Born in Alberta, Calgary-based Faye Reineberg Holt loves tracking down and writing the dramatic stories of our prairie and Canadian past. As a writer, she has published short stories, articles, a poetry chapbook, and fourteen non-fiction books. Faye is not currently touring but remains an active member of YABS.
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 30 titles and extensive presentation experience. She partners facts and storytelling to boost literacy and engage audiences in astronomy, environmental themes, and other STEM topics. She also presents on social justice and making a difference, and offers family literacy events where parents and children write together. Open to travel, Joan offers both in-person and virtual bookings.
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.
Storyteller, librarian and former teacher, Gail de Vos has been an active promoter of the oral tradition of literature in Alberta for over three decades. Gail is a non-touring member of YABS.
Lorna Bennett is an Edmonton-based artist who has worked as a designer, writer, illustrator, and animator. She is currently a non-touring member and is not available for bookings through YABS.
