Visits

Non-fiction is many things. Digging for facts. Sifting for the truth. Finding golden nuggets of information. Talking to fascinating people. Weaving stories that are compelling, but true.... There’s no denying it. Reading and writing non-fiction can be exacting at times, but also satisfying, challenging, and, well, exciting. That’s the message I share with readers.

I enjoy visiting schools and libraries to meet readers of all ages. My sessions combine storytelling with drama, role play or other forms of audience interaction and allow plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. I bring along the tools of my trade - samples of drafts, references and resources, book galleys and, of course, my books. Depending on the audience and topic, I'll also have other gear - gadgets, props, multimedia equipment. These tools and visual aids help me to connect with audiences to share, in a very real way, the excitement of reading and writing non-fiction.

"Your presentation was amazing, fascinating and inspiring for me personally because now I really want to read all of the books that you have written in the past."

Emma, grade 5 student

"It was great learning about how to write books and how to find information on the subject of your books. It was also very cool seeing the process of books getting edited and published. I know that everybody loved that you came."

Michael, grade 6 student

"Larry Verstraete made a great impression on many students, and especially the budding authors in the crowd. The content is absolutely riveting, and that too will be remembered."

Sybille Parry, Teacher-Librarian

"Our students, and teachers, thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. Larry is a very "down-to-earth" person. I would highly recommend him."

Maxine Parchment, Teacher-Librarian

"Larry is able to explain complex ideas in language my grade six students understand. I find his understanding of children is exceptional. His stories are interesting and relevant, and after his visits, all of his books are taken out from the library."

Allison Bruckshaw, Teacher

"Larry has taken our students from start to finish on the writing steps of publishing a book. He has so inspired our students and staff that we are now writing our own school book based on his publication, "G is for Golden Boy".

Judy Pirnie, Principal