Renná Bruce

Readings

The Jazlyn J books are an alphabet series. This means that for each letter of the alphabet, there is a book designed to tackle an issue that may be of some interest to your students. When I visit a classroom I try to tailor the reading and program to the needs of the teacher and the students. The visits are meant to entertain, enlighten and educate kids in a variety of ways. Each story is meant to encourage kids to find the bright side of each and every day by sharing their favourite parts of the day. We believe that a positive mind will give back positively in every aspect of life and be better prepared to handle life’s challenges along the way. The appearance includes a live and interactive projector-to-screen reading presentation, as well as an opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts. Very upbeat and motivational. Kids love it! The Jazlyn J series tackles topics such as jealousy, goal setting, computers danger symbols, self expression, sharing, telling time and more.

Special Equipment:

I supply my own audio-visual equipment, including a screen for the reading. I would only need a table for the projector and laptop.

Book Sales:

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

Workshops

I discuss how I came up with the characteristics of Jazlyn J and then how I go about creating a story, the things I work with and the tools that help me to create. I share with visuals and work with them to have fun while they write. I encourage creativity and the flow of ideas.

Special Equipment:

I supply my own audio-visual equipment, but would need an easel with flip chart paper and markers.

Book Sales:

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

Biography

Renná Bruce was born in Rivers, Manitoba and travelled across Canada with her military family during her childhood. She graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto from the Radio and Television Arts program with Bachelor of Arts degree and she has published in poetry, creative writing, short stories and worked as a newspaper reporter. She has also been a copywriter, broadcaster and account manager for radio. Renná also has extensive training and experience in marketing, sales and promotions – with a strong emphasis in the media and more recently, mall marketing.

The series was born out of her desire to create a character that could help children find the bright side of any day and motivate them to focus on what went right, rather than what went wrong. “Favourite parts” of the day was a ritual that Renná and her son started when she was just 14 years old. It was an important time where they shared everything special that took place in the day. It is now something that they look forward to every night, just like Jazlyn J.

Currently touring bookstores, festival and visiting schools, Renná hopes to empower children to take every day and make it a good one, while her stories also work to teach a life lesson. Renná currently lives in Guelph, Ontario with her husband and two sons.

For more information, please visit www.jazlynj.com.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
I have spoken to groups about the ability to be positive in a challenging and busy world. I focus on why it is important, how it affects us and what we can do to make a difference.
Topics include:

• Acts of Kindness
• From Sad to Happy
• The Laugh Class
• A Positive Sign
• Staying Motivated