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 available for virtual presentations only at this time.

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 get children to brainstorm their own ideas. Together, participants will learn to ask “what if” questions, learning not only to craft stories but also to change their world.
(45–60 minutes; 10–600 students)

Behind the Scenes of Picture Books (k-grade 5)

Ever wonder where the inspiration for a book comes from? Why certain characters are named what they are? How a book goes from idea to finished manuscript? Why authors and illustrators rarely meet? How long it takes to write a book? This session will provide a detective-like look at picture books and all it takes to make them.
(45–60 minutes; 10–600 students)

Fact or Fiction (k-grade 5)

This presentation looks at nonfiction picture books, such as Finding Winnie and Leanne’s upcoming Saving Thunder the Great, as well as fictional picture books intertwined with facts, such as The Man With the Violin and Leanne’s forthcoming I Love Sharks, Too. Students will be able to identify fact from fiction, will learn how to get story ideas from facts (e.g. newspapers, Weird-But-True books), and will plot a new story together.
(45–60 minutes; 10–600 students)

What’s in a Name? (k-grade 5)

This presentation, based on the author’s picture book The Change Your Name Store (the illustrations of which contain over 300 names in over 20 different languages), will look at naming practices from different cultures. Students will be able to find their name from a different culture using a name meme Leanne created. Leanne will also share how she names her characters in her picture books, and students will share how they name their stuffed animals and pets. We will create and name a character together, showing them basic characterization skills.
(45–60 minutes; 10–50 students)

Idea Extravaganza (grades 4-8)

Where do writers get their ideas? Participants will be entertained in this interactive workshop, and they will leave with no fewer than twenty original ideas to explore in their writing. This presentation will inspire young writers to start writing as soon as they leave the conference. Be ready to be inspired!
(60–75 minutes; 5–35 students)

Skype Read-Aloud and Q & A (k-grade 5) : FREE!

Students are treated to a read-aloud by the author (from one of her published books or a work-in-progress) and a time for questions and answers.
(15–20 minutes; 5–600 students)

Costs and Booking

Please contact me, by using this form, for details about booking a visit.