Loretta Garbutt is based in Toronto, ON and developed a passion for children’s books while working at a local bookstore where she was a storyteller, bookseller and reviewer. In this magical world, Loretta was also thrilled to be putting books into the hands of tomorrow’s big readers.
Loretta has been a writer and voice performer for over 30 years and worked on many wonderful animated shows including Babar, Julius Jr. and the unforgettable Max and Ruby and her interaction with groups of children is one of her favourite things to do.
Loretta has been enjoying class visits since her first picture book, A Stopwatch from Grampa was published in 2020.
She loves the one on one discussions with students and the questions and surprises that follow. Loretta likes to keep her presentations fresh and full of interaction with writing prompts, a little drama and simple games.
MEMBERSHIPS
- CANSCAIP, CCBC, SCBWI, TWUC, Author’s Booking Service & ACTRA
PRESENTS TO…
- English
- JK-GR 4
30-min presentation rate – $150
PRESENTATIONS
Wake Up, Little Pin! The Story of A Sleepy Sapling
A story about a mother hub tree who calls for all the elements of
the forest to help wake her sleepy sapling.
From Kirkus: An intimate and accurate picture of a natural cycle.
At Mother Pin’s request, Red Squirrel asks Vole to loosen the ground by digging tunnels and enlists Porcupine to poop out a “nutritious breakfast” at Little Pin’s base. Mother Pin also asks the underground filaments of fungal mycelia to send some of her own nourishing sugars to the seedling’s roots.
Jeffrey Loves Blue
A Sheila Barry Honour Book Award
Jeffrey often gets hyper focused on things, especially the colour blue.
What happens when Jeffrey is asked to choose a new colour?
Kirkus review: Proof that adapting to change is not only possible, but also genuinely enjoyable.
The text is presented as dialogue in two voices: That of the unseen narrator—likely Jeffrey’s parent—is rendered in a black font, while Jeffrey’s voice is set in a different, blue font. This reassuring story will help children who, like Jeffrey, find comfort in structure and routine to understand that change is not only possible, but that overcoming a big hurdle can also be rewarding. The childlike illustrations are appealing and, like the book’s conversational approach, will help children sympathize with Jeffrey’s plight; readers will applaud his success.
A Stopwatch from Grampa was given a starred review from Kirkus and The School Library Journal. The book was also named one of Kirkus’ Best Books of 2020. Kirkus: “An excellent and understated portrayal of grief from a children’s perspective.”
From Canadian Review of materials: A Stopwatch from Grampa would make a strong choice for parents, teachers, and librarians to read with young children who have experienced loss. The picture book may provoke discussion about dealing with grief as well as the memories and mementos from loved ones who have passed. Highly Recommended.
Class presentations for this title focus on how the objects we have, like a stopwatch, can remind us of those we love. Her presentation includes the fun of timing games, family memories we love to share and the illustrator’s (Carmen Mok) influence on the story.
And J.J. Slept is a story about family and what makes a house a home.
From the Canadian Review of Materials:
Garbutt only mentions in the beginning that J.J. is adopted when he is brought to his new family by the adoption worker. Otherwise, adoption is not necessarily the focus of this book, but rather it’s the meaning of home and family, whether adopted or not. For some people, that could be a quiet home in the countryside or an energetic life in the city. In the case of And J.J. Slept, home for J.J. becomes a lively and busy household full of the sounds and love of his siblings and parents.
Class presentations for this title include discussion around what it means to be a part of a family and the different types of families.
What are some of your fun traditions, sleep rituals and the games you play together?