Here are a couple of photos taken yesterday (Family Literacy Day), January 27th, at the Quinte West Public Library where Peggy Dymond Leavey gave a presentation to two Grade 5 classes from Trenton schools.
The occasion was also the official launch of "Trouble at Turtle Narrows". Children's librarian, Rosemary Kirby, really made it a special occasion, making sure the press was there and providing refreshments. It was a great group of kids. One picture shows Peggy talking to the group, and the other was taken during question & answer time--always good fun!

After reading The Ghost of Northumberland Strait by Lori Knutson, 13-year-old Kelly Lepchuk remembered the old floppy sunhat she owns. Donning it and a blue shirt, she dressed up as Charly. She’s pictured here posing in her backyard last July in Beaverlodge, Alberta.

Teaching writing is something author lian goodall lives. Beginning Jan. 27, 2009 for 7 weeks from 7 pm to 9:30 pm she'll be at the Learning Enterprise in Orangeville, Ontario teaching "Creative Writing/Children's Books." This will be the fourth time lian has taught this class, and each time she learns something new from her students.
The course costs $95 and students may register by calling the Learning Enterprise at 519-941-2661.

Heather Kirk, author of two novels for teens with Napoleon, Warsaw Spring and A Drop of Rain, recently gave a 12-week course for adults in creative writing at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. The course, which stretched from September 15 to December 8, 2008, offered the fundamentals of writing non-fiction, poetry, plays, filmscripts, short stories and novels. More information about Heather's various publications and activities can be found on her website at www.heatherkirk.ca.

On Wednesday December 3rd, Christopher Dinsdale participated in a Christmas fundraising event for Clearmeadow Public School at Chapters Newmarket. Many books were signed and a good time was had by all. The school council at Clearmeadow P.S. was very appreciative for the effort put into the event. The money raised will go directly into enhancing the academic programs at Clearmeadow P.S..

Brenda Chapman at Bouchercon

Brenda Chapman attended Bouchercon 2008 in Baltimore in October. This annual mystery conference draws about 1500 authors and fans for four days of panels, parties, schmoozing and fun. Brenda was part of an author panel discussing young adult mysteries and censorship - a most interesting discussion. An annual highlight of the conference is 'Meet the Canucks' when the American hosts show their appreciation to the Canadians and British for their support after 9-11 by throwing a party. Brenda is pictured at the event with UK author John Harvey and Ottawa author Rick Mofina.

Phillippa Dowding, a Toronto writer who will publish her children's novel The Gargoyle in my Yard with Napoleon in the spring of 2009, is a featured poet this month on the American website bestpoem.wordpress.com

Heather Kirk will be giving an illustrated talk on world-famous Canadian author, Mazo de la Roche, on Tuesday October 7, 2008 at the Peter Gzowski Branch of the Georgina Library in Sutton, Ontario. Heather will also be giving talks on de la Roche at the Elman Campbell Museum in Newmarket, Ontario on November 4, 2008 and at the Aurora Public Library in Aurora, Ontario on November 11, 2008. The talks in Newmarket and Aurora are part of the National Reading Series sponsored by the Writers' Union of Canada and the Canada Council. Heather Kirk is the author of two recent books on Mazo de la Roche, including a biography for teens and adults. Heather is also the author of two novels for teenagers published by Napoleon.

Lori Knutson launch

On the evening of Thursday, August 7th, 2008 Alberta author Lori Knutson launched her children’s novel The Ghost of Northumberland Strait.
The launch was held in the village of Hughenden in the southeast part of the province, where Lori lives and teaches school.

The launch was well-supported by the community and the local media was very cooperative in helping to promote the launch prior to the event. Lori was interviewed in The Provost News by publisher Richard Holmes and also on radio by Key83 broadcaster and literacy advocate Jeff Newland.

People attending the launch enjoyed refreshments and entered the draw to win a copy of The Ghost of the Northumberland Strait. Lori read from the new novel and signed copies of it and her previous work.

The launch was co-hosted by the Hughenden Public Library. Staff and board members helped serve snacks, visited with guests and cleaned up afterwards. Other community libraries lent their support by posting information regarding the launch in their library buildings and by distributing bookmarks featuring cover art from The Ghost of Northumberland Strait.

Peggy Dymond Leavey reading

On June 22nd, Peggy Dymond Leavey was one of three authors who read at Children's Day, day two of the County of Prince Edward Authors' Festival. The event was held upstairs in the bright new loft space over Books and Company in Picton. After a break of four years, the festival hopes to become a yearly event once again.

Brenda Chapman visited numerous bookstores on a roadtrip across New England. She is pictured in front of Eight Cousins bookstore in Falmouth (Cape Cod) and in front of Where the Sidewalk Ends bookstore in Chatham (Cape Cod).

PEC Authors' Festival

After a four year hiatus, The Prince Edward County Authors' Festival is on again. It will be held June 21st & 22nd at Books & Company, 289 Main St, Picton. Children's Day is Sunday, June 22nd from 1 to 3 p.m. One of the presenters is Peggy Dymond Leavey, who will be reading from her latest novel, "Treasure at Turtle Lake". There is no charge for Children's Day Readings. It is sponsored by the County of Prince Edward Public Library.

Heather Kirk, author of Warsaw Spring and A Drop of Rain, two linked teen novels published by Napoleon, spent Monday June 2, 2008 talking about her books at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. Heather and five other writers from Simcoe County set up displays of their books in the cafeteria of the hospital and chatted with hospital staff and visitors. Heather, who is also the author of a recent biography for teens and adults about world-famous Canadian writer, Mazo de la Roche, gave three talks on de la Roche over the past six weeks. Heather spoke to the Simcoe County Historical Association on March 18, the Orillia Historical Society on May 21, and to the Stroud Book Club at the Innisfil Public Library on May 28. On April 12, 2008, the Historical Sites and Monuments Board of Canada unveiled a plaque to Mazo de la Roche at Benares Historic House in Mississauga, Ontario. De la Roche (1879-1961), author of the Jalna novels, is now officially a "person of national significance." De la Roche was born in Newmarket, Ontario, and grew up mainly in Newmarket, Orillia, and Toronto.

Christopher Dinsdale was invited to the Hershey Centre in Mississauga for the final event in this year's Festival of Reading celebrations. It was an energetic afternoon with cheerleaders, rappers and dancers showing their stuff between author presentations. Fellow Napoleon author Peggy Dymond Leavey was also part of the festivities as highlights from last year's celebration were presented on the big screen. It was an exciting end to an amazing festival. Thank you OLA!

2008 Red Maple Awards

Christopher Dinsdale was honoured to participate in the 2008 Red Maple Awards at Harbourfront. The event was both exciting and well-organized. Christopher and nine other selected authors started the day off by speaking to the thousands of students who attended the event before the winner was selected. Congratulations to Eric Walters for winning the 2008 Red Maple Award! After the ceremony, the authors signed autographs and participated in the many story-based activites organized by the Ontario Library Association. It was a chilly but fun day for all!

Brenda Chapman visited the Stittsville Public Library on May 22nd along
with Ottawa authors R.J. Harlick, Barbara Fradkin and Margaret Stoddart
to read from their latest books and to discuss the writing process.

Day's Lee reading

I was lucky enough to be asked to take part in the Blue Metropolis Literary Festival's first ever Children's Festival this year. The kids from the grade 2 class from Westmount Park school came to my reading at Westmount library. They watched the pictures on screen as I read my book The Fragrant Garden. After a lively Q&A, and a short documentary on how a restaurant works, they set about creating a menu for their own restaurant. It was a fun morning!

Christopher Dinsdale Presentation

Christopher Dinsdale was honoured to be part of the Kawartha Pine Ridge School Board Forest of Reading celebration. Red Maple participants from across the region converged on Bowmanville for fun activities, pizza and a visit with a Red Maple author. Christopher enjoyed leading the presentation entitled "Developing a Storyline through Research". The students and teachers wished Christopher all the best as he heads off to Harbourfront next week for the Red Maple awards.

More from Brenda Chapman

Brenda Chapman as Chair of Capital Crime Writers is being introduced by RJ Harlick at Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis shortlist evening on April 30th at the Ottawa Public Library. The Audrey Jessup short story contest shortlist was also announced during the evening, and Brenda's entry "Evening the Score" made the final five.

Christopher Dinsdale presentation

On Thursday April 3rd, Christopher Dinsdale was invited to the Newmarket
Public Library for an author presentation. The students, parents and
librarians enjoyed the talk that detailed the research required to write
his latest novel Stolen Away. He ended the presentation with a reading
from the novel itself. The Newmarket Public Library is Christopher's
home library and many of his stories are born within the bowels of the
building's non-fiction basement. As always, he finds it a pleasure to
present to the home town crowd!

Heather Kirk news

Heather Kirk gave an illustrated talk on the fabulously successful Canadian writer, Mazo de la Roche, on March 18, 2008 to the Simcoe County Historical Society in Barrie, Ontario. Heather will be giving talks on de la Roche at the Orillia Historical Society on May 21 and at the Stroud Book Club in Innisfil on May 28. From April 28 to July 28, Heather will be offering a Creative Writing course at Georgian College in Barrie. On May 31, she will give a one-day seminar on writing for children at Georgian College.

Christopher Dinsdale at Reading For The Love Of It 2008

Chris Dinsdale was honoured to be a presenter at this year's Reading For
The Love Of It 2008, Canada's largest language arts conference, at the
Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto. Chris was asked by the organizers
to present on the topic "Using Literature to Investigate Canada's
Aboriginal Peoples and Early European Explorers". After explaining to
the audience how he developed and researched the storylines for both
Broken Circle and Stolen Away, Chris then tied the novels to the Native
Studies expectations of the Ontario Grade Six curriculum through a
series of successful cross-curricular, novel-based activities. Finally,
the delegates met with Chris as he signed books at the Bacon and Hughes
booth on the exhibition level of the conference facility. It was a
memorable day for Chris, for not only did he have the chance to present
to his colleagues but he also formed friendships with many of the other
authors attending the conference.

Brenda Chapman in the flesh!

Brenda Chapman visited Amanda Gray's Grade Six class at Elmdale Public School in Ottawa on Wednesday, February 20th as part of Bookfest Week.

Literary Evening Series

Napoleon and Company author Brenda Chapman was a guest of the Ottawa Public Library Foundation's 2007/2008 Literary Evening Series in November, entitled "An evening with author Jane Urquhart at the Chateau Laurier". Brenda is pictured with Jane and fellow RendezVous author R.J. Harlick, among other local authors.

lian goodall on the radio

Kettleby, Ontario writer Lian Goodall is experienced in writing the life stories of well-known people for younger readers. Her most recent work, PHOTOGRAPHING GREATNESS: THE STORY OF KARSH (Napoleon) follows the seventy plus year career of the world's finest portrait photographer. Lian will be on CKCU FM 93.1, Ottawa, this Thursday evening, January 31st, at 6:30 p.m.

PHOTOGRAPHING GREATNESS is a well-researched, attractive and informative biography. It includes examples of Yousuf's famous portraits, photos of the Karsh family, as well as a timeline for both the photographer's life and for his famous photographs. Readers of any age are directed to the Library and Archives website which has an alphabet of Karsh's photographs. Yousuf Karsh was, as author Lian Goodall notes, a humanitarian whose special focus was sick children.

Lian Goodall is an experienced children's book reviewer, who continues to teach creative writing. She has written several biographies for young readers, one of which, SINGING TOWARDS THE FUTURE: THE STORY OF PORTIA WHITE (Napoleon) was shortlisted for the Hackmatack Children's Choice Award in Atlantic Canada. It is also an Our Choice selection of the Canadian Children's Book Centre.

Yousuf Karsh spent many years in Ottawa and readers may be surprised to learn of some of his 'not so well-known' Ottawa interests. Tune into your community radio station, 93.1 FM this week and find out more from biographer Lian Goodall.

www.ckcufm.com

lian goodall creative writing course

There's still time to sign up for lian goodall's popular creative writing courses with the York Region District School Board Continuing Education. "Creative Writing: Children's Books" will be running again this semester, Monday nights from 7 pm to 9:30 beginning January 21, 2008. lian will also be offering a new course on Wednesday nights from 7 pm to 9:30 beginning January 23, 2008. The course is called "Writing the Past" and is designed to help those working on memoirs, creative non-fiction pieces or similar projects. Contact the YRDSB Continuing Education for more information of e-mail lian at lian_goodall@sympatico.ca.

Two Very Different Book Signings

lian goodall has had two very different book signings for her new book Photographing Greatness: The Story of Karsh.
December 8th was a lovely, sunny day in Fergus. A nice-sized crowd attended the signing at Roxanne's Reflections and enjoyed eating a piece of cake to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the photographer's birth.

December 16th was a blizzard! lian and baby Amzie made it to Nicholas Hoare bookstore in downtown Ottawa. The kind staff were there too, but few people were able to attend due to the treacherous conditions. Those that made it had stories to tell, as did some people who tried to make it!

lian will be hoping for great weather at the official launch of Photographing Greatness: The Story of Karsh which will be held on January 10 in Ottawa at Laurier House National Historic Site.In advance, lian would like to thank Parks Canada for hosting the event. She is sure it will be sunny!

lian goodall on the move!

Author lian goodall has been pretty busy. Her Fall 2007 "Creative Writing/Children's Book" course wound up with a get together. It was a great group and lian looks forward to teaching the same course in January in Newmarket for the York Region District School Board Continuing Education, as well as a new course called "Writing the Past."

Wednesday, December 5th lian goodall gave a presentation from her book, Portia White: Singing Towards the Future to Dale Matsushige's Choral Music class and some Writers' Craft students at Sir William Mullock High School. Shown in the photo are lian, her baby son Amzie and the wonderful music teacher Ms. Matsushige.

lian goodall's new book, Photographing Greatness: the Story of Karsh, is about to be launched and lian's dad is ready! The first book signing will take place at Roxanne's Reflections on St. Andrew Street in Fergus from 1 pm to 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Free cake will be available in honour of Mr. Karsh's birthday month. lian will be signing at Nicholas Hoare on Sussex Drive in Ottawa on Sunday, December 16, 2007 from 2 to 3 pm. The book is dedicated to lian's father.

Mazo de la Roche

"The main inspiration for the bestselling Jalna novels of Mazo de la Roche was her own family tree," says Napoleon author, Heather Kirk, pictured here beside the black walnut tree in her own back yard. Kirk's recently released scholarly book, "Who Were the Whiteoaks and Where Was Jalna?" (Tecumseh Press), reveals new sources for the origins of the famous fictional Whiteoak family. Heather, who published a nonfiction book for teens about Mazo de la Roche last year, also writes novels for teens. "Warsaw Spring" and its sequel, "A Drop of Rain", were published by Napoleon. On October 16, 2007, Heather talked about her books to an audience of 200 people at the 18th annual Authors' Night of the Gryphon Theatre Guild in Barrie, Ontario.

more from lian goodall

lian goodall will be speaking about singer Portia White to the vocal music classes of Sir William Mulock High School in Newmarket on December 5, 2007. She's going to enjoy hearing their thoughts about Portia's development as a singer in the 1930s and '40s.

Peggy Dymond Leavey reading

Napoleon author Peggy Dymond Leavey will be reading at the Brighton Public Library on Thursday, December, 6th as part of a new monthly series called "Upstairs at the Library". She will be reading from "Treasure at Turtle Lake" and talking about books for children.

Whenever Holly Haggarty visits bookstores, libraries or schools to talk about her book, Summer Dragons, an impish dragon is often seen with her. Many readers wonder how Holly met this dragon. In fact, Holly met him in the boreal forest around Thunder Bay. Believing, like Beth, that dragons exist, Holly and her family had gone searching for dragons. They captured photos, which show how Holly met and befriended her dragon.

On October 10th, Brenda Chapman participated in a Capital Crime Writers panel discussing the mystery market. Pictured left to right are Michael Steinberg (Storyteller Magazine), Bev Panasky (author), Linda Wiken (owner, Prime Crime), Brenda and Rick Mofina (thriller author).

lian goodall on display!

lian goodall will have her work on display at the Schomberg Public Library as part of King Township's celebrations for Ontario Public Library Week, Oct 15-21, 2007. lian's new book, Photographing Greatness: The Story of Karsh, will be published as part of Napleon's Stories of Canada series just after the display closes. It will be represented by showing the manuscript at various stages so that library patrons can learn about some of the publishing processes.

Peggy Dymond Leavey

Napoleon author Peggy Dymond Leavey enjoys the company of some young fans after a summer 2007 reading at the Picton Public Library.

Day's Lee reading

Pictured: Napoleon author Day's Lee with a young fan (the lucky winner of a copy of The Fragrant Garden) after her reading on September 29th.

Holly Haggarty reads at Chapters

Holly Haggarty, author of Summer Dragons, appeared at Chapters, Thunder Bay, on Saturday September 29, along with a dragon, who roamed through the store all afternoon, beguiling young and old. Many customers successfully answered skill testing questions of dragon lore, which enabled them to search for dragon treasure. Holly enjoyed the opportunity to chat with many keen readers.

lian goodall hard at work!

New book! lian's newest book Photographing Greatness: The Story of Karsh in the Stories of Canada will soon be out. Here she is at work on the edits for the book with the assistance of her baby son, Amzie Cooke-Goodall, and Nelson the cat.

lian goodall update

It's back to class this September with Napoleon author lian goodall as teacher. Once again, goodall is leading a group of keen students taking Creative Writing/Children's Books with the York Region District School Board Continuing Education in Newmarket. We'll tickle our creativity and see what happens over the next eight weeks!

More from Heather Kirk

Heather Kirk, author of two novels for teens published by Napoleon, Warsaw Spring and A Drop of Rain, is scheduled to teach a course in creative writing at Georgian College on Monday evenings from September 17 to December 3, 2007. Heather is also offering a one-day seminar on writing for children at Georgian College on Saturday October 20, 2007. On October 16, 2007 Heather will be taking part in the 18th annual Authors' Night sponsored by the Gryphon Theatre Guild in Barrie, Ontario. This event, also featuring authors William Stevenson (Spy Mistress) and Karolyn Smardz Frost (I've Got a Home in Glory Land), will take place at the MacLaren Art Gallery in Barrie. Heather will be reading from her two latest books: Mazo de la Roche: Rich and Famous Writer (XYZ Publishing, 2006) and Who Were the Whiteoaks and Where Was Jalna? (Tecumseh Press, 2007). All Heather's books will be available for sale at this event. See Heather's website at www.heatherkirk.ca for more information about her books.

Holly Haggarty on the move ...

Holly Haggarty has been busy over the past few months touring Summer Dragons. Everywhere she goes, a summer dragon seems to appear, beguiling youngsters at libraries, bookstores and summer festivals.

New Karen Krossing events

Young Voices Writers Conference
Teens aged 12 to 19 are invited to join author Karen Krossing for an Editing Workshop at the Young Voices Writers Conference to be held at the North York Central Library in Toronto on Saturday, October 20, 2007. For more information go to Young Voices Writers Conference.

WordPlayer Writing Workshops
WordPlayers is a ten-week writing workshop for kids and teens held at Pegasus Studios in Toronto and led by author Karen Krossing. If you like writing poems or stories, come play with words using masks, story dice, photos, character games, and more. Classes start in September. For more information, go to Pegasus Studios.

Writing for Children Course at Centennial College
Do you want to write for children or teens? Join Karen Krossing on October 24, 2007, to learn how to generate ideas, develop believable characters, understand genres, edit your writing, and market and promote your work. For more info, go to Centennial College.

New Brenda Chapman events

International Plowing Match - Saturday, September 22nd
Brenda will be reading from Where Trouble Leads and will be appearing with authors Rick Mofina, Therese Greenwood and Maggie Wheeler between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. The Plowing Match is held in Crosby Ontario from September 18th-22nd.

2007 Kids' Lit Gala - Ottawa Public Library Event - Tuesday, October 16th
Brenda will be one of ten guest authors and illustrators presenting at the seven annual gala to be held at Ben Franklin Place on Centrepointe Drive in Ottawa. The event begins at 7 p.m. All welcome.

New Holly Haggarty Events

Old-Fashioned Book Fun

Book signing -- Oxford Book Shop -- August 22

Drop by the Oxford Book Shop, 740 Richmond Street, London, on Wednesday August 22, 2-4 pm, to meet Holly Haggarty, who will be sharing stories, chatting, and reading from her latest novel, Summer Dragons.


Dragon Stories For Young and Old

Storytelling on Toronto's Centre Island -- August 26

Participate in a jousting of wits as Holly Haggarty entertains with dragon stories at Franklin Gardens, Centre Island on Sunday August 26, 2:30 p.m. Let author and storyteller, Holly Haggarty, prepare you for your inevitable encounter with SUMMER DRAGONS!

Peggy Dymond Leavey signing

Peggy Dymond Leavey will be signing copies of her latest children's novel, "Treasure at Turtle Lake", at Lighthouse Books, 65 Main St., Brighton on Saturday, September 29th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The event is part of Brighton's annual Applefest festival, taking place September 28th-30th. If you're one of the thousands that come to Brighton each year (since 1975) for Applefest, join the crowds at the street fair on the Saturday and come say hi to Peggy (and have a book signed too). For more information about Brighton's Applefest: www.applefest.reach.net

New book for Heather Kirk

Heather Kirk, author of two teen novels published by Napoleon, Warsaw Spring and A Drop of Rain, is bringing out her fifth book in August. The title of the new book is Who Were the Whiteoaks and Where Was Jalna?. The publisher is Borealis-Tecumseh Press of Ottawa. This book is a scholarly investigation into the sources of the world-famous Jalna novels by Canadian author Mazo de la Roche. It is illustrated with many photos, as well as drawings and maps.

Brenda Chapman review

Where Trouble Leads
by Brenda Chapman

from Midwest Book Review

When Jennifer Bannon, age 15, agrees to spend her summer as a camp counselor at White Pine Camp along with her younger sister Leslie and her best friend Ambie, her summer in the isolated wilderness on Georgian Bay descends into danger and suspense. There are strange people and mysterious activities taking place at the camp after 'lights out', including someone lurking in the woods past curfew. Upon investigation, Jennifer discovers that drug smugglers are using the camp as a cover-up! It's a race against time in Jennifer's attempt to solve the mystery of White Pine before tragedy strikes the camp and the girls for whom she is responsible. Very highly recommended and entertaining reading, "Where Trouble Leads" by Brenda Chapman is a superbly crafted mystery for adolescent readers that will hold their rapt attention from first page to last.

A reading by Day's Lee

Napoleon author Day's Lee will be reading from her book THE FRAGRANT GARDEN for The Monteal Children's Library, which is co-hosting the Urban Cultural Festival in Cabot Square Park Saturday, September 29th from 1 to 2pm. This event is being held as part of Montreal's Journées de la culture celebration.

More from Brenda Chapman

Brenda Chapman was one of four guest authors at "Readings on the Rideau" to help commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Merrickville Public Library. The tea and readings were held at the Merrickville United Church on Saturday, July 21st.

More from Peggy Dymond Leavey

Peggy Dymond Leavey will be reading from her latest children's novel, "Treasure at Turtle Lake", at the Tweed Public Library on October 17/07. Please email the library at tweedlibrary@vianet.ca for more information. The presentation is part of the Canada Council National Public Readings Program.

Peggy will also be reading at "Mystery Around the Lake", a summer program for children at Picton Public Library on July 27th.

Brenda Chapman book signing

The Book Stop - Book Signing - Saturday, June 23rd

Drop by The Book Stop between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday June 23rd and meet Brenda who will be signing copies of all three books in the Jennifer Bannon series. The Book Stop is located at 5 Jockvale Road in Nepean. Phone (613) 823-7455.

Napoleon & Company at Book Expo Canada

Napoleon & Company attended the BookExpo Canada in Toronto, June 10 and 11. It was a busy booth with nine of our children's and adult authors signing over two days.

Photos: Young adult author Brenda Chapman prepares for her signing; Napoleon graphic designer Vasiliki Lenis takes a water break.

Brenda Chapman book launch

Brenda Chapman held a very successful launch of Where Trouble Leads at Whispers in Ottawa on Sunday afternoon, May 27th. Friends, family and neighbours all dropped by for a signed copy of the latest in the Jennifer Bannon mystery series.

lian goodall's great news!

Congratulations to lian goodall and her husband on the birth of their son, Amzie!

Peggy Dymond Leavey on the move!

Peggy Dymond Leavey was one of six authors and illustrators conducting workshops at the MASC Young Authors' & Illustrators' Conference, April 25-27 in Ottawa. A total of 660 children attended the three-day event. Peggy says that the enthusiasm of these eager students, hand-picked from Grades 4-8 in schools in Ontario and Quebec, was infectious. It was an amazing experience.

On May 2, Peggy visited students in Grades 4-8 at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Batawa, ON. She read, for the first time, from her new novel, "Treasure at Turtle Lake".

With her book, "The Path through the Trees," nominated for the 2007 Silver Birch Award, Peggy will be attending Silver Birch celebrations in Durham region (May 16), Peel (May 23) and East York (May 25). She will also be at Harbourfront Centre on May 17 for the grand finale, which marks the conclusion of The Forest of Reading Programs for this year. 4000 school children from Grades K-12 are expected to attend the daylong festival.

Brenda's Head of the Class

Napoleon author Brenda Chapman gives a book talk to Mrs. Jones' grade five class at Joan of Arc School in Ottawa, Ontario, April 25, 2007.

Brenda Chapman launch

May 27, 1-3:30

Where Trouble Leads, the third novel in the Jennifer Bannon young adult mystery series, was published by Napoleon Publishing in April 2007. Join author and CCW chairperson Brenda Chapman for her Ottawa launch at Whispers on Richmond Road in Westboro on Sunday, May 27.

Peggy Dymond Leavey Writers Workshop

Napoleon author Peggy Dymond Leavey ran a Young Writers' Workshop at the Wellington Branch Library in Wellington, Ontario on March 15th. It was a special March Break event, and she was delighted with the turnout of keen young writers who ranged in age from 9 to 13.

Hartt-Snowbell at CANSCAIP launch

Twenty children’s authors, whose books were published in 2006, participated in CANSCAIP’s annual mass book launch on February 2, 2007.  This exciting event was featured at The Ontario Library Association Super Conference at the Metro Toronto Conference Centre.  Napoleon author Sarah Hartt-Snowbell had the pleasure of standing before the masses to present her dynamic five-minute infomercial, touting “Vivian Untangled”.  The program was topped off with a photography session, book-signing and schmooze-fest.  What a great experience!

lian goodall is writer-in-residence

lian goodall has joined the SWAT (Students, Writers, and Teachers) team as Writer-in-Residence at St. Basil the Great School in North York. The program is made possible through an exciting new partnership between the Toronto Catholic District School Board and Now Hear This!, the outreach arm of Descant magazine's Arts and Letters Foundation. goodall will be at the school once a week for twelve weeks, leading curriculum-related workshops in Mrs. Corradi's Grade 9, 11 and 12 English classes on topics such as non-fiction, monologue and short-story writing. The fun-filled twelve weeks will pass quickly and take her right up to the muchly anticipated birth of her son at the end of May!

Forest of Reading Gala "Blast-off" with Peggy Dymond Leavey

The Forest of Reading gala "Blast-off" at the Ontario Library Association's Superconference (MTCC, Toronto, Wed. Jan. 31) was just that. Between 30 & 40 children's authors and illustrators, all nominees for the Blue Spruce, Silver Birch, Red Maple or White Pine reading program awards, were led into Constitution Hall and introduced to 1200 wildly cheering young fans from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Napoleon Publishing's Peggy Dymond Leavey was one such honouree. When else does a lowly children's author get to be treated like a rock star? Later, the participants were all kept busy autographing and chatting with the students. After the school buses had gone, the wine and cheese reception gave everyone a chance to meet each other and the members of OLA's Forest of Reading committee. The next day a number of authors returned to do book signings for the librarians visiting the trade show; needless to say, an event in a much lower key.

"Telling Our Stories" writing contest

Napoleon author Brenda Chapman was one of five judges for the Telling Our Stories writing contest, sponsered by the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries.

The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontarios was the Honorary Patron for the contest. The Honourable Caroline Di Cocco, Minister of Culture was a guest speaker and Paul Todd from TVO was Official Spokesperson, and Pierre Granger from TFO was also a presenter.

Brenda is pictured with LG Bartleman and Suzanne Culp of the OPL, who was the Task Force Chair.

Chapman over the airwaves

Brenda Chapman will be appearing on CBC Radio's All in a Day on Wednesday, February 14th at 5:00 p.m. She will be appearing with fellow mystery author Rick Mofina to talk about civil servants who also write novels. The program, running from 3:00-6:00 p.m., will be a literary salon with three full hours dedicated to writing, books and reading. It is part of CBC's Canada Reads program.

Sailing for Glory launch

Authors Teri-Lynn Janveau and Allister Thompson at the launch of their book, Sailing for Glory, at Gulliver's Book Store in North Bay, Ontario, on January 20th, 2007. Posing with them is North Bay mayor Vic Fedeli.

News from Peggy Dymond Leavey

As a 2007 Silver Birch nominee, Napoleon author Peggy Dymond Leavey will be taking part in the launch of OLA's Forest of Reading program at the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto on Wednesday, Jan 31st, from 12:30-2:30. 1300 school kids (from kindergarten to Grade 12) will be attending and after the official launch, the authors and illustrators will be autographing their books.

On Thursday, Feb 1st, Peggy will be autographing from 11:30 to 12 noon at the Trade Show (NBS booth), part of the Ontario Library superconference, Metro Convention Centre.

More Heather Kirk appearances

As well as offering a creative writing course at Georgian College from January 15 to March 5, 2007, Napoleon author Heather Kirk will be making the following appearances the coming months:

On Saturday January 20, 2007 at 2 p.m., Heather Kirk will give a one-hour talk on Mazo de la Roche to the Innisfil Historical Society at the Churchill Community Hall in Churchill, Ontario.

On February 2, 2007 at 1:30 p.m., Heather Kirk will be signing books at the Kate Walker & Company exhibition at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference at the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto.

On Tuesday March 20, 2007 at 2 p.m., Heather Kirk will be giving a one-hour talk on Mazo de la Roche at the Orillia Public Library at 36 Mississauga West in Orillia, Ontario.

On Thursday April 26, 2007 at 7:15 p.m., Heather Kirk will be giving a one-hour talk on Mazo de la Roche at the Barrie Public Library at 60 Worsley Street in Barrie, Ontario.

lian goodall writing course

In the new year, author lian goodall will be teaching a new general interest Creative Writing/ Children’s Book course for the York Region District School Board, Continuing Education. Classes will be held at Huron Heights Secondary School, 40 Huron Heights Dr., Newmarket, beginning January 24 on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The course lasts 8 weeks and costs $110.

To register or for more information contact Site Supervisor Gisella Linney at (905) 884-3434 ex 931 or 1-877-280-8180 ex. 931.

Brenda Chapman book signing

On Saturday, December 2nd, Brenda Chapman signed books at Shirley Leishman bookstore, Ottawa, Ontario. Photo by Katherine Hobbs, Capital Crime Writers.

Heather Kirk is on the move ...

On Tuesday December 5, 2006, Napoleon author Heather Kirk will be at the Barrie Chapters store from 6 to 9 p.m. She is helping to raise money for the library of Central Collegiate in Barrie.