Passionate in her craft, Mary Ann’s present day intergenerational storytelling is an evolving art form that blends an engaging educational experience with animated entertainment. Mary Ann is currently a non-touring member of YABS.
For over twenty-five years Kathy has brought her stories and popular writing workshops to schools, libraries, concerts and festivals across Canada and internationally. Kathy is offering both in-person and virtual sessions for 2025-26 and is open to travel.
Award-winning writer Alison Hughes has also been a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the Alberta Literary Awards, and nine times for Canadian children’s choice awards. She has published 16 books for children of all ages and has given lively presentations and workshops for children all across Canada. Alison will be available for in-person and virtual bookings beginning in late October. She prefers to stay within 1 hour radius of Edmonton, but will consider overnight travel for multiple days of bookings.
Sue Farrell Holler writes for children of all ages – from preschool to young adult. Her YA novel, Cold White Sun, was a 2019 finalist for a Governor General’s Award for literature for young people – text, won the R. Ross Annett Award for children’s literature and the U.S.-based High Plains Book Award. Her new picture book (Spring 2022) is Finding Moose, a companion story to her popular 2020 title, Raven, Rabbit, Deer. Sue is available for in-person and virtual bookings.
For more than thirty years, Karen Gummo has performed far and wide as a creative storyteller, probing her Scandinavian heritage, seeking to learn and decipher world wisdom, and undertaking many school residencies.
Joan is an internationally acclaimed author with more than 20 titles, and translations in five languages. She enjoys partnering facts and storytelling to engage young readers in science, engineering, and other STEM topics. She is available for both in-person and virtual bookings and is open to travel.
Award-winning artist and author Carolyn Fisher has been drawing pictures and writing stories for her whole life. Carolyn has talked to thousands of kids in libraries and schools about writing and art. She draws and writes in her studio in Capitol Hill, Calgary. Carolyn is offering in-person and online presentations.
As a child of immigrants, Rita Feutl didn’t learn English until she started school. That’s also where she discovered books and the wonder of stories. She wrote her first one when she was seven. Rita is available for in-person Taleblazers bookings and is open to travel.
Bethany is a storyteller who brings her background as an actor, French teacher and world traveler to her performances. Bethany is available for both in-person and online sessions and is open to travel.
Natasha Deen writes for kids, teens and adults and believes the world is changed one story at a time. As a Guyanese-Canadian whose family immigrated to Canada, she’s seen first-hand how stories have the power to shape the world. Natasha is an active member of YABS but not touring regularly. She is open to special requests on a case-by-case basis.
