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Frank B. Edwards

Frank B. Edwards

Photo: Barry Estabrook

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 has also published a number of illustrated non-fiction books (The Smiling Wilderness, Cultivating the Wilderness, and A House Worthy of God.)

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 has 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.

After a 6-year hiatus, Bungalo has been resurrected as a publisher of "multi-touch books" for kids and adults — illustrated ebooks meant to be read rather than played on the iPad — and has stopped printing its books. The backlist of Frank's children's books is being converted to the iBook format.

Frank lives on the edge of Frontenac Provincial Park near Westport, Ontario where he paddles and hikes regularly.

City:
Kingston
Province:
Ontario

Publications

Mortimer Mooner Stopped Taking a Bath. Bungalo Books, 1990.
A Dog Called Dad. Bungalo Books, 1994.
Nightgown Countdown. Pokeweed Press, 1999.
Treasure Island with Lots of Dogs. Pokeweed Press, 1999.
Frogger. Pokeweed Press, 2000.
Bug. Pokeweed Press, 2007
Cultivating the Wilderness: The Parrott Family of Lennox & Addington County. Hedgehog Productions, 2005
A House Worthy of God. Hedgehog Productions, 2006
Robert Munsch, Larger than Life. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2009
Melody Mooner Stayed Up All Night. Bungalo Books/Pokeweed Press, 1992

Awards

Nominated, Silver Birch Award for Frogger, 2001.
Silver Birch, Non-fiction nominee for Robert Munch: Larger than Life, 2010
Links:
Bungalo Books Website
http://www.bungalobooks.com
,
Blog
http://bungalobooks.com/ibungalo/
,
Professional services
http://hedgehogproductions.com
Eligible for National Public Readings Program:
Yes

WITS

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.

Presentation Length:
45-60 min.
Genre:
Picture book, juvenile novel, adult non-fiction
Grades:
all
Audience Size:
any size
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.