All Consuming: Shop Smarter for the Planet
Shopping isn’t an obvious polluter, but our buying habits and obsession with the latest and greatest are affecting the planet. This presentation geared toward kids in Grades 4-7 will address how all the things we need, want and gotta have are responsible for big environmental problems. We’ll also talk about how making small changes in what and how often we buy can have an impact.
- $300/45min virtual or in-person presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test
In It to Win It: Sports and the Climate Crisis
From innovative stadium design and zero-waste sporting events to recycling tennis balls and getting to practices and games using sustainable transportation, athletes and fans are taking action to ensure everyone can enjoy their favourite games for years to come. Whether you’re a future professional athlete or a sports fan watching from the sidelines, we can all help play for the planet! In this presentation ideal for students in Grades 4-7, we’ll talk about how organizations, players and fans around the world are tackling the climate crisis—and how you can too.
- $300/45min virtual or in-person presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test
Mighty Scared
While people might run or scream, animals have amazing ways of protecting themselves when they’re afraid. Fulmar birds vomit, Texas horned lizards shoot blood from their eyes and hagfish slime their enemies. In this presentation, perfect for kids in K-Grade 5, we’ll talk about lots of incredible and even gross animal facts and explore how mammals, insects, fish and birds around the world respond when scary predators are near. We’ll also discuss what happens when we get scared and how to calm down when the danger has passed.
- $300/45min virtual or in-person presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test
Good Food, Bad Waste
Every day in countries around the world, people waste a lot of food. In fact, we waste enough food to feed 3 billion people when at least 900 million are hungry. Reducing food waste is actually one of the biggest things we can do to help the planet while also getting food to people who need it. In this interactive presentation, we’ll talk about why food waste is a problem, how it happens, and what we can do in our own homes to prevent it.
- $300/45min virtual or in-person presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test
Rush Hour
Have you ever been in a traffic jam? It’s so frustrating—and dirty! This presentation, perfect for grades 4-6, is all about traffic—how it starts, what it’s like in countries around the world and why it’s bad for people and the planet. Kids will learn how they can make a difference, even if they can’t drive. We’ll also learn about talking cars and hyper loop trains to see what the future of transportation could hold. Buckle your seatbelts—we’re going for a ride! It’s based on my new book, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam.
- $300/45min virtual or in-person presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test
Sitting Shiva
Losing someone or something is hard. It’s also hard to talk about. This personal author visit is all about loss—how it feels and how we can help each other. No matter what religion or culture you are, we all have something in common: the need to support one another when times get tough. Featuring a reading of the picture book, Sitting Shiva, and Q and A. Ideal for students in Grades K-3 and their families.
- $300/45min virtual or in-person presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test
What Kids Did
In this interactive presentation perfect for families and kids in grades 1-5, we’ll talk about my picture book, What Kids Did: Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19. We’ll see how kids around the world made a difference at a time when even adults were scared. I’ll also share how I wrote the book, how I found the kids in the book, and I’ll read a selection of stories. This can be followed by a Q and A. Free downloadable activities and resources are also on my website.
- $300/45min virtual or in-person presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test
Proud To Play
This is a powerful presentation about the experience of professional LGBTQ+ athletes in Canadian sports. By looking at the stories in my book, Proud to Play: Canadian LGBTQ+ athletes who made history,tml we’ll see how homophobia in professional sports has changed over time, how it varies from sport to sport, and how we’re doing now. I answer questions from the audience and also read from the book. This is perfect for Pride Month and any in-class discussions about inclusion and diversity. I’ve also offered this as a panel presentation featuring athletes from the book.
- $300/45min presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test
How To Write Non-Fiction
Writing nonfiction can be a challenge, but I make it fun and easy in this presentation about writing nonfiction. Ideal for students in grades 5-7, we’ll discuss what nonfiction writing is, how we can make it sound more like fiction, and how to organize and write engaging A+ nonfiction. I share insider tips about my process, where my ideas come from, and I also read from, Rush Hour: Navigating Our Global Traffic Jam and Good Food, Bad Waste: Let’s Eat for the Planet.
- $300/45min presentation, including a personalized discussion and tech test