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Rachna Gilmore

Authors' Booking Service is pleased to announce that children's author, Rachna Gilmore, is now scheduling visits to Ontario schools for the coming school year.

Rachna would love to plan a visit to your school or library. Her rate is $325 for one reading, $575 for two, and $850 for three, plus HST and standard kilometrage. For out-of-Ottawa readings, accommodation and travel costs apply and Rachna requires a minimum of two readings booked which may be shared between nearby schools/librarires. Workshop costs are listed below.

Rachna is a member of The Writers' Union of Canada, and so schools wishing to invite her may be eligible for a travel and fee subsidy to off-set the cost of her visit. For details of this program, please contact us.

A Governor General's Award winner, Rachna is the author of over twenty best-selling, critically acclaimed picture books, early readers, middle-grade as well as young adult novels. Her books have received over forty honours and awards, including Red Maple and Silver Birch nominations, and have been translated into over a dozen languages.

A skilled and experienced presenter, Rachna loves to share her enthusiasm for reading and writing. She has given innumerable readings and workshops across Canada as well as internationally.

Here's what Lynda Paterson, Assistant Librarian, had to say:

Rachna Gilmore was a wonderful presenter. She held the attention of each and every child during her hour-long author visit. She went over the many steps involved in the creation of a book which was so interesting. She was warm and patient with the children, encouraged their questions and responded enthusiastically to their comments. A thoroughly delightful author visit!

Here's what Susan Townley, Children's Progamer, Ottawa Public Library, had to say about Rachna:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful presentations. You are a consummate professional presenter. The children were enthralled and so was I. I especially enjoyed watching the diversity of your presentations. Very impressive!"

Teacher/librarian Lara Bafaro of Toronto said:

“We were so happy to have you visit Crestwood School. Your presentation was brilliant! The children were fully engaged with your presentation and loved the examples of drafts that you shared with them. I also had positive feedback from parents, as children who often go home saying they did "nothing" at school, gave a full, detailed description of your visit.”

Teacher Janet Kaplan of Vancouver said:

“Your words of wisdom and wonderful guidance has enlightened the students...had a profound effect...and has served to boost their confidence in all areas of language arts, particularly in writing. Again, thank you for coming to share your knowledge with us. It was a privilege to have you share your craft with us!”

Published Works

Picture books

The Flute, 2011

Catching Time, 2010

Making Grizzle Grow, 2007

When-I-Was-a-Little-Girl, 2006

Grandpa's Clock, 2006

A Screaming Kind of Day, 1999

A Gift For Gita, 1998

Wild Rilla, 1997

Roses For Gita, 1996

Lights For Gita, 1994

Aunt Fred Is a Witch, 1991

Early readers and novels

That Boy Red, 2011

The Trouble With Dilly, 2009

The Sower of Tales, 2005

A Group of One, 2005

Mina's Spring of Colors, 2000

Ellen's Terrible TV Troubles, 1999

Fangs And Me, 1999

A Friend Like Zilla, 1995

Rachna also has a small number of out-of-print titles, and titles in French, which can be purchased directly from her.

Recent Awards and Nominations

Catching Time

Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2011

The Trouble With Dilly

Resource Links Year's Best Fiction Grades 3-6, 2009

A Girl Guide Book Club Pick

Making Grizzle Grow

Nominated, Blue Spruce Award, 2009

Nominated, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Award, 2009

Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2009

The Sower of Tales

2006 National Chapter IODE Violet Downey Book Award

Nominated, Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award, 2007

Nominated, Red Maple Book Award, 2006

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection, 2006

A Group of One

Honour Book, Jane Addams Children's Book Award, 2002

New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age List 2002

Bank Street College of Education, 2002, The Best Children's Books of the Year

Cooperative Children's Book Centre, University of Wisconsin-Madison Choices, 2002

Mina's Spring of Colors

Nominated,2002 Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award

Nominated, 2001 Silver Birch Award

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, Starred Selection

A Screaming Kind of Day

Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Literature Text, 1999

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, Starred Selection 2000

Presentation Details

Student Readings: Grades 1 - 8

Maximum number 100 (I am flexible with audience size under special circumstances.)

45 - 60 minutes

My readings are interactive and always flexible to the teachers' and students’ requests and needs. I usually begin by talking about my love of reading and how it sparked my interest in being a writer.

With younger students, I use picture books to talk about how my ideas start, showing scraps of paper on which ideas are scribbled, as well as messy first drafts, so students can relate to the process. I also bring copies of the various stages of illustration to demonstrate how a picture book comes together. There is always time for questions.

If requested, I can focus my presentations on specific books, such as the Gita books, to explore the experience of new Canadians, or specific holiday festivals.

With older students, using an age appropriate novel, I talk about the story behind the story so that students can engage with, and discover, the process of writing – from how ideas start, to developing a satisfying story “shape”, to the various stages of re-writing/editing. Drafts of manuscripts are shown so students can see the ongoing process. Questions are always welcome.

Writing Workshops:

Grades 5 and up

Maximum number: 1 class

2 hours

Fee: $425.00 plus HST and standard kilometrage (travel and accommodation costs may apply for out of Ottawa workshops)

A hands-on two hour writing workshop that covers some of the basics of writing stories, including tips used by professional writers. Students have the opportunity to write as well as ask questions, and, if time permits, to exchange feedback.

Workshops for Teachers:

1) Weaving Stories into the Wider Tapestry of Learning

Maximum number: 100

75- 90 minutes

Fee: $500.00 plus HST and standard kilometrage (travel and accommodation costs may apply for out of Ottawa workshops)

Weaving our stories together is a powerful way of strengthening the fabric of our society. Using those of my books that reflect my cultural roots in India, I offer suggestions on how culturally specific books may be used in the classroom in their widest contexts in order to transcend boundaries, negate differences and be relevant to children of all backgrounds. General themes and curriculum connections will be discussed as well as innovative and creative classroom activities. Teachers' Guides are handed out.

2) Teaching Creative Writing to Children

Maximum number: 40

90 - 120 minutes

Fee: $500.00 plus HST and standard kilometrage (travel and accommodation costs may apply for out of Ottawa workshops)

A hands-on workshop for educators on how to teach creative writing in schools.

3) Teaching Media Literacy to Young Children

Maximum number: 100

75- 90 minutes

Fee: $500.00 plus HST and standard kilometrage (travel and accommodation costs may apply for out of Ottawa workshops)

Using my book Ellen’s Terrible TV Troubles, I offer specific ideas and exercises for teachers to use in the classroom to help children become more aware of the impact of the media in their lives.

I am comfortable in any venue providing that it's a quiet, closed space.

I require: Table, blackboard or flip chart, drinking water.