Kevin Bradley Watts

Readings

Kevin will read from Ben and the Mysterious Sound and/or from a soon-to-be released title in the series. After the reading, the author discusses and students are invited to ask questions related the book and the creative process of writing, illustrating and publishing. An emphasis is place on: 1) appreciating the value of learning the 3R’s, 2) developing a love for reading, and 3) developing and expressing their imagination through writing and illustrating. Children in Grades 2 and 3 usually like to see work ruffs, press sheets and other related items which may be brought by request.

As part of the educational value of the visit, students are encouraged to write and send in their personal book review to the publisher for posting on the Tug Boat Ben website. Character colouring sheets may be requested for JK-1classes. Prizes are sometimes offered by the publisher for best colouring artwork and well written book reviews. Submissions are subject to publication and require parental approval. Please contact publisher to prearrange.

Students are welcome to bring or purchase copies of books which can be autographed at the reading.

Special Equipment:

Easel and table

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Workshops

Book Review Workshop: In conjunction with a reading, Kevin is also developing with teachers and librarians a customized workshop for Grade 2 to 3 classes directed at creating a book review. The basics requirements and formal structure of a book review are discussed along with examples. The benefits of analyzing a book, author, story structure and characters are highlighted. This is intended as an introductory level lesson to build awareness, interest and appreciation for the variety of writing and illustrating styles used literary work.

As part of the educational value of the visit, students are encouraged to write and send in their personal book review of the book read by the author, to the publisher for posting on the Tug Boat Ben website. Prizes are sometimes offered by the publisher for best written book review. Submissions are subject to publication and require parental approval. Please contact publisher to prearrange.

Special Equipment:

Black board and photo copies for hand-outs.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed.

Biography

In 1993, Kevin Bradley Watts as an independent producer returned to his true passion and founded his own film and animation production company, Alderney Studios Inc. As a producer & writer his distinguished clients have included among several, the Walt Disney Company.

In addition to film and photography, the author has been involved with a number of interests including industrial mechanical design engineering, computer programming, scientific applications of holography, astronomy, and was a lecturer at the University of Guelph.

Strongly concerned with the international need for non-violent children’s programming and as a father of four, Kevin is dedicated to the support of children's issues. Through his animation and publishing companies, he is actively involved with the development and production of quality children's programming and literary material.

Intrepidly sailing with Captain Peter across the English Channel, the author Kevin Watts and his friend Simon landed on a small island. Together they set out to discover this truly intriguing oasis with palm trees and tropical breezes. The stories in The Adventures of Tug Boat Ben series, originally written to be read to his own children, were inspired by this mystical island, shrouded in fog and sun, called Alderney. As a former ghost writer, this series is the first published under the authors own name. Readings for schools and libraries are currently based from both the published and upcoming titles.