DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTATIONS

Frané is a dynamic presenter and shares with students of all ages the process of writing and illustrating picture books. Her optimism, humor and touch for detail in the wealth of stories she has to tell, is sure to hold any audience captive.

She offers a selection of challenging, engaging workshops for primary, high school and adults that can be tailored to your students' needs. Her workshops are pitched to the age group, ability level, and area of interest of the participants.

Frané brings along for display: drafts, sketches, photographs, research notes, printers' proofs, and original artwork in order to convey the origins and inspirations of creating a picture book, enthralling and inspiring her audiences as she does so. Students become involved in the whole process of writing and illustrating books from the development of an idea through to the finished product. She shows that books have their beginnings in the imagination and aim at getting students to draw on their resources to start working from roughs and drafts through to a piece of creative writing, illustration, and book creation.

This is a rare opportunity to meet and work with an award winning children¹s book author/illustrator. It is sure to be a memorable experience that students will cherish for the rest of their lives. Suddenly, the process of book making is no longer a mystery but an achievable and enjoyable goal.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Sessions can be arranged to best fit your school timetable, however the most popular arrangements are:

Meet the Author/Illustrator (stimulus sessions)
Four sessions per day, i.e. four 45-minute sessions with a maximum of 2 classes per presentation. She will cover the process of making a book and will tailor it to the age and ability level of each class. She will discuss where ideas come from, the various components of research, and the necessity of preliminary sketches. She will show different design layouts, discuss practical ideas and materials that could be used both at school and at home to create picture books.

Make Your Own Storybook (workshops)
Three 90 minute sessions per day OR two 2-hour sessions with a maximum of 1 class per session. The students will individually design a spread for a class book or commence working on individual books. The students will work from roughs, drafts and page plans.

The following points need to be taken into consideration when planning timetables:

  1. Keep like age groups together.
  2. Older students to have longer afternoon sessions.
  3. Allow time for exhibitions to be changed, if required.

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

Additional evening programs and teacher professional development workshops are available and may be negotiated separately.

Make Your Own Picture Book: Professional Development for Teachers

This workshop will instruct teachers on how to assist their students in making their own picture books. Frané will go through practical activities such as: Getting ideas, editing, book covers, page design, page plans, terminology, dummy books, illustration techniques and materials.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS AND ROOM SET UP

  • Powerpoint projector (Overhead projector second best alternative;.
  • 2 carpet covered boards to which velcro can be attached;
  • Table;
  • Microphone if over 60 students at a session;
  • Classroom-sized cleared area for set up of exhibit for all sessions, i.e., students coming to the library, spare classroom, or the art room.
  • White board and markers or chalk and blackboard;
  • “Make Your Own Storybook” sessions require access to a class set of chairs and tables or a class set of boards/clipboards for students to lean;
  • Pencil cases and paper;
  • K-2 students will need scissors.

HONORARIUM

TBD

Frané's knowledge, style, and genuine love for children were apparent in everything she did. Her flexibility and warmth were very much appreciated by our entire staff.
Bangkok International School,
Thailand

Frané's warmth, enthusiasm, and special connection with young people was apparent on every occasion.
Jakarta International School,
Indonesia

Frané has been associated with the Fremantle Children's Literature Centre for the past eight years providing five outstanding exhibitions of her award winning picture books and undertaking numerous residencies at the Centre, throughout rural West Australia, and Internationally. Her wide range of workshops are well structured and very practical as well as creative and entertaining. Students and teachers alike respond to her warmth and professionalism.
Lesley Reece, Director,
Fremantle Children¹s Literature Centre,
Australia

Suddenly, the process of book making is no longer a mystery but an achievable and enjoyable goal.
Gidgegannup Primary School,
Australia

Frané's approach to the children and the workshop content was well developed and age appropriate. The teachers found it a rare opportunity to work with a professional author, develop their own skills and repertoire of strategies to teaching the writing/illustrating process.
Paraburdoo District High School,
Australia

I want to thank you for a wonderful visit to the Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County. It was such a pleasure to meet you and to listen to your presentation. You made a great connection to our second graders, and inspired them to create their own picture books, which, when complete will be housed in our library. Thanks again, and please let us know when you will be here again. We would love another chance to have you present to our students.
Beryl Bresgi, Solomon Schechter Day School,
New Milford New Jersey

Thanks a million for all your efforts at our school last week. All the children really enjoyed the experience and they can't stop talking about you. We are thrilled with the outcomes for the week. To meet and interact with a real author and illustrator has made a significant contribution to literacy outcomes in our school. The way you took the challenges in your stride and worked so hard is a credit to your professionalism. We have really enjoyed reading and interacting with your books this year. You were great company and we hope to work with you again some day.
Jamie and Paula Sgherza, Wanalirri School,
Gibb River, Australia

I cannot tell you the level of enthusiasm here at Moriah as a result of your visit! The children SO enjoyed meeting you and hearing your saga of being an author and illustrator, and living in and traveling to faraway places to do your research. (My first two classes this morning begged for your books). We will always cherish and remember your visit here. Hope your trip home was uneventful and that you will now appreciate the beautiful weather at home! P.S. When you have a chance, I recommend you go on our website; some lovely pictures of your visit here were uploaded this morning.
Shelly Feit ­Teacher/Librarian, Moriah School of Englewood,
New Jersey

Thank you for the exceptional quality, warmth, and professionalism that you showed to our students, staff, and myself during your visit. The children were captivated by your appearances and your books have become the most sought out titles in our library....as they should be! Thank you for being so flexible and generous with your time. I have no doubt that you have ignited our students' imaginations and opened them up to writing, illustrating, and literature. It was a joy to work with someone who is so passionate about their work!
Dominick Martiniello, Richard Connor Elementary,
Suffern, New York