Writers’ Union Member. Fiction & NF. GG finalist. Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Winner. Red Cedar Winner. 2x Junior Library Guild Gold Standard. Silver Birch Honour. Picture Book, Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Young Adult.
In-person: $350 for one session, $600 for 2, $850 for 3, $1000 for 4, + travel (no travel costs within GTA). Full day fee can be split between two neighbouring schools. Out of town visits require two or more bookings. Can present in English and French.
Virtual Visits: $250, for one session, 20-60 minutes, $150 for each additional session on the same day.
Deborah Kerbel is the award-winning author of twenty-five books for children and teens. She’s an experienced presenter and energetic speaker who uses an interactive style to engage her audience. She loves visiting new schools, travelling, sharing her passion for books, and meeting readers and writers of all ages. Her enthusiasm is infectious and Deborah has often been called “the best author who has ever visited our school”. Based in Thornhill, Ontario, she’s the proud mom of two young adults and a rescue Schnoodle named Fred.
SAMPLE PRESENTATIONS BY GRADE (I’m always open to requests for modifications and/or specific books):
Sun Dog – Grades K-3
During this 45 minute presentation, I read from my award-winning picture book, Sun Dog and discuss the inspiration behind the story. We talk about where ideas come from and how thoughts and ideas can grow into something bigger. We look at the artwork and talk about the differences between rough drafts and final illustrations. Finally, we discuss some of the science between the pages such as the Arctic Circle, Midnight Sun, Sun Dogs, as well as life in the arctic.
Final 10 – 15 minutes of my presentation will be available for Q & A.
*a shorter, 25 minute version of this presentation is available on request for JK-G1.
Weather Days – Grades K-3
During this 45 minute presentation, I will read from a selection of the four titles from my award-winning picture book series (Snow Days, Sunny Days, Windy Days, Rainy Days), and discuss the inspiration behind the stories. I’ll speak to students about the seasons and various different kinds of weather that accompany them. There will be fun grade-specific STEM activities to accompany each book. Final 10 – 15 minutes of my presentation will be available for Q & A.
*a shorter, 25 minute version of this presentation is available on request for JK – G1.
The Path to Publication – Grades 4-8
During this interactive 60 minute presentation, I discuss who I am, how I became a writer, and my road to publication. I also include a fun quiz on famous children’s authors which always captures the interest of the audience and encourages their participation. Publication is a difficult road and one of the main themes of my presentation is how hard work, persistence, and determination will always lead to success. I also discuss my novels and upcoming projects, including various personal anecdotes about each of my books.
During the final 15 minutes of my presentation will be for a reading from my latest book + Q & A session.
Fred & Marjorie – Grades 4-8
During this 60 minute presentation, I will discuss and expand on the historical and scientific themes from my 2023 Forest of Reading Award Winning graphic novel, Fred & Marjorie, starting with an explanation of what diabetes is, how it used to be treated before insulin, the role of insulin in the body, and the process by which it was discovered by Banting and Best in Ontario in 1921. I will also discuss the role of the insulin dogs in this discovery, and touch on the ethics of using animals in medical research.
The final 10 – 15 minutes of my presentation will be available for Q & A.
Maximum number of students per session: 60-80 (flexible)
Venue: All acceptable, but library preferred.
Equipment requirements: Projector and screen, glass of water, microphone for larger groups.
Workshops: Deborah’s interactive workshop is designed to help emerging writers take their craft to the next level. Participants can expect to come away with a variety of creative new ideas and material for their writing as well as the tools to implement them. We’ll discuss story ideas, characters, settings, and plot problems. During the final part of the workshop, participants will take several minutes to write a scene using some of the story components that were collectively brainstormed within the group.
Maximum workshop size: 15 (flexible)
Venue: All acceptable, but library preferred.
Equipment requirements: Projector and screen, glass of water, microphone for larger groups.
Contact Deborah Kerbel to book a visit: