiled in my book, Bison: Community Builders and Grassland Caretakers (winner of a 2025 Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society Book Award for BC Authors).

Owls Are Awesome

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 2025/26 Red Cedar Award nominee, 2024/25 Yellow Cedar Award nominee and 2025 Green Earth Book Award finalist)

What’s So Great About Grizzly Bears?

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 and 2024 Green Earth Book Award finalist).

Amazing Beavers

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 (a 2022/23 Red Cedar Award nominee and Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award nominee).

Wild About Wildlife

Many kids are animal lovers, just as I was. This presentation reflects on what it means to be wild about wildlife and offers inspiration from young people who are helping to make the world a better place for animals they care about. During the presentation:

I share some of the cool facts that I’ve learned about beavers, grizzly bears, owls and bison while writing books about these animals.
I talk about my journey from being a nature-loving kid to a biologist whose professional adventures included doing hands-on grizzly bear research to an animal-book author. I also discuss what it’s like to be a writer, with a focus on the process of writing non-fiction books.
I introduce students to some of the young people who are featured in my books and talk about what being “wild about wildlife” means to each of them.
I lead students through an activity that invites them to explore their own relationship with wildlife.

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 Owls: Who Gives a Hoot?, Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness, and Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers.

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. To ensure a successful presentation, at least one educator/librarian must remain in class for the duration of the session.

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, 3X 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 13 books for young readers, with her newest disability-inclusive picture book called SKATING DAY! (also in French).

PLAYDATE SURPRISE (Scholastic Canada) for ages 3-7 has won The Word Award 2025 for Books – Children – General Market! This picture book is also a finalist for two other awards: Specialty Award – Best Book Cover and Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award.

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

Contact Jillian to book a visit:

Ludwig, Sidura (Thornhill, ON)

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

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

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

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

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

Presentations

Middle Grade (4-8) (one hour)

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

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

Grades 1-3 (one hour)

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

JK-SK (45 minutes)

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

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

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

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

Contact Sidura to book a visit:

Rae, Rowena (Victoria, BC)

Non-fiction science books for ages 9+, and decodable fiction books for striving readers ages 6–9. Member of the Writers’ Union of Canada, CWILL BC, and SCBWI. Winner of the Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award for YA Non-Fiction (for Salmon: Swimming for Survival). Winner of a Moonbeam Award in the Reading Skills/Literacy category (for Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Sock). Included on the CBC/NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books List for Students K–12 (2023). Nominated for a BC Red Cedar Book Award (2023 & 2025). Nominated for the Victoria Children’s Book Prize (2025). Included as a starred selection several times in CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens.

I write both non-fiction science books for upper elementary and middle grade ages and decodable fiction books for lower elementary ages. I’m an experienced speaker who loves sharing my enthusiasm for science, nature, reading, and writing with young people in engaging, interactive presentations.

Non-fiction science books

My non-fiction science books are for ages 9 and up. I draw on my science education and experience as a field biologist to write about biology, ecology, the environment, and human health. As well as being a science enthusiast, I love history, so all of my science books also have a dose of history and stories from the past in them.

Non-fiction book presentation: I talk briefly about how I started writing books and then discuss what I do to research and write a non-fiction book. I give examples and share stories and passages from one or several of my nonfiction books (teacher’s/librarian’s choice; see list below). I use slides with photos, bring props with me, and encourage participants to interact through questions and, if appropriate, whole-group activities. Every session ends with Q&A.

Grades: 4 to 7

Format: In-person or virtual

Group size: Flexible; prefer up to about 50

Session length: 45 to 60 minutes

Rate: $300 plus GST for one session. Discount for booking additional sessions of the same presentation to be given on the same day. Plus travel fees for in-person sessions outside the Greater Victoria Area.

Non-fiction book list:

Where Land Meets Sea: Rising Oceans, Changing Coastlines

Upstream, Downstream: Exploring Watershed Connections

Salmon: Swimming for Survival

Why We Need Vaccines: How Humans Beat Infectious Diseases

Rachel Carson and Ecology for Kids

Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives

Decodable fiction books:

My fiction books are the Meg and Greg series of decodable fiction stories (co-authored with my sister, Elspeth Rae) for kids who are learning to read and striving to improve their new-found reading skills. Each book builds on the previous one and introduces new reading/spelling concepts.

Fiction book presentation:

In this presentation, I introduce participants to the Meg and Greg stories’ main characters: Meg, Greg, and Rocket the dog. I talk briefly about how I, my co-author, and the illustrator work together to write and illustrate the stories, and then I lead a mini-lesson on a spelling concept from one of the stories (teacher’s/librarian’s choice). After the mini-lesson, I read a part of the story that uses that spelling concept and show slides of the book pages so participants can follow along and clearly see the illustrations. The session ends with Q&A.

Grades: 1 to 3

Format: In-person

Group size: Up to 45

Session length: 30 to 40 minutes

Rate: $200 plus GST for one session. Discount for booking additional sessions of the same presentation to be given on the same day. Plus travel fees for in-person sessions outside the Greater Victoria Area.

Meg and Greg series of decodable fiction – book list:

Book 1: A Duck in a Sock, introducing CK, SH, CH, TH

Book 2: Frank and the Skunk, introducing NK, NG, TCH, DGE

Book 3: The Bake Sale, introducing Magic e words

Book 4: Scarlet and the Ring, introducing r-controlled vowels AR, OR, ER, AIR

Book 5: A Handful of Dogs, introducing common prefixes and suffixes

Book 6: Train Day!, introducing long vowel sounds

Book 7: Moose on the Loose, introducing gliding vowel sounds

Book 8: The Unknown Knight, introducing silent consonants, consonant + le, soft c and g

Equipment:

For in-person visits: Projector (that operates with a MacBook) and screen, whiteboard or blackboard and markers/chalk, a table to spread out my props, a microphone for larger groups or if room acoustics are questionable.

For virtual visits: I use my own Zoom account or your preferred online platform. I will need a support person to moderate the chat and help with technical aspects. If participants are in a single room watching on a big screen, I will need a room moderator to help with group discussion and Q&A.

Category: Our Presenters