Frané’s presented at festivals, libraries and schools around the world, sharing the process of writing and illustrating books, empowering both children and adults. Including: Edinburgh International Writers Festival, Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York, Eric Carle Museum, Bookworm Literature Festival – Beijing and Chengdu China, Brooklyn Book Festival, Ubud Writer’s Festival- Bali, Singapore Asian Festival of Children’s Content, Sharjah Children Reading Festival -UAE, Bookaroo Festival in India and Kuching, Los Angeles and Bologna SCBWI Conferences, IBBY Congress- London, International schools in Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, China, UAE, India and hundreds of schools across the United States and Australia.
Virtual Workshops & School Visits
Programs Offered
Frané will share the process of blending words and art into books that celebrate our past and cultures from around the world. Frané is a dynamic presenter and shares with students of all ages the process of writing and illustrating picture books. Her optimism, humour and eye for detail in the wealth of stories she has to tell is sure to hold any audience captive. She will discuss the origins and inspiration for ideas, research, and balancing creative interpretation with historical and cultural authenticity in creating books. Your students will gain insight into the crafting of narrative through words and pictures. She offers a selection of challenging, engaging workshops for primary, high school students and adults. This is a rare opportunity to meet and work with an award-winning children’s book author and 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. You can enquire about Frané’s availability and speaker’s fees by contacting Frané.
Planning Considerations
- Keep like age groups together
- Sessions can be arranged to best fit your school timetable.
- Same space for all sessions, i.e., students coming to the library, spare classroom, or an art room
- Audio and/or Video recording is not allowed
Equipment
- Data projector OR smart board and power board
- Microphone for over 100 students
- White board or easel
- Materials required for workshops
Themes:
- STEM: On the Same Day in March, Clouds, Nine O’Clock Lullaby, The Day of The Elephant, Under The Southern Cross
- Australia: A is for Australia, A is for Australian Animals, Under the Southern Cross, Outback Adventure, Magic Boomerang, Our Big Island, Australian Baby Animals, Under the Sea 1 2 3
- Australian History/Bushrangers/Outlaws: The Legend of Moondyne Joe, Ned Kelly and the Green Sash,
- Animal War Heroes/ ANZAC’s: Simpson and His Donkey, Midnight: The Story of the Light Horse
- Alphabet: A is for Australia, Caribbean Alphabet, New York New York: Big Apple A-Z, Capital! Washington DC from A-Z, Heart of Texas
- Folktales: The Fire Children, The Turtle and the Island, Maui and the Big Fish
- Poetry: Good Rhymes Good Times, The Distant Talking Drum, Not A Copper Penny, Caribbean Canvas
- Numeracy: Island Counting 123
- Music: Caribbean Carnival, Camp Granada
- Personal Narratives: The Chalk Doll, My Little Island
Curriculum Links
- English – explores texts from a range of perspectives, investigates text structures and language;
- HSIE – importance of past and present people;
- Drama – watch and listen as an active participant;
- Visual Arts – look at and imagine patterns and forms.
Testimonials
Virtual Visit - I saw the talk with Frane and all the teachers and children were really enamoured with everything she read about, drew, spoke about and joked about. One teacher said it was the best author talk she has heard. Of course, it was not the same as having authors in person, but it was still well organised and entertaining
Fabulous – kids in the palm of her hand, the teachers admired her too! Students enchanted by her stories –fascinated, interested and engaged.
It was fabulous! I have had kids and staff constantly singing your praises and asking for your books today!
Thanks so much! She was wonderful to deal with, warm and accommodating. The children ranging in age from 5 to 13 were captivated by her stories and loved listening to a real live illustrator! If Frane ever comes over this way again we would love to have her visit again.
All of your books have walked off the shelves and the children are buzzing about history.
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.
Frané's warmth, enthusiasm, and special connection with young people was apparent on every occasion.
Frané has been associated with the Fremantle Childrens' Literature Centre for the past twenty-five years providing ten 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.
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.
I want to thank you for a wonderful visit.. 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. We would love another chance to have you present to our students.
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.
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.
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!