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Stewart, Michael (Ottawa, ON)

Fiction/Poetry, Two x Ottawa Book Award Nominee, Snow Willow Award nominee, eOne Television Adaptation Lab winner, Publishers Weekly BookLife Grand Prize winner, Twice named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, and more. TWUC, SCBWI, and CANSCAIP. Ages 10+.

$250 per session, up to three sessions per day. Virtual Visits: $200 for each session.

Michael tailors presentations based on the needs and desires of the group and can speak to any element of writers craft and process. As the author of middle grade novels, a middle grade novel in verse, interactive fiction, scriptwriting, and young adult novels, Michael enjoys working with students in workshop format, or as a presentation with a preference for audiences of under 50 students. 

Mike Stewart Books

Presentations by grade (60 Minutes):

Michael always covers the top five questions (How did you become a writer? Where do you get your ideas? What’s the name of your cat?) quickly before delving into the presentation, always being sure to include: Why stories matter, why the students’ stories matter, and how knowing how to tell stories can help them be successful in any field. 

Here are example themes by grade:

4-8: Let’s write a story: Using a super secret technique, Michael works with students to generate strong story concepts. This includes learning the elements of a story pitch and can end with delivering and whiteboarding pitch ideas to go deeper and inadvertently learn Aristotelian story structure.

4-7: Digital Resilience Through Poetry: Based on Michael’s novel in verse, Seeking Draven. This interactive presentation and workshop scaffolds student understanding of the internet, social media, and other digital literacies, while incorporating literary devices and poetry. If time allows, the students use prompts to develop their own poems. 

7-9: The Heart of Structure: Using his novel Heart Sister, Michael explains how to use theme as a structuring tool, connecting this technique to popular books and movies. Further discussions explore students’ thoughts on organ donation, a central element to Heart Sister. Michael shares his family’s organ donation story and why he wrote the book. We explore common myths about organ donation and truths—completing a quiz as a class. Finally, we complete a private exercise in which the students explore the same questions Minnie asks other characters in the book, generally about self improvement. Heart Sister was named an official educational resource by Canadian Blood Services.

4-12: Michael can elaborate on any elements of craft desired, from character, setting, structure, and theme to humour and literary devices.

7-12: Emotion Driven Stories: In this interactive presentation, Michael shows the connection between emotion, stories, and healing ourselves. Using popular literature, movies, and his own books, Michael shows how powerfully resonant stories are based on therapeutic models we can use to create stories of our own.

9-12: Advanced Craft: In this workshop-based format, Michael will work with up to 12 students to refine their stories. Includes Michael prereading student work and identifying elements of craft tailored to the students’ needs. Multiple sessions available.

Anthology

Grade 8+ School Anthology: Michael will organize a full grade (up to three classes) anthology of short stories. This includes a kick off session to identify the anthology’s theme, types of short stories, and what makes a strong short story. Later Michael will present techniques for successful self editing and peer editing, and tips on how to edit the work of others. After peer editing, Michael will assemble and format the ebook. Finally, students vote on preset cover options, and the book is launched on Amazon, allowing the students to try to hit number 1, while learning about the financial and marketing side of publishing. In total, this program includes 3 presentations, an ebook cover, ebook formatting, and ebook publication services. Please contact for fee.

Contact Michael to Book a Visit:

    Join our roster

    author and illustrator applications to authors’ booking service

    The roster opens in June.

    If you are interested in being considered for our roster we invite you to apply via the Authors’ Booking Service online application. 

    Who is a great candidate for our roster?

    • Canadian authors and illustrators
    • Traditionally published creators
    • Creators who enjoy speaking about their books and creating process
    • Authors and illustrators able to do either in-person, virtual visits or both

    Please note: we do not represent self-published or hybrid-published authors or illustrators.

    • Membership in our community of Canadian, traditionally published, authors and illustrators
    • Customized author/illustrator page on the Authors’ Booking Service website complete with your author bio, school presentation info, author headshot, book cover gallery (up to 6 covers), contact form and SEO.
    • Inclusion in the Authors’ Booking Service directory of Canadian authors/illustrators available to do school and library visits (in-person and virtual).
    • Monthly newsletters to members with industry news, author/illustrator opportunities, professional development, member marketplace and more.
    • Monthly newsletters to educators/librarians with calls to action to book Authors’ Booking Service members
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    • Promotion and amplification of your social media posts.

    Vitalis, Jessica (Waterloo, ON)

    Rates: Writer’s Union, CANSCAIP, SCBWI. All sessions 45-60 minutes. Virtual $250. In-person $300 (available in Kitchener/Waterloo and GTA only). Half-day $550 (two sessions, available in Kitchener/Waterloo and GTA only). Full day $800 (up to three sessions). Half and full days may be split between nearby schools on the same day. Prices quoted do not include travel costs or HST.

    FOREST OF READING 2026 NOMINEE

    JESSICA VITALIS is an award-winning, Columbia MBA-wielding middle grade author with Greenwillow/HarperCollins. Her books have been translated into three languages, received multiple starred reviews, been designated as Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, and appeared on “Best Book” lists for Kirkus and CCBC. Coyote Queen won the Reading the West Book Award, the High Plains Literary Award, and the Women Writing the West 2024 WILLA Literary Award in Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction. Her latest novel, Unsinkable Cayenne, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, a NCTE Notable Verse Novel, and was featured as a best new release by Parade Magazine. Jessica has American and Canadian citizenship; she currently lives and writes in Ontario but speaks at schools, conferences, and festivals all over North America.

    • Unsinkable Cayenne is a NCTE 2025 Notable Verse Novel
    • Unsinkable Cayenne is a Red Maple nominee
    • Unsinkable Cayenne won the High Plains International Book Award
    • Coyote Queen is a Reading the West Book Award winner
    • Coyote Queen is a winner of the High Plains Book Award
    • Coyote Queen won the Women Writing the West 2024 WILLA Book Award for Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction

    When she’s not writing, Jessica’s favorite activity is talking about writing; her presentations are best suited for students grades four and up (and adults of any age). She is also available for festivals, conferences, and keynote speeches and can speak to issues ranging from SEL topics to grief and healing.

    Jessica Vitalis 2
    Jessica Vitalis

    Offerings include (but are not limited to):

    Unsinkable Cayenne: In this interactive presentation, award-winning author Jessica Vitalis will explore what it means to be unsinkable with stories of tenacity and resilience stemming from her life-long journey to become a published author. She’ll also explore how and why she wrote Unsinkable Cayenne in free verse and introduce the audience to the unlimited creative potential writing in free verse can offer. (Ages 10+)

    Free Verse for the Reluctant Poet: In this hands-on workshop, we’ll look at what free verse is (and what it isn’t), and we’ll work through the mechanics of writing a poem. Participants will complete their own poem during the course of the workshop and leave with a new sense of themselves––as poets! (Ages 10+)

    Stand Out From The Crowd: Creating Compelling Characters: In this hands-on workshop, participants look at what makes characters come alive in readers’ hearts and minds and practice developing memorable characters using the author’s secret technique. (Ages 10+)

    “Jessica’s presentation was so inspiring and energizing for our fifth and sixth grade students! Her stories––both on and off the page––are magnetic. A couple of our more reluctant learners sought Jessica out after the talk to connect with her and have their photos takes. What a wonderful celebration of reading and writing!” -Elementary school librarian

    “Jessica did a beautiful presentation for my 7th grade reading classes. My students were engrossed! At the end, she answered all of their questions about being an author, the writing process, and everything in between! It was such a fantastic experience for my students!” – 7th Grade Teacher

    “[Jessica’s] presentation totally changed my life! It was so incredibly helpful and exactly what I needed for my writing.” -Workshop attendee

    Maximum group size: No limit on large group offerings. Smaller group offerings are better suited for individual school classes or conference breakout sessions.

    Venues: Flexible as long as a microphone and projection screen are available.

    Tech Requirements: Microphone (when necessary), digital projector and screen (most presentations are accompanied by PowerPoint slides; Jessica can either hook up with her laptop or bring in a flash drive), water, and lunch (for full day visits).

    Jessica looks forward to connecting with you!

    Contact Jessica to book a visit:

      Lewis, Amanda West (Perth, ON)

      Member of The Writer’s Union of Canada; Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators (SCBWI); Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators & Performers (CANSCAIP); Access Copyright; MASC Artist/Instructor

      Amanda’s rates: In-person workshops: $400 for one session, $625 for two, $850 for three.  Virtual presentations: $300 for one session, $525 for two. No travel costs within GTA or Eastern Ontario. $.50/km west of Toronto, north of Ottawa.

      Each program is adapted to the needs of the class/group.

      CCBC Book Awards: Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People nominee

      Amanda West Lewis combines careers as a writer, theatre artist, and calligrapher. She is the author of ten books for youth and young readers, including three-starred A Planet is a Poem, Focus Click Wind, (listed as one of the Best Books of 2023 by The Globe and Mail),and the semi-autobiographical novel These Are Not the Words, (recommended by the American League of Poets as recommended reading in 2022.)

      Amanda’s books have been nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award and the Violet Downey IODE Award.  She has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

      In her theatre career, Amanda has acted, directed, produced, and written for theatre, as well as founded The Ottawa Children’s Theatre, a school dedicated to theatre education for young people. Her calligraphic artwork has been exhibited in numerous shows and she has written books on calligraphy and the development of writing.

      Amanda teaches writing, theatre, and calligraphy to people of all ages, in schools and libraries across Canada.

      Born in New York City, Amanda moved with her mother to Toronto, Canada as a teenager. She now lives with her husband, writer Tim Wynne-Jones, in the woods near Perth, Ontario, where they raised their three children.

      Author Readings/Presentations

       “A PLANET IS A POEM” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining Science and Literary Arts (Grades 1 – 5)

      • EUREKA! 2024 Excellence in Children’s Non-Fiction Award, California Reading Association HONOR BOOK;
      • NCTE Notable Poetry Book;
      • Cybils Award nominee 2024;
      • School Library Journal Best Poetry Books 2024

      This unique workshop combines Science AND Writing! Working with the book A Planet is a Poem, we’ll explore the solar system through poetry. What is a poem? How do planetary scientists use metaphors to explore big ideas? Why did I pair Saturn with a Sestina poem form? What’s a Companion poem, and why does it work for Pluto and Charon? We’ll take a deep dive into our solar system, talk about some of the poetic and magical things we can discover there, and write poems based on our discoveries.

      Equipment And Other Requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board.

      WRITING FROM MEMORY: A Poetry Writing Workshop (Grades 1 – 12/sec V)

      Memories are made of small moments that can form the basis for new story ideas. In this collaborative workshop, we’ll start with the writing prompt: “What is your earliest memory?” Together, we’ll create a series of group poems that are both specific and personal. We’ll also look at examples of how this same memory prompt inspired the verse novel “These Are Not the Words.”

      The workshop explores ways that our memories and dreams can spark ideas and springboard us into larger writing projects.

      Equipment and other requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board. Writing utensils.

      “CONFLICT FROM BOTH SIDES” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining History and Literary Arts (Grades 5 – 12/ sec V)

      In “Conflict from Both Sides,” the focus is on an empathetic understanding of World War 2. Looking at the lives of British and German children, we’ll explore true stories of young people in England, Germany, the United States, and Canada who had to face the challenges of World War 2 and the Vietnam War. Working with the novels September 17 , The Pact,  and Focus. Click. Wind, we’ll discuss the impact of propaganda, indoctrination, racism, and survival.

      Equipment And Other Requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. Writing utensils

      “A LENS ON THE PRESENT” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining History and Literary Arts (Grades 7 – 12/ sec V)

      Opening a window into the past gives us an understanding of our present moment. Using the YA novel Focus. Click. Wind, we’ll look at some of the reasons behind political activism in 1968 and draw parallels between 1968 and contemporary political movements. Looking at the past shows us there are reasons to be optimistic and hopeful about our own future. 

      Equipment and other requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. Writing utensils.

       “WHAT’S BEYOND?” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop Combining Literary Arts and Theatre Arts (Grades 7 – 12. sec V)

      We can learn a lot about a character by what they don’t say. Conveying the space between words –– the pauses in life –– is an essential skill for any writer. This unique, interactive workshop combines theatre and writing skills. Drawing on improvisation and drama games, we’ll explore character motivation, points of view and dialogue as we discover the hidden meaning beyond the words.

      Equipment and other requirements: A large pace to move around in. Writing utensils.

       “ILLUMINATED LETTERS” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop Combining Literary Arts and Visual Arts (Grades 5 – 12/ sec V)

      This workshop helps to develop a love and passion for letters by combining writing skills with artwork.  

      The workshop starts by writing simple poems based on participants’ names. Then, we’ll learn how to draw Versal letters in the style of 15th Century Books of Hours. These illuminated letters will be used to create a uniquely decorated poem. Equipment and other requirements: Two-session workshop. A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board. Paper and pencils.

      Contact Amanda to book a visit:

        Baird Warren, Jane (Ayer’s Cliff, Quebec)

        Jane Warren

        Writers’ Union Member. Also SCBWI, CANSCAIP, TWUC, CAA, QWF.

        Rates: $150 for one classroom session (grades 4-8), $350 for half-day workshop (grades 9-12, CEGEP). Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km. For Ontario, $0.50/km if outside Toronto. Book Club visit fee $150

        Travel from Toronto (though author lives in Quebec). All activities can be offered online.

        Located in Quebec, Jane is a former teacher, personal trainer and coach with BPE, BEd and an MFA in Creative Writing. She’s published short fiction and poetry and has been featured on CBC radio. Her debut children’s novel HOW TO BE A GOLDFISH deals with themes of family, relationships and bullying can expand to offer a gentle introduction to discussions about alternative families, homosexuality, feminism, forced adoptions and social justice. (Grades 4-7)

        How to be a goldfish by Jane Baird Warren

        Writing workshops

        Grades 4-8

        No Shaggy Dogs Here! A fun, hands-on workshop where students learn that a good story is not just a collection of events; characters matter! Working together we will develop a collective story outline. Students choose and develop their own protagonist then, armed with our story roadmap, they are free to navigate as their imaginations allow. Suitable for a class.

        Grades 9-12 (and CEGEP)

        Workshops are geared to the writer wanting to hone their craft and who may be considering continuing in the field of creative writing either at university or independently. These half-day workshops focus on the student’s own writing and work best when limited in size (10-15 participants).

        Book Club: Grades 4-7

        Jane is available for student book clubs/ classrooms wanting to discuss HOW TO BE A GOLDFISH. Discussions can follow the Study Guide (Scholastic Canada) or can be adapted as needed.

        Contact Jane for a visit:

          Sadler, Judy-Ann (London, Ontario)

          Judy-Ann Sadler (London, Ontario) is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, CANSCAIP, and Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC). She presents (in English) to students in JK to grade 5 and beyond.

          Rates:

          • 1 session: $300
          • 2 sessions: $525
          • 3 sessions: $675
          • 4 sessions: $800

          These rates include craft supplies for 50 students per 1-hour session. Travel costs are extra. No HST. Rates for virtual visits are negotiable.

          Judy-Ann Sadler is the bestselling author of over 25 books for children that have sold over a million copies in various languages around the world.

          Ever since Judy-Ann can remember, she has loved to read, write and make things. She feels passionate about sharing stories and crafts with children. She knows that using your imagination and working with your hands encourages creativity, curiosity, resourcefulness, patience, passion and generosity. She feels that these are all qualities our children will need to help make the world a better place!

          Judy-Ann has presented to, and made crafts with, tens of thousands of children at schools, libraries and festivals. Here are a few examples of what she does during a presentation, but she always tailors her presentations to the needs of the students. She loves to keep her audience engaged and excited about books, crafts and stories!

          JK- grade 1: Read a picture book, show other books, show crafts from some of her books, take questions, make a craft.

          Grade 2-3: Read one of her picture books, show other books, show lots of crafts and chat about the joy of making things, answer questions, make a craft.

          Grade 4-5: Talk about and show samples of the many steps involved in putting together a good book, read a story, show her books and crafts, answer questions and hear about the creative activities and writing projects of the students. Make a craft!

          For presentation set-up, Judy-Ann requires a couple of tables at the front of the room, and tables with chairs for the students. She will present to a maximum of 50 students/two classes per session.

          Contact Judy-Ann to book a visit:

            Hughes, Susan (Toronto, ON)

            Writers Union Member. Canscaip. SCBWI. Fiction & NF, multiple Forest of Reading nominations. Multi awards. Mainly grades K to 6.

            Virtual visit: $200 (plus hst) for one session of 40-50 mins; and $150 for each additional session on the same day. Also, $220 (plus hst) for two back-to-back 30 min sessions with Kinders.

            Walking for Water: How One Boy Stood Up For Gender Equality is shortlisted for the Hackmatack English Non-Fiction Award.

            Susan is an award-winning author of over 30 children’s books (fiction and non-fiction), including picture books, chapter books, middle-grade novels, and YA novels—and even some graphic narratives (picture books and middle-grade). She runs through the local cemetery, where she glimpses coyotes and foxes; was dog- and horse-crazy as a kid; and no matter what’s she’s doing, would usually rather be reading.

            Susan’s books have won and been shortlisted for several awards, including the Silver Birch Express, Silver Birch Non-fiction, Red Maple, Red Cedar Information Book, Hackmatack, Prix des Libraires du Quebec (Jeunesse), Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year, TD Canadian Children’s Literature, Diamond Willow). Her books have received starred and recommended reviews from Kirkus, CCBC, CBC Books, Quill & Quire, School Library Journal, Resource Links, The Globe & Mail, CanLit for Little Canadians and CM Magazine.

            Susan loves chatting with young readers about her books, the writing and publishing process, and their own writing projects. Susan will read from one or more of her books, discuss the inspiration for her book and the writing, research, and publishing process, and engage in a lively Q and A with young students.  

            Readings from her book(s), plus Q&A’s with audience (20-30 mins for kinders; 30-50 mins for gr 1 and up)

            Suggestions of picture books for presentations:

            Same Here: The Differences We Share (gr 2 – 5)

            This MG informational picture book introduces readers to kids from around the world, the lives they lead, and the common needs that unite them. The child-centered narrative and evocative illustrations explore how education, family, free time, and other aspects of daily life look different depending on who you are and where you live.

            Themes: common needs, global connections, equality/equity, diversity, education, communication, socio-economic realities, social studies

            Walking for Water: How One Boy Stood Up for Gender Equality (gr 2 – 5)

            In this inspiring picture book story of individual activism (based on a real boy), Victor recognizes gender inequality when his sister must stop attending school — and decides to do something about it.

            Themes: equality, gender, children taking action, Malawi, fiction/ non-fiction, graphic novel, family, diversity, authenticity, experts, Citizen Kids, global connections

            Carmen and the House That Gaudi Built (gr 1 – 6)

            Carmen Batlló must move to the city, leaving behind her imaginary salamander—but then meets architect Antoni Gaudí. This picture book is inspired by the real Batlló family and the house Gaudí designed for them.

            Themes: fiction versus non-fiction, based on, imaginary friends, architecture, home, nature, moving, Antoni Gaudi, change

            What Happens Next (gr 2 -6)

            This picture book story is told by an unnamed protagonist who, when bullied by a girl at school, confronts the bully in a unique way— helping the bully see the world with a new perspective.

            Themes: bullying, emotions, empathy, non-gendered character, point-of-view, differences and similarities, courage

            Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs (gr 3 – 7)

            A fictionalized story of the life of Jane Jacobs, one of the world’s greatest urban thinkers and activists, this picture book is a terrific resource for exploring civic engagement, urban life, and the role of city planning.

            Themes: urban activist, ecosystem, grassroots, observer, perseverance, courage, citizenship, initiative, prison, biography, annual Jane Walks

            Up! How Families Around the World Carry their Little Ones (K to gr 2)

            A celebration of diversity, this non-fiction picture book depicts children being carried in many different ways by various family members in 10 places around the world.

            Themes: family, emotions, empathy, rural/urban, diversity, global connections

            Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the World  (gr 4 to 7)

            In this middle-grade non-fiction book, you’ll travel around the globe to visit some of the world’s most incredible schools (on boats, on train platforms, mobile schools, etc.) and meet the students who attend them.

            Themes: education, equality/equity, tough decisions, diversity, initiative, interviews, citizenship, global connections

            Virtual meetings can be on Zoom, Google meets, or Skype. Audience size: let’s discuss!

            Connect with Susan to book a visit:

              McLellan, Stephanie Simpson (Newmarket, ON)

              Writers Union Member. English. Fiction (Picture Book and Mid Grade), Mr. Christie Award winner, Ruth Schwartz Award Winner, 2022 Blue Spruce Award Honour Book. Grades K-4 and Grades 5-8.

              In-Person Visits: $300 plus HST for 1 session, $500 for 2, $750 for 3 and $1000 for 4, + travel (50 cents per kilometre, round-trip for SW ON).

              Stephanie is the award-winning author of six picture books books, a mid-grade novel and a unique picture book-first reader hybrid. She reviewed children’s books for twelve years for Today’s Parent magazine (for which she got to interview the legendary Maurice Sendak!), operated an online bookstore for a few years called Neverending Stories, and wrote several scripts for the gemini-nominated children’s television series Roll Play (on Treehouse).

              Her books have won and been shortlisted for several awards (Mr. Christie Award, Ruth Schwartz Award, Chocolate Lily Award, CNIB Tiny Torgi Award, Crystal Kite Award and Blue Spruce Award) and have received starred and recommended reviews from Kirkus, CCBC, CBC Books, Quill & Quire, School Library Journal, Resource Links, TVO Kids, Chickadee Magazine, The Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, City Parent, CanLit for Little Canadians and CM Magazine.

              A passionate promoter of literacy, Stephanie has toured twice for TD Canadian Children’s Book Week: to Labrador in 2014 and Northwest Territories in 2018. Surrounding the release of her 2017 picture book, The Christmas Wind, Stephanie worked with almost 1,700 primary students in every province and territory of Canada (plus one school in Australia) on a unique literacy initiative that resulted in over 13,000 student drawings of her characters Jo, Murdock and the wind. Widely profiled by CBC, The Christmas Wind Story Project involved the Canadian Children’s Book Centre in the spring of 2016 and was a top 10 finalist in the 2016 CST Inspired Minds Learning Project Contest.

              Presentation Description

              During Stephanie’s school presentations for grades K-4, she encourages children to look for and understand their own creativity by sharing the stories behind her stories, how these stories/ideas turn into books, and what it’s like to write for a living. Specifically, she has four goals with each school presentation:

              • To entertain students with a dramatic reading of her books so they will come to know and care about her characters and about the value of story
              • To stir the writer/creator inside each student by sharing the stories behind her stories, thus empowering them to see the connection between their own lives and their own potential works of art
              • To create a natural bridge to relevant, valuable and interesting learning (e.g.Hoogie in the Middle – a simile exercise; Leon’s Song – a mini science quiz on how frogs survive the winter)
              • To give students a sense of what goes into the creation of a book (the illustrator, the publisher, the ideas) and what it’s like to write for a living 

              For grades 5-8, Stephanie will focus on her mid grade novel Sully, Messed Up to explore themes of self-esteem, identity, life choices, social-emotional learning and bullying.

              Ahead of each school visit Stephanie creates a school specific page on her website to help teachers and students prepare for her visit.

              Maximum group size: 50-60 for optimum interaction 

              Equipment required: a table, an easel (for presentation boards), water, microphone for larger groups or in the gym.

              Contact Stephanie to book a visit:

                Cohen, Tziporah (Toronto, ON)

                Tziporah Cohen

                Tziporah Cohen. Toronto, Ontario. Writers’ Union Member. English. Grades SK-3 (picture book presentations), Grade 4-8 (novel presentations).

                Virtual rates: $200 per session (45-60 min). In-person rates: $275 for one session (45-60 minutes), $200 each for additional visits up to four. Full day visits can include eating lunch with small group of interested older students. Kindergarten visits can be split into two 25 min visits with different classes. No travel costs within City of Toronto; GTA (excluding City of Toronto) $25 per 30 min car travel, rounded up. 

                Tziporah is the author of three picture books:  ON THE CORNER OF CHOCOLATE AVENUE: HOW MILTON HERSHEY BROUGHT MILK CHOCOLATE TO AMERICA (December 2022), the award-winning wordless picture book AFIKOMEN (March 2023) and CITY BEET (March 2023). She is also the author of the award-winning middle grade novel, NO VACANCY, published in September 2020.

                Middle Grade Novel Presentations

                • Author’s Journey: How do you go from writer to author? Learn the origin story of NO VACANCY and all the steps from beginning to publication: from idea to first draft and revisions, to acquisition, editing and copy editing, cover design and book-on-the-shelf! Includes photos from the entire process and reading of a chapter from the book. (60 minutes, Grades 4-7, in-person or virtual)
                • Revision, Revision, Revision! What are the steps in going from first draft to finished story? Get an inside view on the author’s revisions of NO VACANCY, both before and after acquisition by the publisher. Includes specific examples of revision strategies (using strong verbs; show, don’t tell; adding detail; use of outlines and calendars; eliminating writing quirks, etc) with photos of manuscript. Includes reading of a chapter of the book. This presentation works best if students have read the book, but not required. (60 minutes, Grades 4-7, in person or virtual)

                Picture Book Presentations

                • Let’s Talk About Chocolate! Where does chocolate come from? Learn about where and how cacao beans grow and how they are turned into the chocolate we all love, followed by a reading ON THE CORNER OF CHOCOLATE AVENUE: HOW MILTON HERSHEY BROUGHT MILK CHOCOLATE TO AMERICA. (45 minutes, Grades JK-2, in person or virtual)
                • How Do Picture Books Get Made? Using ON THE CORNER OF CHOCOLATE AVENUE or CITY BEET, we’ll talk about how a picture book gets made, from idea to research, first draft to revision, illustration to printing, plus the various people involved in the process, including the writer and illustrator, editor, book designer, publicist and more.  Includes a reading of either book and Q&A time. (45 minutes, Grades 1-3, can be combined with Let’s Talk About Chocolate for total of 60 minutes, in-person or virtual)
                • Let’s Make a Picture Book Workshop! Why are picture books always 32 or 40 pages in length? What is the author’s job and what is the illustrator’s? Who decides if the characters will be people or animals? We’ll answer these questions and more and then, using one of the author’s manuscripts, the students will illustrate the words and put them together to make their own picture book for the classroom library. Includes a reading of any of author’s picture books. (45-60 minutes, Grades 3-4, in-person only)

                Size limits: 100 for virtual presentations, 30 for in-person visits (60 for Reading/Q&A)

                Equipment: For virtual visits, Skype or school Zoom account. For in-person visits, laptop with Powerpoint, (can bring own laptop if it can be connected to school projector, otherwise will bring USB stick), projector and screen for Power Point presentation, table, microphone if space larger than classroom, glass of water. Teacher or librarian must be present for all presentations, virtual or in-person.

                Contact Tziporah to book a visit: