Connecting stories with the world around us.
My primary school author visits bring children's literature to life through storytelling, curiosity and real-world exploration.
Inspired by The Sugarcane Harvester Song, sessions connect literacy with Australian agriculture, STEM, creativity and the people, places and technology that shape our everyday lives.
Presentations can be adapted to suit different year levels, student interests and curriculum connections.
A picture book can be the beginning of a much bigger conversation. Students can explore how authors communicate ideas, investigate real-world industries, ask questions about technology and sustainability, or discover how illustrations help explain complex ideas.
Year 5 | Ag Week and beyond
Inspired by The Sugarcane Harvester Song, this interactive presentation takes students beyond the pages of a picture book to explore the history and technology of sugarcane harvesting. Through historical footage, real-world examples and guided challenges, students investigate engineering, environmental sustainability and the future of Australian agriculture.
Explore rhyme, rhythm, onomatopoeia and oral storytelling. Discover how authors use language, repetition and sound to bring stories to life.
Investigate Australian sugarcane farming, food production, plant growth and the connections between people, places and agriculture.
Explore how harvesting machinery works, how technology helps solve real-world problems, and how engineers might improve farming for the future.
Discover how illustrations help communicate ideas, tell stories and bring characters to life. Explore the creative decisions involved in developing a picture book.
Follow the journey from an initial idea to a published picture book, including writing, editing, illustration and the publishing process.
My primary school visits cater to students from Prep to Year 6. Sessions are adapted to suit the students' age, learning needs and interests. A Paddock of Possibilities is a featured presentation designed for Year 5 students, with a focus on sugarcane harvesting, engineering, sustainability and the future of farming.
Session lengths vary depending on the presentation and year level. Individual sessions generally run for 30–60 minutes, with half-day and full-day options available for schools wanting to book multiple sessions.
Yes! Presentations can be adapted to connect with classroom topics, student interests and relevant curriculum areas, including English, HASS, Science, The Arts and Technologies. Let me know what your students are learning about when you enquire.
Yes, I'm happy to discuss visits to schools outside Townsville, including other North Queensland communities. Travel arrangements and any additional costs will be discussed when planning your visit.
Yes! Schools can arrange optional book orders so students can purchase a signed copy of The Sugarcane Harvester Song. Book-order details can be provided when booking a visit.
Yes. I hold a current Queensland Blue Card and public liability insurance. Documentation can be provided to schools upon request.
