Crystal J. Stranaghan

Readings

Each reading is a little bit different, based on any special requests the school may have and the grade level and interests of the students. Crystal will introduce her books, read or recite one of the stories most relevant for that age group, and then discuss how the story came to be written, point out any interesting or hidden features of the artwork, and talk about how books are actually made. Crystal also runs a publishing company called Gumboot Books, so we talk a little bit about the business side of writing and publishing, and different environmental issues that we consider when we’re making books.
Friesens Corporation has generously provided copies of two great books - one called Eco-Friendly Printing and the other called How Books Are Made, and a copy of each book will be left in the school library of each school the author visits.

For younger grades (K-2) half an hour is sufficient, and for the older grades (3-5) 45-60 minutes is ideal.

Special Equipment:

n/a

Book Sales:

Parents/students and teachers can pre-order books at a 25% discount and have each copy personally dedicated and delivered on the day of the workshop. An order form is sent to the school when the workshop is booked.)

Workshops

The Other Side of the Story:
Vernon and the Snake (Gumboot Books, 2007) is used to introduce the concepts of point of view and voice in storytelling - through both the writing and the illustration in this picture book. A range of exercises and fun interactive activities help students understand how to use these elements in their own writing. On a social level, we practice looking through another’s eyes (human, animal or other!), and talk about how this skill, that is so useful in writing, also serves us well in our everyday lives.

Building Stronger Stories:
Several books are used to discuss the building blocks of a good story: purpose/message, character development, plot, different types of stories, point of view, voice, artwork, editing, and how to tie it all together. Highly interactive, this workshop requires participation at every step of the way as students apply everything they learn to planning a writing project they will complete following the workshop. Teachers receive a step-by-step guide that will help them assist the students in completing their projects in the days following the workshop.

A range of other workshops for children and adults are available upon request. More details at www.CrystalStranaghan.com.

Special Equipment:

n/a

Book Sales:

Parents/students and teachers can pre-order books at a 25% discount and have each copy personally dedicated and delivered on the day of the workshop. An order form is sent to the school when the workshop is booked.)

Biography

Crystal has been making up stories her whole life, and has always wanted to share those stories with kids (and grownups!) everywhere. She went to Simon Fraser University and studied children’s literature and child psychology after she finished high school. For a while Crystal travelled around to schools teaching kids about setting goals, and working together, and dealing with the stressful things in their lives. Then she moved to Ireland (where it seems everyone is great at telling stories!) and did more school to become a health counsellor. Now she owns her own publishing company and spends her days making books, helping other people to get their stories published, and visiting schools and libraries. She enjoys doing workshops about writing, how to set goals for yourself and achieve them, and how to be healthy and happy and not stressed out!

Her first book was published in February 2007, and the list is growing all the time! All the books published so far are picture books, but Crystal is working on The 13th Floor series which will include several chapter books.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
Crystal is available to speak at professional development days, and at any community literacy events. A range of workshops are available for adults as well, and please go to www.CrystalStranaghan.com for more information (including rates).