Author Visits
with Jennifer Gillingham
Bring stories, mindfulness, and movement to your school or library!
Welcome! I’m Jennifer Gillingham, a certified Ontario teacher, yoga instructor, and author, passionate about helping children feel seen, heard, and empowered. Through story, movement, and meaningful conversation, I offer visits that engage the heart, mind, and body.
Whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or community program leader, I’d love to bring a joyful, educational experience to your space–one that supports social-emotional learning, literacy, and curiosity.
Virtual session available
In Personal Author Visit Regions:
Books & Sessions Available
Releasing the Complain Dragon
An empowering story that teaches children that all emotions are okay—and that self-awareness is a superpower.
Best For: Kindergarten to Grade 3
Includes:
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Pre-reading questions to activate connections to the story
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Post-reading reflections that support SEL and Ontario’s Health Curriculum
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Group discussion around emotional expression, empathy, and compassion
Optional Add-on: Mindfulness activities to help children “release their dragons” and find their calm
Jack, the Squirrel
A whimsical adventure that sparks laughter and learning! Jack’s story becomes a springboard into subjects like community, environment, and emotional growth.
Best For: Grades K–4
Includes:
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Cross-curricular discussion prompts (Science, Social Studies, Language Arts)
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A mindfulness script for emotional wellbeing
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Optional project extensions
When booking a visit, we can chat about which areas you'd like to focus on based on your students’ interests or curriculum goals. Sessions are flexible and can be tailored to best suit your class or program.
A Year of Yoga in Oak Town
A playful, movement-filled journey through the seasons! "A Year of Yoga" is a captivating 12-book children’s yoga series, one for each month of the year. Each story is thoughtfully aligned with the seasonal cycles, offering a theme that resonates with the natural rhythm of the year.
Best For: Grades 1–4
Includes:
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Thematic yoga sequences that follow the natural cycles of the year
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Age-appropriate breathwork to invigorate mind and body
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Gentle spinal warm-ups to move the spin in all six directions
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Fun, accessible yoga poses with visuals
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Mindful cool-downs to integrate the practice, help children reset and refocus for the day ahead
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Optional reflection or drawing time afterward
Ideal for: Classrooms, gym time, library programs, or wellness week
When booking a visit, we can tailor our session to fit your students’ needs—whether you’d like to highlight movement, mindfulness, storytelling, or all of the above. Let’s create a joyful experience that supports both curriculum and classroom energy!
3 Sessions
375$Valid for one year- I am a benefit
- I am a benefit
- I am a benefit
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Releasing The Complain Dragon
In this story, Timmy will identify his emotions, express his feelings, anchor into the present moment, develop self awareness, recognize the source of his stress, and address how he can meet his needs and move forward.
Pre-Reading Questions
Before reading Releasing the Complain Dragon, I begin with gentle, reflective questions designed to open up conversation around emotions in a safe and curious way. These questions invite children to explore:
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Whether they believe some emotions are “good” or “bad”
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How they recognize different feelings within themselves
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Where emotions might “live” or show up in their bodies
This helps set the stage for meaningful connection with the story, and also gives insight into each child’s emotional landscape. It’s a supportive way to assess whether a child feels safe and validated in their emotions.
Post-Reading Reflection Questions
After reading Releasing the Complain Dragon, we shift into gentle self-reflection. By this point, children have explored the idea that all emotions have a purpose, whether we like or dislike them, and that while we can’t always control what we feel, we can choose how to respond.
The post-reading questions guide students to:
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Identify and name emotions they’ve experienced
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Notice where those feelings show up in their bodies, helping to build emotional vocabulary and self-awareness
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Reflect on past behaviors and coping strategies, noticing what has helped them in the past—and what hasn’t
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Explore what they might do differently next time they feel scared, frustrated, or overwhelmed
The final reflection invites children to step into compassion—for themselves and for others—reinforcing that everyone has big feelings, and we’re all learning how to manage them with care. These questions support both social-emotional learning and personal growth, offering children tools they can return to long after the story ends.
Booking a Visit
I offer both in-person and virtual visits. Sessions can be customized based on your group size, age range, and curriculum focus.
Visits may include:
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Single story reading with post and/or pre-reading questions (30-60 mins)
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Half day programs
Half-Day Programming Options
My author visits can be tailored to suit your class's needs, whether you're looking for a focused session or a half day program. Here's a sample of what we can do:
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Pre-Reading Questions & Discussion
We’ll start by engaging students with pre-reading questions that provoke thoughts on emotions, self-regulation, and empathy.
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Movement Break
Since kids need to move, we'll take a quick break with some fun, active exercises to get the energy flowing. This could be simple stretching, jumping jacks, or even animal-inspired movements!
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Story Time
We’ll dive into Releasing the Complain Dragon (or Jack, the Squirrel if you’re focusing on that one) and enjoy the adventure together.
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Movement Break
After the story, we’ll take another movement break to help kids release any pent-up energy and refocus.
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Post-Reading Reflection & Discussion
We’ll use the post-reading questions to reflect on the story, exploring emotions, self-regulation, and empathy. This is a chance for kids to share their thoughts and make connections to their own lives.
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Emotion Regulation Strategies
I’ll demonstrate and practice strategies for managing bigger emotions, such as:
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Heel drops (for anger)
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Wall pushes (to release frustration)
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Breathing exercises or body scans to ground and calm
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These physical techniques can be great tools for kids to use in moments of overwhelm.
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Mindfulness & Calming Practices
We can then transition into a calming practice or mindfulness exercise, helping kids center themselves and find peace after the emotional work.
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Creative Activity
Depending on the session, we can choose one of the following creative options:
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Yoga Story: A movement-based, imaginative practice where children become part of the story through yoga poses.
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Safe Expression Art Lesson: Guided art activity to help children express and process their emotions visually.
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Booking flexibility: Each program can be customized based on your class’s interests, emotional needs, or curriculum focus. Whether you're looking for a mindfulness session, a movement-focused experience, or an integrated story and strategy approach, I’ll ensure the visit meets your goals!
How to Book
Booking is easy! Just send me a message with your preferred date(s), student age range, and what you’re interested in
Pricing:
Learn More
Jack, The Squirrel
Cross-Curricular Learning Through Story
Jack, the Squirrel is more than just a fun woodland adventure—it’s also a springboard into inquiry-based learning across Science, Social Studies, and the Arts.
Using questions inspired by the Ontario Curriculum, students are invited to:
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Explore the concept of community—both human and animal
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Reflect on how we can support and respect local wildlife
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Compare basic needs of plants, animals, and people
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Consider how human activity helps or harms neighbourhood ecosystems
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Use descriptive language to express animal movement and behaviour
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Practice empathy for nature through writing, drawing, or dramatic play
These discussions encourage observation, compassion, and critical thinking, while helping children see themselves as active caretakers of the natural world.
Mindfulness & Social-Emotional Learning
In addition to sparking inquiry in science and social studies, Jack, the Squirrel includes a guided mindfulness practice to help children connect with their bodies, emotions, and senses—just like Jack does as he explores his world.
This reflective moment supports:
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Emotional awareness
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Self-regulation
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A sense of safety and inner calm
Children explore cues of safety in their own environments and begin to recognize what helps them feel grounded. These simple, body-based practices strengthen the connection between self and surroundings—laying the foundation for deeper empathy and emotional wellbeing.
Why This Matters
Jack, the Squirrel is part of the Neighbourhood Woodlands series, inspired by observing how animals thrive, adapt, and live alongside humans in urban and suburban communities. Each story encourages readers to:
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Appreciate the lives of animals around us
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Explore our shared environment with curiosity and care
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Build empathy for both people and nature
This mindfulness practice, paired with inquiry-based reflection, supports Social-Emotional Learning, environmental responsibility, and critical thinking. As students build their awareness of themselves, they deepen their relationship with the world around them.
Booking a Visit
I offer both in-person and virtual visits. Sessions can be customized based on your group size, age range, and curriculum focus.
Visits may include:
-
Single story reading with post and/or pre-reading questions (30-60 mins)
-
Half day programs
Sample Program Breakdown
1. Welcome & Introduction
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Introduction to the story: A quick intro about Jack, the Squirrel and the themes it explores (community, nature, emotions, and environmental stewardship).
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Setting the stage: Discuss the day’s flow, the interactive questions, and mindfulness activities we’ll do together.
2. Pre-Reading Questions & Discussion (10–15 minutes)
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Focus: Emotional awareness, community, and nature
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We’ll discuss key questions like:
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What does “community” mean? Can animals have a community?
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How do we care for the animals and environment around us?
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What do you think Jack will encounter in his journey?
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Mindfulness Moment: A simple grounding exercise to help the kids relax and focus before we dive into the story. This can be a brief “body check-in” or a few deep breaths to set the tone for emotional exploration.
3. Story Time – Jack, the Squirrel (20–30 minutes)
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Interactive storytelling: We’ll read through Jack, the Squirrel, allowing kids to ask questions and make predictions throughout the story. This keeps them engaged and involved in the narrative.
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Animal Movement Activity: Kids can mimic Jack’s movements or act out scenes (i.e., "scurrying" across the room, leaping like a squirrel, etc.) to get their bodies moving after sitting for the story.
4. Movement Break (10 minutes)
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Physical activity: This could include yoga poses inspired by the animals in the story (e.g., squirrel pose, tree pose) or animal movements like hopping, stretching, or crawling.
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The goal is to get the kids moving and energized, especially after sitting for the story.
5. Post-Reading Discussion & Reflection (15–20 minutes)
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Focus: Emotional growth, empathy, and connecting to nature
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Key Questions:
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What emotions did Jack experience during his journey? How can we relate to those feelings?
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How can we take care of the animals and environment around us?
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What are some ways Jack learned about his own safety? What helps you feel safe?
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Mindfulness Activity: Guided breathing, noticing emotions in the body, or discussing cues of safety (just like Jack used familiar fence posts to find comfort).
6. Emotional Regulation & Coping Strategies (10–15 minutes)
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Handling big emotions: We'll discuss simple strategies for managing large feelings—like heel drops (for anger) or wall pushes (to release frustration)—and practice them together.
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Mindfulness Practices: Deep breathing, body scans, or other calming exercises to help the children feel grounded.
7. Creative Activity Options (20–30 minutes)
Depending on the focus of the day, we can choose from the following options:
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Yoga Story: Engage the kids in a calming, imaginative yoga story that connects with the themes of the book.
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Safe Expressions Art: Guided art activity where children create their own representations of safety or nature through drawing, painting, or crafts.
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Nature Writing or Dramatic Play: Encouraging kids to express their thoughts through short stories or dramatic role-playing based on their understanding of the story.
If there's time, we can also share a few stories or mindfulness exercises with another class, if that works into the schedule.
8. Closing & Reflection (10 minutes)
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Wrap-up: Reflect on the key themes from the day, asking the children to share their favorite part of the story or their favorite strategy for managing emotions.
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Reminder of the key takeaway: Encourage children to continue using mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, as well as consider how they can care for the world around them.
Flexible Booking Options
When booking a visit, we’ll chat about which themes or topics you’d like to focus on—whether it’s environmental stewardship, community building, emotional awareness, or a mix of everything! I’m happy to tailor the experience to best suit your class's interests, curriculum goals, and emotional needs.
Pricing
Learn More
A Year of Yoga in Oak Town
"A Year of Yoga" is a captivating 12-book children’s yoga series, one for each month of the year. Each story is thoughtfully aligned with the seasonal cycles, offering a theme that resonates with the natural rhythm of the year. Every book begins with breathwork to invigorate both mind and body, followed by a gentle spinal warm-up that moves the spine in all six directions. As the story unfolds, young readers can follow along with fun poses that mirror the adventures of the characters, capturing the essence of the story’s events. In each story, you'll find helpful tips for postures, adjustments, and images to guide children in their practice. Each book concludes with a calming cool-down, allowing children to integrate their practice, refocus, and prepare for the day ahead.
This series provides a delightful way to engage children in yoga while nurturing mindfulness and movement.
*Stories can be chosen for an author visit at any time of year, regardless of the title*
Story Options:
September: Embracing Beginnings
In this sweet September adventure, join Mama Hedgehog and her six curious hoglets as they experience their first day out of the nest. With each stretch and pose, they explore the world around them with wide-eyed wonder and excitement. This story celebrates the theme of a fresh start, inviting children to follow along with playful poses that help them embrace new beginnings—just like the hoglets. From deep breaths to joyful discoveries, this story encourages mindfulness and movement while exploring the beauty of a new day.
October: Embracing Change at Harvest Time
In this autumn adventure, the children of Valley Elementary School explore the orchard and witness the changes around them—vibrant leaves falling, changing animal habits, and the shifting season. Through mindful reflection under an oak tree, the children connect with the sights, sounds, and sensations of the season, learning how to embrace change, the beauty it brings, and the transformations happening around them.
November: Remember Your Inner Peace
As autumn begins to close and winter fast approaches, Bear rushes through his preparations for hibernation, feeling restless and unsettled. As he faces the overwhelming tasks ahead, Fox gently reminds him that true peace comes not only from external actions but from within. Through mindful movements and breathing, Bear reconnects with his inner calm, learning to observe his feelings without judgment. In the quiet moment of remembrance, he discovers that peace has always been within him, ready to be embraced. This story invites children to explore how they can find and remember their own inner peace, even when life feels chaotic.
December: Embrace Your Inner Chill
In this winter wonderland escape, Miles and Chance race outside to enjoy the fresh snow, but as excitement builds, Miles starts to feel rushed. With the help of his brother, Chance reminds him to stay calm and embrace the moment, letting go of the rush and finding peace in the process. As they work together to build their snowman, they learn the importance of taking things slow and enjoying the journey. Through mindful breathing and movement, the boys practice embracing their inner chill, learning that there’s always time to enjoy the present, to take things one step at a time, even when the world around them is filled with excitement.
January: Progressing Toward Your Goals
In this snowy adventure, Anna and her best friend Charlotte spend a weekend at a ski resort, where Anna is inspired by the music she hears to begin her own journey toward writing and singing a song. With Charlotte’s encouragement, Anna learns to embrace her fear and excitement, and together, they break down her big dream into small, achievable steps. Through skiing, brainstorming, and reflecting by the fire, Anna starts to realize that progress doesn’t need to happen all at once—it’s a series of small, brave actions that will get her closer to her goal. This story invites children to take their own dreams and turn them into manageable steps, all while embracing the flow of progress at their own pace.
February: Spreading Kindness
In this heartwarming winter story, Aarav and his family embrace the spirit of kindness by welcoming new neighbors to their community. As they create handmade scarves and mittens, they learn the power of simple gestures and the joy that comes from sharing love and warmth with others. Through mindful breathing, movement, and acts of kindness, this story reminds readers that even the smallest acts can create big, beautiful connections.
March: Cultivating Your Inner Garden
Under the light of the spring moon, Mama Raccoon guides her little ones and their friends on a journey to explore the deep connections between all living things. Through nature’s wisdom, they discover how balance, care, and support help them grow strong and healthy. As they learn to cultivate their own garden, young readers are invited to explore the importance of nourishing themselves with self-care, supportive relationships, and healthy habits to thrive
April: Letting Go
The storm passed, and in its wake, it left a powerful lesson about letting go. In this story, Leena learns to allow her worries to be carried away, the way leaves rushed down a stream. Through the flow of the water, Leena realizes that while things may disappear, there’s always room to create, explore, and find new sources of happiness. In this heartfelt journey of release and renewal, young readers are reminded that letting go can bring peace and open the door to new beginnings.
May: Igniting Your Spark
As the young dragons discover their own unique way of creating fire, they learn the power of individuality and the importance of patience. Oscilly's journey reminds us that while it may take time to spark our own energy, the moment will come when we embrace our own light. Through yoga and mindful movement, young readers will be inspired to connect with their inner fire, understand that everyone shines in their own way, and celebrate their personal growth with confidence and joy.
June: Closing A Chapter
As the summer rain continues to fall, Olivia learns that closing one chapter doesn't mean the end of the memories or the joy that comes with them. Follow along with Olivia as she discovers the magic in letting go of one story to make room for another. Olivia embraces the bittersweet beauty of transitions, finding comfort in knowing that happiness and memories can continue to live on, ready to be revisited or transformed into new adventures. Young readers are reminded that every ending makes space for something new, that the memories we make can live on in our hearts, ready to be revisited or transformed into fresh adventures.
July: Soaking Up The Sun
As the sun sets on their perfect beach day, the boy and his family bask in the warmth of the moments they've shared. Through laughter, play, and the peaceful rhythm of the waves, they discover how joy can be found in every corner of life. This story reminds young readers that joy is all around us, and with every new day, there's always an opportunity to embrace the happiness that comes from simple, beautiful moments.
August: A Mindset For Adventure
As Daisy, Matthew, and Vira embark on their unexpected wilderness adventure, they quickly learn that being prepared in life isn’t just about having the right gear, but having the right mindset for adventure. When you approach each day with curiosity and the willingness to embrace whatever comes your way, every moment becomes an opportunity for courage, adaptability, and discovery. From crossing mud pits to scaling rocks, this story reminds young readers that sometimes the best part of an adventure is not knowing what’s ahead, but being open to whatever surprises await, knowing that with the right mindset, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Booking a Visit
I offer both in-person and virtual visits. Sessions can be customized based on your group size, age range, and curriculum focus.
Visits may include:
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First story read through, safety discussion, second story read through, paired with yoga sequence (~30-45 mins)
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First story read through, safety discussion, second story read through, paired with yoga sequence
+ drawing or journaling prompts based on the theme of the story (~45 -60mins)