Leanne Shirtliffe

Humour, with a side of writing.

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Humour,
with a side of writing.


More Info

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  • While explaining a joke usually makes it less funny, Leanne was able to explain concepts of humor while keeping her class in stitches.
    Jay Donovan — Co-Founder, TechSurgeons.com
  • Leanne Shirtliffe hosted an event we held in Calgary in September 2012 where we invited select social media influencers to engage with our client’s brand. Leanne’s involvement helped to make the event a smashing success. She took genuine ownership of the role, ensuring she connected with each guest. Leanne went beyond the call in researching the subject matter in advance of the event. Her presentation skills and her ease at sociability resonated with event attendees strongly. Leanne was a real pleasure to work with and we would definitely engage her again.
    Ian Malcolm — President, Desperado Marketing, Toronto
  • “Leanne Shirtliffe is one of the most dynamic and imaginative author presenters I’ve hosted in my 17 years in Webber Academy’s library. If you're looking for a truly inspiring presentation, with meaningful content and fun interaction between author and students at any age level, this author has it all.”
    Mariaan Camp, Retired Teacher-Librarian, Webber Academy, Calgary, Alberta
  • “Her presentation was one of the best we have ever had from an author … the kids still talk about her and her funky hat! The students came away with an appreciation for the work that goes into a picture book, and the motivation to persevere as writers during the editing process, as well as a multicultural appreciation for names around the world, and encouragement to be proud to be themselves!”
    Morgan Chapman, Elementary Teacher Librarian, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, Okotoks, Alberta
  • “With a funny hat, a stuffed frog and a great deal of humor, Leanne both entertained and educated fifty of our Year 2 children (and teachers). Fun, warm, feisty – just like her character Wilma Lee Wu – Leanne revealed through the magic of Skype her considerable talents as a writer, teacher, and all-round quirky human being!”
    Jennifer Baccon, Elementary Library Coordinator, NIST International School, Bangkok

School Visits

As a teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience, I love presenting to students of all ages. You can expect an enthusiastic, humourous presentation that has students engaged and leaves them inspired. I will bring actual props—including my wacky hat, my favourite writing hoodie, and stuffed animals—as well as numerous ANECDOTES AND CONCRETE WRITING TIPS within my interactive, digital presentation. UPDATE: Please note that I am fully booked until Spring 2017. Workshops Where Do Ideas Come From? (k-grade 5) This presentation looks at where both authors and illustrators get their ideas. From Disneyland to a hockey sportscast on the radio, the author will share her inspiration and …

See All Workshops about School Visits

Leanne Shirtliffe

I grew up on a large grain farm 20 miles west of Winnipeg, Manitoba. For me, farming had three seasons: work, softball, and ringette. I am the youngest of three kids (“the caboose,” as my mom called me). After I finished high school and university, I left Canada and worked in Asia for eight years. It turned to be a build-your-own-family adventure. I met my husband in Bahrain, and we had twins in Thailand. We now live in Calgary, Alberta…near the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I’ve been a teacher for more than 20 years, and it’s a job I absolutely love. One of the main reasons I write children’s books is because I’m a big kid myself: I love to laugh and to learn new things. My …

21 (possibly) Interesting Facts About Me about Leanne Shirtliffe