Category: Writers’ Union Member

Backhouse, Frances (Victoria, BC)

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

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

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

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

PRESENTATIONS

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

Owls Are Awesome

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

What’s So Great About Grizzly Bears?

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

Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers

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

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

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

Better With Bison

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

For all presentations:

Group size: Flexible; 45 maximum preferred.

Venue: Classroom or library preferred.

Equipment and tech needs:

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

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

    Daniel-Ayoade, Yewande (Calgary, Alberta)

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

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

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

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

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

    Presentation Details

    Grades K-2

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

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

    Grades 3-4

    1-hour presentation includes:

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

    Grades 5 and up

    1 to 2-hour workshop includes:

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

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

    Black History Month (all ages)

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

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

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

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

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

    Contact Daniel-Ayoade to book a visit:

      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:

        Dobson, Jillian (Richmond Hill, ON)

        Photo credit: Dorothy Puddester

        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 Red Cedar Book Award (2023). Included as a starred selection several times in CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens.

            Rates for in-person presentations about my non-fiction books for grades 4–8 (45–60 minutes): $300 plus GST for one session, $450 for two, $600 for three, $750 for four. Plus travel fees if outside lower Vancouver Island (Mill Bay south).

            Rates for in-person workshops about non-fiction for grades 4–8 (1.5–2 hours with a mid-point break): $450 plus GST for one session, $750 for two. Plus travel fees if outside lower Vancouver Island (Mill Bay south).

            Rates for in-person visits about my fiction books for grades 1–3 (30–40 minutes): $150 plus GST for one session, $250 for two, $350 for three, $450 for four. Plus travel fees if outside lower Vancouver Island (Mill Bay south).

            Rates for virtual visits (non-fiction only, 45–60 minutes): $200 plus GST for one session; $150 for each additional session on the same day.

            Rowena writes both non-fiction and fiction books for young people. Her non-fiction science books are for ages 9 and up. She draws on her 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, Rowena loves history, so all of her science books also have a dose of history and stories from the past in them. Her fiction books are the Meg and Greg series of decodable fiction stories (co-authored with her sister, Elspeth Rae) for kids who are learning to read and striving to improve their newfound reading skills. Rowena is an experienced speaker who loves sharing her enthusiasm for science, nature, reading, and writing with young people in engaging, interactive presentations.

            Non-fiction presentations

            Group size up to 60. In all of my presentations, I talk briefly about how I got into my writing career before focusing on the topic selected. I use slides with photos, bring props with me, and encourage participants to interact through questions and whole-group activities. Every session ends with Q&A. Below are short descriptions of several presentations; I’m also happy to tailor a presentation to your class interests and needs.

            Rachel Carson Changed Your Life and Mine. But How?: In this presentation, I introduce scientist and science writer Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, the book that many credit with launching the environmental movement. I use information about Carson’s life and writing to lead a discussion with participants about people’s relationships with nature, ecosystems, and the environments we live in. For grades 4–8.

            We’re All Connected: In this presentation, I use several of my books to introduce connections in nature and in our lives, and I then facilitate an interactive session for participants to think about what these and other connections mean to their own lives. For grades 4–8.

            Something’s Fishy!: In this presentation, I talk about some of the amazing facts I learned about salmon when I researched this book, from their migrations, to their life cycle, to the obstacles they face during their lives. I then lead participants through a discussion of ways they can make a difference for salmon—or any fish—living in a stream, lake, or bay nearby. For grades 4–8.

            A Brief History of Vaccines: In this presentation, I tell some of the fascinating stories about the people who played a role in vaccine discovery and development over the past 250 years. I then lead participants in a discussion to imagine vaccines and human health of the future. The Q&A at the end of this presentation includes the option to submit anonymous questions about vaccines ahead of time. For grades 6–8.

            Non-fiction workshops

            Group size up to 20. In my workshops, I talk briefly about how I got into my writing career before focusing on the topic selected. I use slides with photos, bring props with me, and lead participants in small-group and individual hands-on activities. Every session ends with Q&A. Below are short descriptions of several workshops; I’m also happy to tailor a workshop to your class interests and needs.

            Reading and Writing Nonfiction for Fun!: In this workshop, I lead activities with participants to explore ways to find writing ideas, narrow down a topic, gather information and facts, plan a writing project, do the actual writing, and then revise and polish the piece writing. For grades 4–8.

            Write, then Revise…and Revise Some More!: In this workshop, I show examples of my own writing projects and how they evolved with revision, and I then take participants on a journey into the art of revising their own writing or a classmate’s writing. For grades 6–8.

            All About the Facts: In this workshop, I introduce the concepts of misinformation and disinformation and lead students through a discussion of how they can find and evaluate information to use in their nonfiction writing projects. We talk about and do activities on different types of sources, the 5 Ws, and lateral reading. For grades 6–8.

            Fiction presentation (for grades 1–3)

            Group size up to 40.

            Meet Meg and Greg!: 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 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.

            Equipment needed

            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 workshops, participants will need pencil and paper and a hard surface to lean on (desk, book, etc.).

            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.

            Contact Rowena to book a visit:

              Cutler, Marcus Tecumseh, ON)

              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.

              Contact Marcus to book a visit:

                Thompson, Julie (Whitby, ON)

                The Writer’s Union of Canada, Society of Children’s Book Writers, Writer’s Union of Canada 2024 Grant Recipient.

                In-person rates:  $400 for one session, $750 for two, $1100 for three and $1400 for four, + travel (.68 cents per km, round-trip within the GTAH). Each session runs between 45 – 60 minutes. Virtual Visits: $300 a session. Each session runs between 45 – 60 minutes.

                Julie will collaborate with teacher’s and librarians to tailor her presentation to meet curriculum requirements. Students and staff can purchase signed copies of “When Isaac Hears the Rain.” Contact Julie for details.

                Julie Thompson creates stories that reflect and celebrate the lived experiences of children everywhere. As a mother of two boys, Julie is especially drawn to books that honor Black Boy Joy. She hopes that her stories will encourage open dialogue within families and their communities.

                Julie’s stories are inspired by the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her 27-year career in youth services, community outreach, and law enforcement. She lives with her two sons in Toronto, where she teaches yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation. Julie is eager to meet with you and your students.

                  Levels: Grades 1-3

                  Key themes: curiosity, environment, mindfulness, friendship, kindness, family, diversity, black boy joy

                  Maximum group sizes for presentations: 30 kids ideal.

                  JK 45-60 minutes. Author reading session ((When Issac Hears the Rain)

                   with an activity (if time permits Julie will remain with the students while they complete their activity).

                  Grade 1-2: 45 to 60 minutes: Author reading session (When Isaac Hears the Rain). Question and Answer with an activity (if time permits Julie will remain with the students while they complete their activity).

                  Grade 3: 45 to 60 minutes: 45 to 60 minutes: Author reading session (When Isaac Hears the Rain). Question and Answer with an activity (if time permits Julie will remain with the students while they complete their activity).

                  Presentations are preferred in the library.

                  Equipment needs for in-person visits:  Table, stool, a microphone for larger groups or 30 or in the gym. A screen and projector to connect computer. Teacher/librarian must be present.

                  Contact Julie to book a visit:

                    Paruzel-Gibson, Natalia (Burlington, Ontario)

                    Writers’ Union of Canada member. SCBWI member. Purple Dragonfly Book Award – 1st place winner. 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 grew up backstage in the theaters and art galleries in Poland. Her mom’s passion for the arts inspired Natalia to write and create. After emigrating to Canada, Natalia was recognized by the Turzanski Foundation with a Young Talent Award for writing and reciting poetry. Her photography and art installations were exhibited in Toronto’s Nuit Blanche. Natalia lives in Burlington, Ontario. She is the author of the children’s book, A PICTURE DAY TO REMEMBER (Clavis, 2023), which focuses on themes of inclusivity, self-acceptance, and friendship in the classroom.

                    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, an overview of character sketches from the book, the inspiration behind the story, a book reading, and an SEL focused activity using a customized activity sheet. There’s plenty of time for Q&A too!

                    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.

                    Book Natalia for a visit:

                      Daher, Anita, (Manitoba)

                      Note: Last name pronunciation is “dare.” The Writers’ Union of Canada, Manitoba Writers’ Guild, ACTRA Finalist: White Pine, Red Cedar, MYRCA, Violet Downey, Arthur Ellis, Diamond Willow.

                      Rates for in-person: $300 per single presentation, $200 for additional presentations at the same school per day.

                      Rates for virtual: $200 per presentation.

                      Anita Daher is an author, screenwriter, producer, and actor primarily of Icelandic and Irish heritage. She has been entrenched in the publishing industry since 1995, and helped found writing organizations in Yellowknife, NWT, and the Algoma region of Northern Ontario before landing in Winnipeg in 2004. From 2019 to 2021 she served as Chair of the Writers’ Union of Canada. She thinks too much, rises too early, and in her spare time enjoys renovating old campers.

                      Anita is a dynamic speaker who has presented in hundreds of schools in urban, rural and remote communities across Canada, primarily in the North and West. She can do up to four presentations in the same school or area in a day. She has power point presentations appropriate to the grade, which include a professionally filmed scene adapted from one of her novels.

                      Presentations

                      • Grades 3 to 6
                      • Grades 7 and 8
                      • Grades 9 to 12

                      For younger grades the focus is plot and planning. For older grades, it is “the story underneath,” or the heart of the story. Each touch on the author’s journey, and what—besides inspiration—you need to write a book.

                      Presentations are generally 45 minutes, adaptable to school needs, and include time for Q & A.

                      Group size preference, preferred venues (for in person), tech required for your presentations.

                      Anita’s preferred venue is a library and is flexible regarding size of audience—whatever is appropriate to the space. She requires a projector with speakers to accommodate her power point presentation. 

                      Contact Anita to book a visit: