Specialized Presentations

For teachers and librarians wanting a session tailored to their situations – a specific theme or topic related to my books, for instance, or a program geared towards students with particular interests or abilities - I am able to customize my visit and sharpen its focus. A few examples…

My Manitoba

UsingG is for Golden Boy: A Manitoba Alphabet as a springboard, we go on a visual tour of Manitoba, exploring its unique features and locations. This is followed with a behind-the-scenes look at the process of writing, illustrating and publishing a picture book, and the challenges faced in trying to condense an entire subject into 26 letters. (See Teacher Resources for links to a teacher-planning package)

Tough Choices

At the Edge is a collection of true stories built around the theme of decision-making in times of crisis.  Using storytelling, drama, and role play, we explore different situations and look at the motives, choices and outcomes of its key players.

Treasure Hunter

Step into the shoes of the treasure hunter and discover the hows and whys of treasure seeking.  In this interactive presentation, youngsters learn about the challenges and rewards of treasure-seeking and its arm-chair companion – writing about it for Lost Treasures: True Stories of Discovery.  (See Teacher Resources for classroom activities and suggestions)

Survival: What Does It Take?

In life-threatening situations, survival often goes to the swift, brave and lucky few. But what other factors spell the difference between life and death? How can we increase our own chances of survival? Using stories from Survivors: True Death-Defying Escapes as a backdrop, we explore the topic of survival. (See Teacher Resources for classroom activities and suggestions)

Behind the Breakthrough

Every invention and discovery, great or small, has a story to tell. Many of the stories are little-known and unusual, even bizarre. With a mixture of props, drama, and story-telling, we explore the stories behind inventions and breakthroughs used by youngsters every day. (See Teacher Resources for classroom activities and suggestions)

Writing Workshops

As with presentations, specific workshops can be designed to suit particular needs and situations.  A couple of examples:

Getting at the Truth

How do non-fiction writers get at the facts behind a story? In this interactive workshop, students go behind the scenes of the research process to find out how to obtain, verify, and record information, organize references, and report facts accurately yet still creatively.  Interview procedures and protocols are covered as well as ways of utilizing reliable Internet resources.

Writing a Rollercoaster Story

How do you know that you have a fictional or true-life story worth telling?  How can you keep readers interested, involved, and satisfied all the way to the end?  In this interactive and practical session, we examine the nature of stories and how to develop gripping scenes and smooth transitions that will take the reader on a rollercoaster ride of tension from smooth start to roaring end.  

To plan a session with Larry, please contact him here.