Member Profile

I have done presentations in English and in French in schools and libraries in Canada and the U.S.A since 1991. A former French Immersion teacher, I have taught Kindergarten to grade 6, and can easily adapt my presentations to different age groups.

​Teachers have used my books as an introduction to Acadian history and culture, the art of Emily Carr and the study of trees. Like my books, my presentations to children demonstrate that it is easier to write about what you know, with an emphasis on creative writing.

Ottawa Area Schools:  I often spend time in your area to see my granddaughters and I would be delighted to do school presentations as well.

K-Grade 1 (30 min.) My Two Grandmothers (Mémère Soleil, Nannie Lune)

Grades 2-4 (45 min.*) My Two Grandmothers / Maxine’s Tree / Who’s in Maxine’s Tree / Emily Carr’s Attic or any one of these books in French.

My Two Grandmothers

In this true story about my grandmothers, I imitate my Acadian Mémére and my Scottish Nannie, who have nothing in common but the love for their grandchildren. Children get in the spirit of this gentle and amusing comparison and they are always eager to talk about their grandparents.

Maxine's Tree

In this story about my family’s efforts to help save old-growth rainforests from clear-cutting, my little girl’s unique way of saving a tree catches on. I show photos of the big trees such as the Carmanah Giant, the Elephant Tree and the real Maxine’s Tree.

​Emily Carr's Attic

Illustrated by my brother Michael, this story draws upon my living in the House of All Sorts, formerly owned and inhabited by Emily Carr, one of Canada’s most celebrated artists. This presentation has photos of Carr’s many pets, her extraordinary attic, and her famous paintings.

* Virtual session is a 30 minute version for $150

Grades 5-6 (50-60 min.*) The Lookout Tree / Piau’s Potato Present or the French versions

Piau's Potato Present

I explain what it is to be an Acadian, share how I became a writer, and deliver my interactive version of Acadian History, with props and projected images of some historical sites depicted in this book. I speak of the collaboration of the Acadian survivors and the first German settlers in the Monckton Township, who share a cultural and culinary link. This is followed an activity based on the deportation of the Acadians.  

The Lookout Tree

I explain what it is to be an Acadian, how I became a writer, and deliver my interactive version of Acadian History, with props and projected images of some historical sites depicted in this novel which takes in the forest of Southeastern New Brunswick. This is followed by a very popular activity, which I am told leaves a lasting impression on the students.

*Virtual presentation is a 30 minute version for $150