Larry Verstraete
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Author & Educator
West Glen Junior School
Etobicoke, Ontario
Calmar Elementary School
Calmar, Alberta
Cayley School
Cayley, Alberta
Golden Learning Centre
Red Lake, Ontario
About Larry
About Writing - FAQ
About

"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."   

                                                            Emma, grade 5 student           

 

"A large group of Grade 5's and a group of Grade 6's were kept interested  for an hour by Larry.  He had them in the palm of his hand...His books came alive for us."

  Lynn Fajardo, Teacher Librarian           

 

More reviews and comments available here     

 

 

My goal when visiting classrooms is leave students as excited about non-fiction as I am.  During my visit, I talk about the writing process, show how books are created and get students involved in the fun of digging for facts and information. 

 

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, artists' illustrations, galleys and, of course, my books. 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, writing and illustrating non-fiction.

 

Most sessions last 45-60 minutes.  Don't worry about time.  I can hold the group's attention.  Prior to my visit, I will be in contact to discuss questions or ideas you might have so that I can customize my presentation to the needs, goals and curriculum of your school.  Whether its a regular author visit or something more specific, I can craft a session to suit your particular situation.

 

New!  Surviving the Hindenburg

 
Step into the pages of history and join 14 year old Werner Franz, the cabin boy, on the great airship's final flight as he faces the ultimate test. A mix of activities, drama, historical footage, and other media place students at the center of Werner's decisions, providing them with insights into this pivotal moment in aviation history, and ultimately into the evolution of the picture book itself.
 
Suitable for all grades; 45-60 minutes
 
New!  Science Writes a Mystery 
 
Don the hat of science investigator/writer and take the plunge. There's evidence to be gathered, clues to ponder, a mystery to be solved and ultimately a book to be written on the subject. An interactive session that gives students a better understanding of science detection and how non-fiction books like Case Files: 40 Murders and Mysteries Solved by Science and S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet are written.
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Suitable for grades 3 and up; 45-60 minutes
 

Arranging a Visit  

 

Schools and libraries can arrange for a single presentation, two presentations in a half-day or up to four presentations in a full day. Fees are based on a sliding scale with rates reduced for schools within close proximity or booking more than one presentation. Neighbouring schools can also split a full day's cost to maximize savings.

 

For further information about fees and sessions, please contact me here

 

Booking

 

For schools and libraries in Ontario, please note all workshops and presentations must be booked through Author’s Booking Service.

 

For schools and libraries outside of Ontario, please contact me directly here. 

 

Funding

 

Support for readings and workshops may be available from the following associations:

 

       The Writer's Union of Canada

       Manitoba Writer's Guild (Manitoba only)

       Manitoba Arts Council (Manitoba only)