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We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, which last year invested $20.1 million in writing and publishing throughout Canada.
  The Ontario Arts Council is an agency of the Government of Ontario.  
     
   
 
 
 
 
Frank B. Edwards
 
 

Frank B. Edwards has written 23 children's books (for children from pre-school to grade six). To date there are over one million of his books in print across North America with Spanish and French translations of several titles. His latest book is "Robert Munsch, Larger than Life," a juvenile biography (Fitzhenry & Whiteside) which has been nominated for the 2010 Silver Birch Award. He is currently finishing up another book for F&W's Behind-the-Scenes series.


Before devoting himself full time to children's books during the 1990s with creative partner John Bianchi, Frank worked as a magazine editor with Harrowsmith and Equinox, and served as editor/publisher of Camden House Books.


In 1986, he and Bianchi created their own publishing house, Bungalo Books (later Pokeweed Press), producing 38 books together. Novelist/reviewer Sarah Ellis once called him "the most can-do figure in Canadian children's publishing."


An active promoter of early years literacy, his author tours have taken him to schools and educational conferences across Canada, the U.S. and the Middle East. The Canadian Toy Testing Council included his books for New Readers on its past recommended lists.


Frank's work as an editorial/educational consultant has taken him to the new Canadian War Museum (designing part of its student orientation program), the Archives of Ontario (creating online exhibits and educational material) and the documentary film community (curriculum based education plans). He has also written a number of non-fiction, illustrated histories for a variety of clients.


Frank is writes scripts for Sinking Ship Productions' "Roll Play" show and is developing a preschool live-action/puppet show based on his "Downtown Lost & Found."


Recently, he has returned to his journalistic roots and is writing occasional feature-length profiles for the Globe & Mail and other publications. He is also writing for Parks Canada and the Heritage Foundation of Canada.


Frank lives on the edge of Frontenac Provincial Park near Westport, Ontario where he paddles and hikes regularly.
 
PUBLICATIONS:
Robert Munsch, Larger than Life. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2009
Bug. Pokeweed Press, 2007
A House Worthy of God. Hedgehog Productions, 2006
Cultivating the Wilderness: The Parrott Family of Lennox & Addington County. Hedgehog Productions, 2005
Frogger. Pokeweed Press, 2000.
Treasure Island with Lots of Dogs. Pokeweed Press, 1999.
Nightgown Countdown. Pokeweed Press, 1999.
A Dog Called Dad. Bungalo Books, 1994.
Melody Mooner Stayed Up All Night. Bungalo Books/Pokeweed Press, 1992
Mortimer Mooner Stopped Taking a Bath. Bungalo Books, 1990.
 
AWARDS:
Silver Birch, Non-fiction nominee for Robert Munch: Larger than Life, 2010
Nominated, Silver Birch Award for Frogger, 2001.
 
GENRE: Picture book, juvenile novel, adult non-fiction
AUDIENCE SIZE: any size
GRADES: K - 12
LENGTH: 45-60 min.
CITY: Kingston, ON
PHONE: 613-374-1243
EMAIL: fedwards@pokeweed.com
WEB: http://www.pokeweed.com
BLOG: www.pokeweed.blogspot.com
Nothern OAC WITS Participant
OAC WRITERS-IN-THE-SCHOOLS
PROGRAM FEES
UNSUBSIDIZED FEES:
ONE SESSION: $ 300
TWO SESSIONS: $ 500
THREE SESSIONS: $ 750
FOUR SESSIONS: $ 900
Author charges GST
Presentation Description:

Frank presents a range of his stories, illustrating where the original ideas came from and how they were turned into stories. This is a humourous, fast-paced presentation adjusted to fit the interests of the audience. With 50 school visits a year, he can provide lots of pre-visit advice and references.

Frank brings his presentations alive with a colourful slide show that keeps his audience foucssed no matter what size the group. He effortlessly connects with all grade levels from primary to junior, intermediate and older. Using his own picture books as examples, he illustrates how stories are built on ideas -- revealing the importance of colourful characters with interesting problems that need creative solutions. He talks about the need for multiple drafts and the careful checking of work. Then he shows how he and illustrator John Bianchi blend art and words together and carefully plan the final layout.
Workshop Description:

Frank offers writing workshops to students (grade four and up) and adults. In one hour, the group creates a storyline -- including characters, settings, problems and solutions (i.e. plot) -- that is based on a familiar situation that has been turned upside-down and inside-out to make it more interesting.

Other styles of workshops can be developed to suit the particular needs of a school or group.
 
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