Category: Writers’ Union Member

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.

2025 BC Red Cedar Book Award Nominee

2025  Victoria Children’s Book Prize Nominee

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:

      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:

          Frayne Sharon, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

          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.

          Contact Sharon To Book A Visit:

            Currie, Susan (Brampton, Ontario)

            Member: Writer’s Union of Canada, Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Winner: Second Story Press’s Aboriginal Writing Award. Finalist: Ontario White Pine Award, Ontario Silver Birch Award, CLA Book of the Year for Children, CODE Burt Award, Hackmatack Award, Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award, First Nations Communities Read Award. Several times included in Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Children and Teens. All ages from 8 and up. Up to 100 or so participants. $250 for one session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 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 passionate and dynamic elementary teacher in Brampton, Ontario. Before she entered the public school system, she earned a living as an accompanist, music director, choir director, dinner musician, leader of various music programs for children, and piano teacher. She’s the author of two middle grade novels, and two YA novels. Her novels all explore themes of friendship, music, navigating challenges, being resilient, and finding your identity. She has also written three nonfiction books on Indigenous topics. Susan has been on multiple Indigenous writing teams through the Elementary Federation of Ontario. She wrote lesson plans and prompts for Spark, Pearson’s online reading program. Susan is an adoptee who was in the foster care system briefly as a baby, and only learned of her Haudenosaunee heritage (Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan) as an adult. She is happily married to John and has a wonderful daughter named Rachel.

            Susan is extremely flexible as a presenter and can customize a presentation to the needs of each venue. Through years in the classroom, she is very comfortable engaging in conversation with young people. In each presentation, she will include readings from her books and a Q and A. Possible topics could include the following, but please reach out to discuss your needs as Susan will happily customize a session.

            • Friendship, strategies for building your voice, facing down bullies
            • Notable Indigenous figures like Autumn Peltier; telling how she has fought to protect water around the world; sharing how you can help
            • The history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Cayuga Nation, including life long ago, the impact of the Indian Act, and the rise of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; what you can do to help with reconciliation
            • Susan’s own history as an adoptee who later learned her Cayuga heritage
            • Raising awareness of social inequities, such as institutionalized racism, the limited rights of foster children, and differences in opportunities based on socioeconomic status; sharing how you can advocate for others in your immediate community and around the world
            • What it is like to be a writer, with focus on the process of writing a novel, and the steps you go through to have a published book

            Susan is also delighted to do writing workshops with small groups (no more than 15 or so). Topics might include the following, but please reach out to discuss your needs as Susan will happily customize a session.

            • Building exciting scenes or characters
            • Fun ways to edit your work that bring your story to vivid life
            • Finding your creative voice
            • Using other art forms to inspire your writing – paintings, pieces of music, dance, etc. Writing a story based on one of these.
            • Telling a story from your life in a dramatically compelling way
            • Writing effective and interesting dialogue
            • Creating a character driven plot

            Susan’s Books:

            Basket of Beethoven (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2001)

            Grades 4-8

            Sam, whose single mom is so strapped for cash that she can barely afford food, talks the privileged Helen into teaching him how to play the piano. He has to keep up his end of the bargain, which involves getting rid of the threatening bullies who plague her. But anything is worth having an outlet for the music inside him. Themes: friendship, family, strategies for standing up to bullies, resiliency, courage, music, creativity, imagination.

            The Mask that Sang (Second Story Press, 2016)

            Grades 4-8

            Cass learns about her Indigenous identity via a mysterious Haudenosaunee mask that shows her visions and sings to her. Through her friendship with Degan, an Indigenous boy, she uncovers what the mask is trying to tell her. Themes: magic realism, bullies, resiliency, systemic racism, residential schools, foster care, loss of identity, found friends, Indigenous history in Canada.

            Haudenosaunee: the People and Nations (Saunders/Beech Street, 2023)

            Grades 4-12

            This nonfiction book explores the history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the impact of the Indian Act on Indigenous peoples in Canada. It also tells about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and ways that ordinary people can help to fulfil the calls to action. It highlights how the Haudenosaunee are fighting to regain their language and culture.

            Amazing Women in Canada: Autumn Peltier (Saunders/Beech Street, 2024)

            Grades 3-12

             This nonfiction book tells about Autumn Peltier, who has become a water warrior on the global stage, fighting for the protection of water around the world, and advocating for the rights of people on reserves to have clean water. She has shown resiliency in her mission, not backing down even in the face of negative criticism.

            Indigenous People and Nations: Cayuga (Saunders/Beech Street 2026)

            Grades 4-12

             This nonfiction book tells about the history of the Cayuga Nation, one of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. While highlighting ways that the Cayuga lived in the past, it also explores the impact of the Indian Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the fight to revitalize Cayuga language and culture.

            Fierce Voice (Common Deer Press, 2025)

            Grades 6-12

            This YA novel is the sequel to Iz the Apocalypse (described below). Iz has everything she’s ever wanted: she’s found the foster home of her dreams and is attending the prestigious music school she moved heaven and earth to get into. But secrets from her past keep threatening to spill into the present, and Iz is sure that her newfound loved ones will abandon her if they learn of her terrible history. When she meets Skye, a young foster child with her own terrible secret, Iz must make a dreadful choice—one that could free them both from their demons or completely destroy everything Iz has fought so hard for. Is raising her voice worth the risk? Themes: advocating for foster children; music education; found family; adoption; finding your own power.

            Fierce Voice is listed by CBC Books – 23 Canadian books for tweens & teens to read this fall

            Iz the Apocalypse (Common Deer Press, 2023)

            Grades 6-12

            This YA novel is about a musically gifted foster child who does whatever is necessary to be able to attend a prestigious international high school for music and to have a voice of her own. Themes: challenges foster children face, including the way that a disrupted education eliminates many possibilities for the future; how past trauma impacts the present; creativity and the arts; finding identity; loneliness and found family.

            All Venues. Equipment required: a glass of water, lunch if she’s staying for the day. A table to spread her things out on. A microphone for larger groups or in the gym. A screen and projector for presenting slides and doing shared writing.

            Contact Susan to book a visit:

              Lyall, Casey (Strathroy, ON)

              Copyright Jordan Lyall Photography Personal

              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.  

              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.

              Contact Casey to book a visit:

                Trinh, Linda (Winnipeg, MB) 

                Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC), Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP), and The Manitoba Writers’ Guild (MWG).

                Co-winner of the Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book, Manitoba Book Awards. Nominee for the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award, Manitoba Book Awards.

                Rates: In-person: $300 for one session, $200 for each additional same-day session. Virtual: $200 for one session, $150 for each additional session.

                Linda Trinh is an award-winning Vietnamese Canadian author who writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. Her work has appeared in anthologies and literary magazines. She explores identity, cultural background, and spirituality.

                Presentations by Grades

                Linda is happy to work with teachers and librarians to develop a need-specific presentation. Here are some examples.

                Kindergarten to Grade 6 (60 minutes)

                All presentations include read aloud and author Q & A.

                Presentation: Your Stories Matter

                In this presentation, Linda will talk about how intersecting elements of her identity show up in her books and talk about her journey to becoming an author. There will be interaction and engagement throughout the presentation, allowing for questions. All this to inform and inspire young readers that their own stories matter.

                Presentation / Workshop: Write Your Own Story

                In this half presentation half workshop, Linda will talk about how her books reflect who she is and what she’s into and engage student participants to think about the same. She will do an exercise exploring what participants are interested in and how those things could show up in a story only they could write. All this to inform and inspire student participants to write their own stories.  

                The Nguyen Kids is a charming early chapter book series that explores Vietnamese culture and identity through the eyes of the Nguyen siblings, with elements of the supernatural, spirituality, and social justice woven in.

                The Secret of the Jade Bangle

                Eldest sibling Anne used to love ballet – until her new teacher starts treating her differently than the others. Will Anne be able to stand up to her?

                Themes: siblings, prejudice and racism, Asian, emotions and feelings, empathy, empowerment, problem solving, early reader chapter book

                The Power of the Pearl Earrings

                Middle sibling Liz doesn’t understand why the new boy in school doesn’t like her. How does she find her own inner power to overcome this?

                Themes: self-esteem and self-reliance, peer pressure, bullying, feminism, Asian, multigenerational, early chapter book

                The Mystery of the Painted Fan

                Jacob, the baby, is tired of always being told what to do. Can his mysterious painted fan help him find his voice in how he wants to express himself?

                Themes: multigenerational, emotions and feelings, siblings, bullying, prejudice and racism, gender identity, gender expression, early chapter book

                The Journey of the Ancestors’ Gifts

                It’s their first time in Vietnam and staying in Grandma Nội’s childhood home, so they should be excited. As soon as they enter the house, though, something doesn’t feel right. Why can’t they connect with Grandma Nội using their gifts, the way they can at home?

                Themes: multigenerational, Asia, travel, points of view, siblings, diaspora, Vietnam, identity, ancestors, early chapter book

                Venue: classroom, gym, library preferred.

                Equipment: Screen, microphone, and a table.

                Contact Linda to book a visit:

                  Kachala, Elaine (Toronto, Ontario)

                  The Writer’s Union of Canada, SCBWI & CANSCAIP; Selected accolades: AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (Longlist, 2024); NSTA/CBC Best STEM Books K-12 (2023); Red Cedar Book Awards (Shortlist, 2023); SCBWI Golden Kite Award (Finalist- NF Text for Older Readers, 2023); Children’s Book Council (Hot off the Press); Best Books (Canadian Children’s Book Centre); Best S&L Books (Tinlids); Top Grade CanLit for the Classroom; TEACH Magazine. Under contract with Orca Book Publishers for a second book, Building Homes for All.

                  Presentations (in-person): $250 for one session (30-60 minutes), $450 for two, $675 for three, and $900 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km if outside Toronto. 

                  AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, Finalist, 2024, NSTA/CBC Best STEM Books, 2023, Red Cedar Book Awards, Shortlist, 2023-2024

                  Elaine Kachala is a health-policy researcher, writer, adviser, and children’s author. She is the author of Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution (Orca Book Publishers). Part of the popular Orca Think nonfiction series, this book is a fascinating look into how the same technologies that help and heal us also pose ethical concerns. Elaine delivers an exciting presentation and brings a unique perspective to the topic of wearable technology that kids and educators find intriguing!

                  Two thumbs up! Kids, parents, teachers, and librarians say that Elaine’s book and presentations inspire young people to wonder about inventing technology for a better world. 

                  Elain Kachala

                  BOOKS:

                  Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution, Orca Book Publishers, 2022, illustrated by Belle Wuthrich. Themes: Technology & Society / Wearable Computing / Inventions / Young Inventors / Robotics/ Responsible Design / STEM / STEAM / Human-Machine Evolution / Critical-thinking / Teamwork / Diversity & Inclusion.

                  A free teaching guide is available.

                  STUDENT PRESENTATIONS:

                  Grades 4-8

                  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?

                  Elaine will cover these topics and more through an engaging, interactive, and tailored presentation.

                  Following a brief introduction about myself, I’ll draw from pre-reading 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 experts in the book. They’ll meet inventors, engineers, scientists, and young people who see a problem and create technology to solve it. But the experts face a dilemma when their devices have unintended consequences; we’ll discuss this dilemma. 

                  I’ll briefly speak about what it’s like to be a nonfiction children’s author and to write this book.

                  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. 

                  Elaine’s happy to lead small or large groups. She’ll present to classes individually or grouped but asks that they’re grouped appropriately by grade level (i.e., 4-6; 7-8)

                  EDUCATORS:

                  Are you seeking a helpful STEM/STEAM and social studies resource for the revised science and technology curriculum? Superpower? and the accompanying Teacher’s Guide helps readers connect STEM/STEAM topics from school with the effects of science and tech on their lives and the world.

                  Presentation: CAUTION! Move Slow + Think Human: Helping Students Consider the Pros, Cons, and Ethics of Technology Design and Use.

                  Wearable computing is the next tech frontier that will change our lives. It’s a topic steeped in a fantastic mix of benefits, risks, and ethical problems. Drawing from Superpower? Elaine will explain how scientists, engineers, designers, and young inventors navigate with responsible design—an approach to complement the engineering and design process and human-centered design thinking. By highlighting controversial technologies and examples from the accompanying Guide, this session will show how to prompt students’ critical thinking about the pros, cons, and ethics of technology and why inventors are calling for a societal debate—let’s talk!

                  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.

                  Contact Elaine to book a visit:

                    Beddia, Lea (Joliette, Quebec)

                    CANSCAIP and SCBWI member, two-time recipient of Canada Council of the Arts grants. Member of Quebec Writers’ Federation and selected mentee for Young Adult fiction in 2020.

                    Workshops are best for ages 9 to 17. $250.00 for one sixty-minute session. $450 for two sessions. $675 for three sessions and $900 for 4 sessions. + travel (50 cents per kilometer, round-trip for Lanaudière, Laurentides, Montreal, Laval, Mauricie regions.

                    Virtual Visits: $200 for one 60-minute session, $100 for each additional session on the same day, up to four sessions in one day.

                    Lea is an experienced English Language Arts teacher who loves to talk about books and writing. As a writer of books for striving readers, she is passionate about bringing accessible literature to all readers and second language learners. Lea believes anyone can be a writer and all it takes is the right tools, some hard work, and the right encouragement. She wants to bring the power of writing to all types of learners. She is experienced working with students will learning difficulties, and can offer flexible workshops to accommodate all learners. She provides graphic organizers and worksheets, including editable digital copies for learners using assistive technologies. She has also been known to bring tasty snacks!

                    Writing Workshop Topics for ages 9 to 17

                    Workshops are conducted in English, but Lea is comfortable speaking French to second language learners. She can answer questions/provide translation and communicate fluently in French. Participants who speak languages other than English or French are encouraged to teach Lea some new words!

                    All workshops use a combination of large and/or small group discussion, group activity/game, writing, revising, and sharing.

                    Writing Makes Sense: Showing vs. Telling

                    Lea will use a combination of discussion, group activity and writing to create strong sentences using sensory details.

                    Words for Humanity: Using Conflict to Write About Emotions

                    Based on the “Cards Against Humanity” or “Cards Against Maturity” game, with an age-appropriate and positive twist, we will create solutions to problems for our characters.

                    From Memory to Fiction

                    Based on the game “Clue,” students will use detective work to piece together memories to create a setting, a character and/or a conflict as a stepping stone for their own creative writing.

                    Dialogue that doesn’t drag: using dialogue to build character.

                    Using video clips of well-known characters, students will predict what/how characters will speak. We will use character charts, to create personalities and with them, a way to let characters speak that is dynamic and exciting.

                    Words, Words, Words: Beyond the Thesaurus.

                    Based on the game “Taboo,” and incorporating improvisation/acting students will explore their vocabulary by acting out adverbs, describing movements and using action words instead, to create a scene.

                    These workshops are ideal for groups between 10 and 20 participants. Lea prefers small settings for workshops such as a classroom, library or other space large enough to move around, but not so large that she cannot connect with each participant.

                    Tech requirements include a blackboard/whiteboard and a screen for the dialogue workshop with internet access, speakers, etc. Participants will require writing materials, including assistive technologies for students who use them in the classroom on a regular basis.

                    Contact Lea to book a visit: