A member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, SCBWI, and CANSCAIP.
Rates: $250 for a single session, $200 per each additional session. For Kindergarten classes, two half sessions can be substituted for a full one. Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km outside of Essex County, Ontario. Virtual: $180 per session.
Marcus began his career as an illustrator, and has since established himself as a writer, and presenter. He is the author and illustrator of the hilarious picture book I Do Not Eat Children, and is the illustrator of The Three Canadian Pigs: A Hockey Story, The Monster’s Travel Guide Part Deux: A Canadian Adventure, the Lark Ba detective series, and many, many more!
WORDS VS. PICTURES – WHO WILL WIN?!?
Grades K-6
50-60 Minutes, or two 30-minute presentations for kindergarten groups
What’s more important in a picture book, the words or the pictures? Marcus fearlessly tackles this controversial debate head-on in this fun and enlightening presentation that pulls from his unique perspective as both an illustrator and author. Focusing on how artwork can support, expand, and even contradict the text, Marcus will read and discuss a book he illustrated, The Three Canadian Pigs by Jocelyn Watkinson as well as his own book, I Do Not Eat Children. Students will then participate in a lively improvisational art and caption game that will finally determine who reigns supreme, the words… or the pictures?
MAKING MONSTROSITIES
Grades K-5
50-60 Minutes, or two 30-minute presentations for kindergarten groups
What happens to all the books that don’t get made? Prepare yourself as Marcus opens his Vault of Monstrosities, and discover that what lies inside is not just monstrous… but also wonderful! Focusing on the themes of creativity and resilience, Marcus will take students on a behind the scenes tour – from manuscript, to artwork, to printed copy, and all the parts in-between, to see how books sometimes do, and sometimes don’t, get made. The presentation will include readings and discussions of Travel Guide for Monsters Part Deux: A Canadian Adventure, and I Do Not Eat Children, as well as a raucous call and response monster-drawing game that will teach students how fun it can be to make monstrosities!
Virtual Visits:
The classroom must have access to a camera and Google Meet or Zoom, and drawing materials for the students.
In-Person Visits:
The classroom will need a smart board or presentation screen, a pad of chart paper, and drawing materials for the students. Additional activity sheets will be provided. Marcus prefers a maximum group size of 35 to allow for higher personal engagement.
Jess Hannigan is the author and illustrator of picture books, including Spider in the Well, The Bear Out There, and The Cow in the Dark at Night. Some say she has the heart of a designer and the sensibility of a professional clown. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario.
Her picture books have been Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, Kids Indie Next list picks, featured on NPR, honored by the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee’s 2026 Best Children’s Books of the Year list, and have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, and SLJ.
Book Topics: Hannigan’s picture books are all cheeky comedies, whether its spider webs and wishing wells, a familiar bear-related fairy tale with a twist, or a curious cow that may be lacking some stranger-danger senses. Librarians and booksellers have praised her books as great read-alouds, appealing to a wide range of age groups!
In-Person Presentations: $350+HST for one session, $500+HST for two same-day sessions, and $900+HST for an all-day visit. For presentations outside of the GTA and Kitchener/Waterloo region, travel expenses may need to be included. Virtual Visits: $250 + HST for one session, and $100 + HST for each additional presentation on the same day.
Presentation Format: Full presentation sessions are generally a 1hr, and covers her journey to becoming an author, developing her artistic style, and how she wrote and illustrated one or multiple of her picture books. This can also include a reading of the book, of course! The session can also be ended with a live drawing and/or a Q&A session. Also available is a shorter, story time session (30-45min), with a brief intro about Jess, a reading, and Q&A. Good for younger listeners!
Jess typically works with children ages 4-9, but she’s also enjoyed presenting to older kids/teens about my life as an author and artist. Presentations can also provide advice for making creative work that feels unique to you! Happy to work around your needs or hear out your presentation ideas!
Other Notes:
● A projector/screen is required for in-person visits if we want to show the slide presentation, as well as a microphone for larger groups of kids. ● For any drawing activities, an easel with paper, markers, and crayons for the kids to draw along with. ● A teacher/facilitator must be present for in-person presentations.
Writers’ Union of Canada member. CANSCAIP member. Recipient of a Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) for Nina and the Missing Night. English language presentations for grades K-6; further age ranges available on request.
In-Person Visits (45-60 minutes): $200 for 1 session; $150 for each subsequent session up to four sessions in one day. A session may be split into two 30-minute sessions for Kindergarten. Plus, a travel fee of $0.50/km if outside of Halton.
Virtual Visits (30-60 minutes): $100-$150 per session. A session may be split into two 30-minute sessions for Kindergarten.
Natalia Paruzel-Gibson is a Polish-Canadian children’s book author, book marketing consultant, and writing coach. With a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, she is the author of Something Lost Something Found and A Picture Day to Remember (Clavis, 2023), which has been translated into multiple languages. Her forthcoming book, Nina and the Missing Night (Pownal Street Press, Traditional Program), will be released on November 3, 2026, and is now available for pre-order.
Natalia’s school presentations are engaging and interactive. For students in grades K-3, each presentation includes a discussion of her favourite books, the role of the author and illustrator, the inspiration behind the books, a book reading, a discussion about how to come up with a story idea, an overview of how a book comes to life, and an SEL focused activity. There’s plenty of time for Q&A too!
Testimonials:
“Natalia presented a well crafted, engaging and hands on presentation to our grade one classes. It left our students buzzing and provided us as educators with lots of wonderful jumping off points to engage our students in meaningful writing activities. Highly recommend Natalia for an in school presentation! Thank you for sharing your story and knowledge with us.” -Robin W. Grade One teacher, Frontenac Public School
“We were absolutely thrilled to host Natalia at our school this week for a truly unforgettable author visit. Her engaging presence and amazing energy captivated our students, who were fascinated to learn about the behind the scenes magic of the writing process. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the reading of her book, “A Picture Day to Remember,” which left our young readers inspired and smiling. Thank you, Natalia, for exceeding all of our expectations—we are already counting down the days until we can welcome you back next year!” -Poonam G. Vice-Principal, Orchard Park Public School
For students in grades 3-6, each presentation includes the above, plus an in-depth outline of the publishing process from concept through to the final product. This segment of the presentation is an excellent opportunity for aspiring writers to receive tips and suggestions to hone in on the craft of storytelling.
Natalia is a very flexible presenter and can adapt her presentation to suit the needs of a school. If there is an interest in focusing more on one aspect of writing, she’s happy to accommodate.
Natalia is glad to speak to an entire school or conduct more personal sessions where a few classrooms are amalgamated or split up by grade. Natalia requests a projector/white board for a Google Slides presentation, a table and coloured pencil crayons. For larger in-person presentations, she will require a table, microphone, and a PA system.
Writers Union Member. Young Adult and Adult genres. $300 plus HST and travel ($0.50/km outside Niagara) for 1 session, $500 for 2, $700 for 3 and $900 for full day.
Virtual Visits: $100-200 plus HST (depending on time required)
Background: Sharon Frayne was born in St. Catharines, grew up on a Niagara farm and in Muskoka, and now divides her time between Niagara and Northern Ontario. She was a high school Visual Arts and English teacher, an Arts Department Head, and Elementary Principal. During her career, she worked with many special needs children, their families and teachers. She’s an award winning short story writer and novelist, whose contemporary tales include diverse characters, environmental issues, Canadian history and outdoor settings.
Public Speaking and Workshops: Sharon is a dynamic, engaging, experienced teacher and Principal who is comfortable leading small groups, individual classrooms or presenting in assemblies. She enjoys speaking to adult groups and book clubs. Presentations include visuals and are interactive, tailored to individual and group needs.
Workshop Themes (samples, more are available and can be customized)
How to Self-Edit (suitable for students in grades 4- 12. Meets Ontario Curriculum Guidelines)
How to create amazing, realistic, empathetic characters (for short stories or novel length)
Does Setting matter? It sure does – let’s do some world building to enhance your story.
Seven Steps to writing a prize winning Short Story.
What’s a plot line? How to develop one for a short story or novel.
Who needs conflict? Your story does – here’s how to create some.
For Better or for Worse – How does Social Media Affect Us?
Materials Required for School Presentations:
Classroom or Library setting preferred. Microphone (if acoustics are problematic), table for computer and materials, screen and data projector. Preference is for individual classrooms, or similar age/grade groups up to 100.
Free Virtual Visits!
15 minute virtual visits, with a short teacher/moderator led Q & A session are available to classes or clubs who are reading one of my books. This works best with small groups.
Writer in Residence option:
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a working relationship with a group over a pre-arranged time period. This could be writing workshops, feedback sessions, book discussions and can be arranged to suit interest and ability levels.
Publications:
Magazines and Newspapers: Eden Mills Writers Festival Chapter Publication (winning writers), CommuterLit, Agnes and True, The Ekphrastic Review, Uproar, The Local (NOTL Paper), The Lake Report (NOTL Paper), Stage of Life (USA online publication) and others
Novels: The Sound of a Rainbow, (Latitude 46 Publishing),2023 (gr. 8 -12)
Caught Between the Walls, (Bygones Press), 2016 (gr. 6 -12)
Awards:
Frayne’s short stories and poems have won in the South Simcoe Arts Festival, Eden Mills Writers Festival, the Northern Ontario Writer’s Workshop, the Banister Poetry Contest and Stratford Rotary Writing Contest. She won the Best Novel Award in the Muskoka Novel Marathon in 2019, 2020 and 2022. She’s been a frequent winner of the NOTL Rising Spirits Writing competition for both short stories and poetry. Her personal essay, ‘Stepping into a Lifetime’ was the USA national winner in the Stage of Life writing competition.
She won the Halton District School Board’s Award of Distinction for Creativity in Education and was nominated for the Ontario Premier’s Award for Education.
Associations: In addition to belonging to the Writer’s Union of Canada, she’s an NOTL Writer’s Circle board member, past president of the Niagara branch of the Canadian Author’s Association. She’s a past Editor of the CAA Niagara annual Anthology and has appeared as a guest speaker at numerous Arts Festivals. She was featured in a televised production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ with the CBC. She also belongs to the NOTL Pumphouse Art Gallery, and is a past board member with NOTL Newcomers Club.
Celia Krampien writes and illustrates picture books and novels for young people. She grew up in a small town (population 400) in rural Southern Ontario where she spent most of her time reading and exploring the woods around her house. Celia loves creating bright, colourful, emotionally complex books. Celia’s books are best suited for students in grades JK – 8 but is happy to be flexible and adapt presentations to meet the needs of students of any age.
Book topics: the power of stories, handling adversity, facing fears, differences in perspective, friendship, bullying, Halloween.
– Slideshow presentation about using words and pictures as storytelling tools with examples from Celia’s recent book with Kristen Dickson, Fiona Builds a Fairyhouse
– interactive drawing activity – students draw along with Celia, drawing their own fairytale creatures and creating a story to introduce them to the rest of the class (requires easel and large pad of paper)
– Q&A session
How a Story Becomes a Book (And Why Does it Take So Long?!) – 1 hour (Grades 4 and up)
– slideshow presentation showing the step-by-step process of the creation of Celia’s spooky middle grade novel, The Bellwoods Game. Students will get a behind the scenes peek at Celia’s journey, starting at her first attempts at writing through to publication day
– interactive activity- students will tryout different brainstorming techniques to answer the age old question of where ideas come from (requires easel and large pad of paper)
– Q&A session
Cover Stories – the making of a book cover (Grades 4 and up)
– slideshow presentation about the step-by-step process of creating illustrated covers for middle grade novels and why sometimes it’s okay to judge a book by its cover
– interactive activity – students draw along with Celia to create their own book covers (requires easel and large pad of paper)
– Q&A session
Equipment Required:
– Projector to display slideshow (in-person visits)
– easel and large pad of paper for presentations activities
– Paper, pencils/crayons/markers for students for presentations with brainstorming and draw-along activities.
– Microphone, sound system and podium for larger groups (50+ attendees)
Award winning author Lydia Lukidis, recipient of a Silver Birch Express honor (Forest of Reading) Award, SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the North American division, and multiple Cybils Award nominations.
Rates:For in-person workshops (Montreal and surrounding areas)- $300 for one sixty-minute session, $450 for two, $600 for three, $750 for four, plus a travel fee of $0.50/km.
For virtual workshops- $200 for a session of up to sixty minutes, $100 for each additional session on the same day, up to four sessions in one day. Flexible and able to accommodate schedules in a range of time zones.
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. She also enjoys writing books with social emotional learning (SEL) themes such as friendship, empathy, and gratitude.
Workshops:
Lydia has 15 years experience working with children in elementary schools. She’s passionate about spreading the love for literacy and her presentations are dynamic and lively. The goal is to entertain and educate in a way that illuminates the magic of the written word.
Lydia offers writing workshops that tie in with educational curriculum for students from kindergarten to grade six. Each workshop begins with an initial presentation where she discusses her writing process giving particular attention to the art of editing. This will include some fun literacy games. Lydia will then help students brainstorm and start their own writing process. These workshops are an excellent opportunity for students to develop good writing and cognitive skills, improve literacy, and tap into creative self-expression. Study guides and follow up activities will be provided.
The workshops are tailored for each grade, here are the various options:
Story Making 101 (1-6)
Character Development (K-6)
Fairy Tale Magic (1-4)
The Power of Mythology (4-6)
Persuasive Writing (2-6)
The Art of Poetry (2-6)
Personal Narratives (2-6)
Crafting Nonfiction (2-6)
Let’s Write a Book (2-6, a special 3-part workshop where students communally write and illustrate a book that Lydia will print)
Author Reading with Puppetry Workshop (K-3)
Advanced Narrative Building (6)
(35 students maximum for in-person, 100 for virtual)
Presentations:
Sparking Interest through STEM: This presentation will show children that STEM is not only all around us, but it’s also fun and exciting! (K-3)
Dream Big and Take the Leap: This presentation will highlight the perseverance required to achieve your dreams and how seeming “failures” can help you carve your path to success. The goal is to inspire students to dream big! (3-6)
(100 students maximum)
Suggested Reading:
Grades 2-5:
DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench is a lyrical spare-text STEM picture book that takes readers on a journey to where few humans have ever been. The narrative debunks scary myths about this mysterious place with surprising and beautiful truths about life at Earth’s deepest point.
(Themes: STEM, deep sea, biodiversity, conservation, oceanography, biology, geology)
Kindergarten-3:
Grades 2-5:
UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere: Look up–into the blue and beyond. What do you see? The sky–our atmosphere–may seem empty or invisible. But is it? Using spare, lyrical language, author Lydia Lukidis takes readers on an imagined journey up, up high to discover the surprising and wondrous things flying, floating, and happening between the treetops and the stars in this STEM-based picture book.
Themes: STEM, weather, atmospheres, clouds
Grades 2-5:
DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights is the true story of Dr. Mae Jemison, whose lifelong passions of science and dance prepared her to become a trailblazing astronaut, making her the first Black woman to travel into outer space. Throughout it all, she pursued her love of dance.
Themes: STEM, space, perseverance, breaking barriers, art meets science
Requirements:
Lydia will require a smart board with functional speakers for a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation. Students will need pencils, erasers, loose-leaf paper, and sometimes pencil crayons and markers. In order to ensure a successful workshop, it is essential that at least one educator/librarian remain in class for the duration of the workshop. For larger presentations in-person, she will require a table, microphone, and a proper PA system.
Lydia also provides manuscript critiques for fiction and nonfiction.
Bilingual (English with some Spanish words) early elementary picture book in rhyming verse for all ages.
In-Person Workshops: $200 plus HST for 1 session of 20-60 minutes, $350 for 2, $500 for 3 and $650 for 4, + travel (60 cents per kilometer for SW Ontario).
Virtual Workshops: $150 plus HST for one session of 20-60 minutes, $125 for each additional session on the same day.
Books
Duncan admits that he’s always alert For words he can use for a rhyme Putting them into relatable verses That hopefully you think sound fine Sometimes it all comes out awesome Sometimes it’s almost divine And you can be sure that the best ones Will cost you much more than a dime!
… But if you should find that your wallet Is currently looking quite thin He’ll do it for less than what’s written So we can all have a big win!
Duncan has been playing with words all his life, is a terminal rhyming addict, and all three of his children have nominated him for the “Lethal Punster Award.” He is a writer of prose, poetry, and songs, an experienced speaker, and skilled in doing workshops with audiences of all ages on diverse subjects, including how to do rhyming poetry. He has travelled the world, working with a broad array of cultures and people groups, especially in Africa and Latin America. His areas of expertise include international relief and development, travel and adventure, cross-cultural experiences, and, of course, rhyming! Duncan is an experienced children’s worker, with over 30-years of teaching short, appealing lessons to children ages 4 and up, singing songs with actions, and organising fun games. He tailors his talks to each group, and is available to do multiple talks or workshops over the course of the day. He can share from his 30 years of international experiences, and from his life-long writing journey to finally becoming a published author. Duncan would be especially happy to do joint talks, presentations, and workshops with Ashlee Campbell, the main author of Señora Sanasana. (See Ashlee’s profile for more details.)
Examples of workshop options:
All presentations available in English, Spanish, French, or a combination of language of instruction.
JK- Gr. 2:
Duncan only: 30–60-minute workshop, reading Señora Sanasana out loud, discussion about some of the verses and how they rhyme, definition of a rhyme, how to find rhymes and make rhyming verses, use of a Thesaurus, exercises to write one rhyming verse couplet and volunteers to share. Includes speaker-led, multilingual “brain breaks” for children such as fun games and action songs.
With Ashlee: 60–75-minute workshop, Ashlee leading with study of character creation or learning the Spanish words, including exercises and sharing. (See Ashlee Campbell’s profile for more details.) Duncan would follow with the rhyming component and help with breaks throughout.
Gr. 3-6:
Duncan only: 30–60-minute workshop, study more rhymes from Señora Sanasana, deeper dive into concept of rhyming and Thesaurus usage, longer exercise in writing rhyming verses.
With Ashlee: 60–75-minute workshop, Ashlee leading, deeper dive into character creation based on common nursery rhymes, sayings and idiomatic expressions, longer writing activity, group discussions, and more sharing by students. (See Ashlee Campbell’s profile for more details.) Duncan intervening for rhyming components integrated throughout the workshop, and assisting with brain break games and action songs.
Highschool and Adult:
Duncan only: 45–90-minute workshop, deeper and longer dive into the concept and practice of rhyming, creating rhyming verse, Thesaurus usage, increased content creation time to write a full poem or story in rhyming verse, and everyone sharing and critiquing each other.
With Ashlee: 60-90-minute workshop, or two sessions for increased content creation time. Character creation as above, with discussion of “own voice” stories and introduction to constructive writing critique groups. (See Ashlee Campbell’s profile for details.) Duncan adding rhyming analysis, exercises, and critique throughout.
Duncan and Ashlee also take workshops on request.
All Venues. All Group Sizes. Equipment required: A table or podium. A microphone for larger groups and when room acoustics require it. A screen and projector for power-point and videos.
Member: Writer’s Union of Canada, Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators, CANSCAIP. All ages from 8 and up. Up to 100 or so participants.
Rates: $300 for one session, $550 for two, $800 for three, $1000 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km to and from Brampton, Ontario. Virtual visits $200 plus HST for 30-60 minutes, $150 plus HST for each subsequent session on the same day.
Susan Currie is a Cayuga-Acadian author who has written 8 books for young people that focus on identity, friendship, music, social justice, and Indigenous history. Winner: Second Story Press’s inaugural Aboriginal Writing Award. Finalist: Silver Birch Award, CLA Book of the Year for Children, Hackmatack Award, Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award, First Nations Communities Read, CODE Burt Award (Honour Book), White Pine Award. Her books have been starred selections for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Children, selected for Top Grade, selected for JLG and Bank Street Children’s Book Committee, and included on several CBC and library lists of recommended books. Susan is an adoptee who was in the foster care system briefly as a baby, and only learned of her Indigenous heritage as an adult.
Susan engages and energizes students with an interactive and lively presentation focusing on what it is like to be a writer, the writing process, and how books get published. In each case, she will focus on one or two books in particular, exploring their big ideas and how they came to be written. She will include a short reading and leave room for questions. Susan is extremely flexible as a presenter and is happy to customize a presentation to fit the needs of each venue. After 26 years in the classroom, she is very comfortable engaging in conversation with young people.
Susan is also excited to do writing workshops with small groups. She is happy to work with educators to customize a topic.
Middle Grade Fiction (grades 3-8):
The Mask that Sang (Second Story Press, 2016) • Indigenous history in Canada; overcoming bullies; friendship; foster care
Young Adult Fiction (Grades 6-12):
Iz the Apocalypse (Common Deer Press, 2023) • Going after your dreams; foster care; critiquing unfair systems; music; creativity; identity; friendship
Fierce Voice (Common Deer Press, 2025) • Developing your own fierce voice; finding courage to do hard things; standing up to bullies; music; friendship
Nonfiction (Grades 3-12):
Haudenosaunee: the People and Nations (Beech Street Books, 2023) • Indigenous history to the present; customs and beliefs; art and music; social justice and fairness
Indigenous Peoples: Cayuga Nation (Beech Street Books, 2024) • Indigenous life before and after first contact; traditions; political organization; modern Indigenous life; social justice and fairness
Amazing Women in Canada: Autumn Peltier (Beech Street Books, 2025) • Water preservation; water walkers; raising your courageous voice; learning how we can all do our part
Indigenous Governance (Beech Street Books, 2026) • First Nation, Metis and Inuit groups in Canada; how each group is governed; Indigenous history in Canada, Truth and Reconciliation
Tanya Tagaq (forthcoming from Beech Street Books in December 2026) • Creativity; music; busting barriers; finding your own voice
Equipment required: a microphone for larger groups or in the gym; a screen and projector for presenting slides and doing shared writing.
Writers’ Union member. CANSCAIP member. Picture Books. Middle grade. Graphic Novels. English language presentations and workshops for all ages.
In-Person Visits (45-60 minutes): $300 for 1 session; $250 for each subsequent session up to four sessions in one day. A session may be split into two 25 minute storytime events for grades K-2.
Virtual Visits (45-60 minutes): $200 per session. A session may be split into two 25 minute storytime events for grades K-2.
FOREST OF READING 2026 NOMINEE
HST applies to all sessions. If travel is over 50 km, a rate of 50¢/km, round trip, will be charged. Accommodations may be required if the event is a lengthy distance for Casey to travel or takes place over multiple days.
Notables:
Multiple nominee for the CCBC Book Awards, the Forest of Reading, and the Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Awards (MYRCA)
Red Cedar Fiction Award winner
Selected for Junior Library Guild, OLA Best Bets, and the International Youth Library’s White Ravens list
Barnes and Noble Best Picture Book nominee
Testimonial: “Casey’s presentation was an absolute delight and so engaging for the over 150 students that came to see her! She shared her own story of perseverance in chasing her dream of writing stories and was so personable with the students answering all of their many questions with humour and respect. Casey’s story writing exercise provided the audience with an excellent example of developing their own story. Truly an inspiration to inspiring authors young and old. Thank you!” – Peggy Cline, Children’s Programming Coordinator, Grimsby Public Library
Casey Lyall is the author of nine (and counting!) humorous books for kids such as the Howard Wallace, P.I. series, A Spoonful of Frogs (illustrated by Vera Brosgol), Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is, Waking the Dead and Other Fun Activities, and The League of Littles (illustrated by Sara Faber.)
Casey offers fun, dynamic, and interactive presentations that entertain and inform while leaving her audience excited about creating their own stories.
Her general presentation covers the key elements that Casey has learned over her years as a writer while allowing time for a Q&A with students and a group story-building game. Casey is a very flexible presenter and can adapt her presentation to suit the needs of a school. If there is an interest in focusing more on one aspect of writing or on one of her books specifically, that can be accommodated.
Casey also loves presenting at libraries! She’s available for storytime visits as well as workshops for all ages. Reach out to discuss what kind of visit would best suit your organization.
If there is an interest in book sales at an event, Casey can provide order forms with instructions to help organize the process in advance. She co-ordinates with a bookstore that offers her titles at a discount.
Testimonial: “Casey presented at the Lakefield Literary Festival Children’s Tent Event, and we loved her performance. She had the kids and adults laughing with her fun, improvised story. It was hilarious, and very engaging for the audience. Casey was a skilled, organized and enthusiastic performer, and our community adored her.”- Kacie Gardiner, Lakefield Literary Festival and Selwyn Public Library
Free Virtual Visits: Casey offers a limited number of free fifteen-minute virtual visits to classes or book clubs who have read one of her books. These sessions are strictly Q&A only with no presentation.
Writing Workshops: Available on request. Fees negotiable based on time and intensity. Casey will work with schools and libraries to craft a workshop specifically suited to their needs. These are available for smaller groups – maximum size is one class or approximately twenty adults.
Equipment: Casey can accommodate presentations to groups of any size, but if she is presenting in a large venue, a microphone is required. A librarian, teacher, or other school representative must be present throughout any event. A digital projector and screen may be required (Some presentations are accompanied by PowerPoint slides. Casey can bring her laptop or provide a flash drive). A table to keep supplies on is also appreciated.
Member: The Writer’s Union of Canada. SCBWI. CANSCAIP. Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC). Elaine Kachala is a Toronto-based author of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) nonfiction books for kids, including Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet (Orca Book Publishers, March 17, 2026) and Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution (Orca Book Publishers, 2022).
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 3 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 3 presentations per day.
Both books are part of the Orca Think series, which introduces middle-grade readers to issues making headlines in the world today and helps them question, connect, and take action for a brighter future!
Elaine writes engaging books that spark curiosity and invite young readers to explore how people and technology work together to shape a better world. She’s also committed to raising the profile of non-fiction books as tools for STEAM education at teacher/librarian conferences and workshops.
Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection (2025).
“Realistic yet uplifting—a testament to the power of STEAM” – Kirkus Review
“An in-depth look at a cutting-edge industry preparing solutions to a crisis… painting an optimistic view of the future and inviting readers to explore careers in these exciting and quickly changing fields. This will fill a gap in most collections.” – School Library Journal
“This is a true STEAM offering…Two overarching themes resonate throughout: first, that housing is a universal right, and second that there is hope.” – Booklist
Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution (2022) is…
a National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)/Children’s Book Council (CBC) Best STEM Book (K-12) (2023)
a finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (2024)
a finalist for the Young Readers’ Choice Book Awards (Red Cedar Book Awards) (2023)
a finalist for the SCBWI Golden Kite Awards, Nonfiction Text for Older Readers (2023)
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, Commended (2023)
Top Grade CanLit for the Classroom, Commended (2023)
BC Books for Schools, Commended (2022)
Superpower? also received glowing reviews from Always in the Middle, Children’s Literature, Dr. Larry Recommends, Exoskeleton Report, Great Books for Kids, Science Adviser, SLJ, TEACH Magazine, teachers, librarians, and parents.
Before writing for children, Elaine spent more than 20 years as a health policy writer and adviser. With degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Toronto and a master’s in environmental studies from York University, Elaine draws on her background to engage readers in critical thinking about how innovations affect our world. Through her books, she encourages young readers to learn from real-life inventors who dream big while considering health, social, and ethical issues.
BOOKS:
School Programs for Grades 4 to 8:
Two thumbs up! Kids, parents, teachers, and librarians say that Elaine’s books and presentations inspire young people to wonder about inventing technology for a better world. They’re a perfect blend of children’s social, science & technology themes.
Elaine’s happy to lead small or large groups. She’ll present to classes individually or in groups but asks that they’re grouped appropriately by grade level (i.e., 4-6; 7-8).
Today’s students face an almost never-ending list of societal challenges, such as the fast pace of tech, climate change, and the housing crisis, all of which can weigh heavily on their mental health and contribute to a sense of helplessness. But STEAM nonfiction books at the intersection of technology and society can show young people that problems have solutions, questions have answers, and with STEAM skills and teamwork, there is hope for the future.
*Free teaching guides available
Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet
What if you could 3D print affordable, eco-friendly houses in months, weeks, or even days?
And what if 3D printing human settlements on the Moon and Mars helps us tackle housing challenges here on Earth?
What if you could quickly manufacture wood buildings that actually slow climate change?
Can you imagine an exciting STEAM career in clean, green, smart construction?
Curious about what it’s like to be a children’s author?
Following a brief introduction about myself, I’ll draw on questions in the Teacher’s Guide to activate students’ background knowledge and excite them about the subjects of housing, health, climate, and awe-inspiring machine innovations. While technology offers hope and solutions, it takes teamwork to challenge old ideas and change traditional ways of doing things. With engaging photos and videos, this presentation takes kids on a journey through housing issues in our world: how we got there, how we’re fixing it, and how we move forward. It will also spark their interest in exciting new career possibilities in construction. I’ll briefly speak about what it’s like to be a nonfiction children’s author. I’ll use slides for visuals and there will be a Q/A opportunity.
Teaching and librarian professionals seeking new ways to explore timely social and environmental topics, encourage young readers to explore STEAM solutions, and expand STEAM programming will gain valuable ideas from this book and guide.
I’ll have stickers and a STEAM Activity (from the book) for handouts.
Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution
Do you wonder how wearable technology (the next wave of computing) changes us and society?
Can innovation go too far?
How do we design responsible technology to gain benefits and mitigate harm?
Are you interested in stories about inventors, including young inventors, and how they’re navigating the next tech frontier?
Curious about what it’s like to be a children’s author?
Following a brief introduction about myself, I’ll draw on questions in the Teacher’s Guide to activate students’ background knowledge and excite them about the subject of wearable technologies. I’ll highlight what wearable technology is and how it works, with examples of how wearables impact our lives and change the world. I’ll introduce students to some of the book’s experts. They’ll meet inventors, engineers, scientists, and young people who see a problem and create technology to solve it. But experts face a dilemma when their devices have unintended consequences; we’ll discuss it. I’ll briefly speak about what it’s like to be a nonfiction children’s author. I’ll use slides for visuals and there will be a Q/A opportunity.
I’ll have bookmarks and a Get Brainstorming Activity (from the book) for handouts.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
I use PowerPoint, so I need a projector, screen, and extension cord. Water would be great too! And lunch and coffee if I’m staying for the day. A microphone for larger groups, in the gym, or if the room acoustics are questionable.
