I am available for school presentations  at rates or by negotiation. These will depend on the number of sessions booked and number of students involved. I am a teacher with over 20 years  experience presenting to children, students and adults For Schools: I provide a 45 minute to 1 hr presentation. This covers why I wrote the book 'My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day", putting Anzac  Day in a personal context; age appropriate coverage of Gallipoli and then the developmental stages of a picture book. It is an excellent introduction  to a discussion of the significance of Anzac Day. Recommended for students  from year 4 to 8. Other presentations can be arranged for older or younger  groups. Several classes can be accommodated at once up to 75 students per session.   I also offer an 15-20 minute interactive reading of  'The Music Tree' where children can accompany me on saucepan lids, bells and  egg beaters. In fact anything that rattles and bangs, dings or clangs.   For some testimonials, see below... Catriona in England: Catriona visited Helensvale  Branch Library to read her new book "The Music Tree".  The kids had a great time playing instruments and joining in with the story.  All the staff were  huge fans of this story, and "My Grandfather Marches on Anzac Day" - a great  story to explain Anzac Day to kids!  Thanks, Catriona, for creating a fun  session for our visitors! Daena Scheuber Helensvale Branch  Library, QLD   The children at Coffs Harbour  City Library enjoyed Catriona's enchanting story, and it was lovely to see  her magic suitcase of music.  The children took on the role of musicians as they acted our Lliam's story and the music he made with the pipes, chains, pots & chimes his mother hung in the music tree.  A story that could be played out in any Australian backyard, complete with possums!   Judy Atkinson Library Programs Officer, Coffs Harbour Library, NSW   On  behalf of Frankston Library Service I would like to thank you for reading from your new book “The Music Tree” at our pre-school Storytime on Thursday  2nd November. Your interactive Storytime bought a lot of  enjoyment and positive response from over 90 participants. Once again thank  you very much. Kerry Smith Frankston Library, Vic   Catriona's enthusiasm for her book "My Grandad marches on Anzac Day" was evident in her presentation. The Year 4/5 children present were captivated by her insight into Anzac Day and I know came away with a better understanding of the importance of this holiday on our calendar. Tracy Glover, Children and Youth Librarian, City of Holdfast Bay, SA I thought Catriona's presentation was excellent. Not  only did the children get a first hand look at the process of writing a book they also received a history lesson. It was all presented in a very positive and lively way too. Well done you were great. Mark Nelson , Year 4/5 teacher, St Marys Memorial  College, Glenelg, SA   I would like to recommend Catriona Hoy as a speaker.  Catriona visited  Semaphore Public Library in March, 2006 and presented a couple of sessions on her newly published book, "My Grandad marches on ANZAC day". The  sessions were attended by year 6/7 classes and the kids were rapt - Catriona included biographical information about her father-in-law, whom inspired the story and also a brief introduction to the conditions experienced by soldiers during the war. The classes enjoyed listening to the story and learning about the publishing process.   Catriona is a talented speaker and writer, with an excellent knowledge of her subject matter and  understanding of what interests students.        Kylie Clayton ,  Library Technician - Children's & Youth Services Semaphore Library, Semaphore, SA      Catriona is  an engaging and entertaining presenter. Our Year 5 girls were fascinated as she talked about the dawn service and the march on Anzac Day. Her power point was informative, particularly in giving a background to Gallipoli and  the role of the Anzacs. The use of old photographs to clearly show the hardships faced by the soldiers was interesting and directly related to her  book. Although the book is pitched at lower primary, these 10 year olds enjoyed the history lesson so attractively packaged and related well to  Grandad George and the stories Catriona told about him.   We loved hearing about how Catriona went about writing the book and the process of  getting it published was really interesting. Some of the girls who had to leave her presentation early because of sporting commitments came to me  today to tell me how sorry they were to have missed the last bit of the  session. They had been especially interested in the differences between the proofs and the final printed edition of the text.    All in all,  a most worthwhile and informative session, enthusiastically recommended for Upper Primary children. Jan Robertson, Junior School Librarian, Presbyterian Ladies College, Burwood, Vic   Catriona Hoy returned to her old school today to present to the students her beautifully illustrated book about Anzac Day. She held the children’s attention on a difficult subject with ease. Her picture book “My Grandad Marches on ANZAC DAY” is a sensitive presentation of facts about this part of our history and warm family  emotions that underpin the story. Although only recently released, it has already had tremendous appeal to the children of Frankston Primary School.  The students responded to Catriona herself with interest and excitement and most went away with a greater understanding of the story behind the Anzac  Parade and how much it means to those involved. Claire Rosetto, Assistant  Principal, Frankston Primary School   Catriona Hoy made an important event in Australian History come to life for our students. She was entertaining, informative and a real storyteller. She also made writing stories sound both attractive and  achievable. It is a touching and lovely picture storybook. We thoroughly  enjoyed meeting Catriona and hearing about the basis for this significant  story on a much needed theme. Thank you for a memorable and inspirational experience.  Merryn Bevis Year 6 coordinator,  Ashburton Primary School Catriona’s dynamic presentation of ‘The Music Tree’ at the Wangaratta Library in November 2006 intrigued and delighted the group  of kids who attended. The older children got involved with her explanation of story development and publishing and benefited from seeing the original pictures she used in her book. Loueen Twyford,  Wangaratta Library Manager   And from some  students! We were  inspired by your talk on your book "My Grandad Marches On Anzac Day" and we loved the story line of the book we thought your presentation was great and lots of fun to listen too. We learnt lots of information to do with ANZAC and Gallipoli.Your talk was good because is was not boring and it was very educational. The pictures and stuff about George was great and Thank You for telling us about your jorney on becoming a book writer. thank you very much for giving up your time from Dylan   I was just writing to give you some feedback on your talk at the Semaphore library. I think your talk was inspiring and 'My Granddad Marches On ANZAC Day' was a fantastic book :)! We all learnt a lot about Gallipoli and the meaning of ANZAC Day. The story of your Granddad was amazing because after all the trials and tribulations he entered the army and came back alive. The pictures and projector show were a good way to brighten up the talk. Well done and thankyou for taking the time to come over from Melbourne to talk to us. from Nemesia     Some reviews of up and coming books...things in the  wings as it were. Mummies Are  For Amazing Things/ Daddies Are For Wild Things. Dear Mrs Hoy, I liked the book because it showed that mums aren't just good because they work and clean the house. Mums are there to love and not to work. I liked the way the little girl said all the words. I hope I get to read it  soon. I liked  daddies because it is sweet how daddies are there to love. I want a dad like  that. My dad sits on the computer and plays. I liked the dad falling asleep on the little girls table. from Crystal   Dear Miss  Hoy Daddies is a sensational book and it was so generous that you let our grade have our  opinion. I thought it was shimmering in my heart and I thought dad was  sensitive and manly. You had  wacky ideas which made your book enjoyable. from Mary   Dear Mrs Hoy I like your  book...I like it so much I could imagine the photos in my head. from Nathan   I think the  story was great because it is funny, a great story for kids and a great story for mums and dad to read to their kids. from Danny