Author Visits

WHAT’S IN A VISIT?

Presentation:

Aidan can’t wait to come visit your school, or visit your space virtually! A standard presentation is about 50 minutes, is interactive, and includes a bit of everything:

  • Making and Editing Picture Books
  • Ideas for Coming up with Ideas
  • Creating Characters, with demonstration
  • Her own struggle as a young reader/speller, and her path to storytelling
  • Q&A

Aidan brings props including her books, character models, preliminary sketches, dummy books and printer proofs.

Presentation & Workshop 1: Making Picture-books (variable, 45-60 min)

For: Grades K to 4

In this interactive presentation, Aidan Cassie leads children through the picture-book creation process. After reading a selected picture book, she discusses how a book is made with a visual slide-show; from sketches, to dummy books, to final artwork. Aidan will help kids discover many tools for coming up with story ideas, what parts come together to make a strong story, and how the illustrations can do a lot of the storytelling when the words can’t.

Presentation & Workshop 2: Creating Characters (variable, 45-60 min)

For: Grades 3 to 5

In this interactive presentation filled with visual examples, Aidan Cassie will lead participants through character driven story-writing, and character design. After reading one of her picture books that started with a single character, Kemala, in The Word for Friend, kids will get a chance to work alongside the artist by playing with unusual shapes and examine the impact of changing features and proportion. As drawn characters emerge, kids will explore expressions and eventually begin to build a story around their characters and think about the ideas and narratives their images inspire.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Aidan can adapt her presentations for the audience:

  • K-2
  • grades 3-5
  • grades 6-8
  • Adults including teachers, librarians and book makers

Visit her Activities page ahead of time for downloadable & printable book fun!

WHAT DOES SHE NEED?

In-person visits require:

  1. a screen
  2. a projector for her Keynote presentation
  3. an easel for some quick drawings
  4. a display table handily located so she can access props

Aidan does up to five 50 minute presentations in a day, with a 10 minute break between, and regular recess and lunch breaks. Ideally the students will come to her at a single location where she can remain set up.

Check out the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) for great ideas, tips and Q&A for teachers considering bringing a children’s author to present at their school.

PRICING?

2022 Workshops and Author Talks (in-person, with COVID protocols):

  • Virtual visits: $250/ session (45-60min)
  • $300 one 50 min in-person presentation/workshop
  • $400 two 50 min in-person presentation/workshops
  • $500/half day - three 50 minute presentation/workshops
  • $700 for a full day (five presentations at one school)

Prices do not include GST

Aidan lives in the Gulf Islands so most author visits require considerable travel time, including ferry trips. For BC schools within an hour's drive of the Sidney or Crofton ferry terminals she will waive regular travel fees* when booking half or full day presentations.

*travel fees to BC mainland locations may include $150 for ferries, $150 for accommodation, if required, and possible milage for longer distances.

Questions? Contact Aidan

Let her know where you are, what grades your students are in, a range of good dates for you, and any other important information about what you’re looking for. She’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

“From a teacher’s perspective, this was the strongest author visit and presentation I have ever experienced. Aidan's professional slideshow and interactive style engaged and captivated students. Her real-life experiences and examples of her personal writing and drawing process are an inspiration to budding classroom authors AND students who have challenges with writing.”
- TANYA GRANT, GRADE 4-5, SALT SPRING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL