Jacob Berkowitz
Biography:I am a Canadian author, journalist and playwright whose work combines a love of science and story. My books are for ages five to 99. I write about cutting-edge science which means there's something new and of interest to readers of all ages. I live in a town of 3,000 people called Almonte, Ontario. How do I know if I'm having a good day writing? I'm laughing, or at least smiling when I write! I love performing for kids and families. When I began doing this I thought my main contribution was the information/learning I was conveying. But the more I went into schools, and the more I saw kids' wide-eyed amazement as I'd pull fossil poop from the "PoopCase", I realized that what I do is bring an expanded sense of the possible to kids. It's great to think about this when I'm back stage getting in the zone for a show. I'm an author because I think in stories. Some scientists I've talked with for my books think in numbers. Other people think in pictures, or even music. When I "get an idea" it's often a story, maybe a headline, or story title or the nugget of a storyline. I have several filing cabinet drawers full of what I call creative arrows - ideas that come to me from the ether. One really cool thing about these ideas, is that I know that when I get a story idea, someone else also gets that idea at almost the same time. The question is who will act to tell the story, and how will he or she tell it? Presentation Information:Join Jacob Berkowitz for a 30-minute, interactive, theatrical-style puppet show that will take you out of this world. Ambrosia, the alien, is lost. While exploring the Milky Way she took a wrong turn and landed on Earth. She needs our help to find her way home. How hard can this be? There are only eight planets in our Solar System. But, Ambrosia isn't from our Solar System. She's from an exoplanet, an amazing planet around another star. Join the search for an alien Earth and help this ET go home! With fun and laughter, the show introduces audiences to the present-day search for exoplanets and particulary another living, Earth-like planet. Each presentation is followed by a Q&A session. Presented as part of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy celebrations. Book List / Discography:Jurassic Poop: What Dinosaurs (and Others) Left Behind (Kids Can Press, 2006) Out of This World: The Amazing Search for an Alien Earth (Kids Can Press, 2009) Awards:Jurassic Poop Praise for Jacob Berkowitz:“You were the talk of our school long after you left for all the right reasons! A member of parent council (who funded your visit) had her child come home and summarize the performance ending with "It was SOOOO AWESOME". I'll definitely recommend you to fellow librarians.” “I know you're still in the midst of your tour and may not see this for awhile, but wanted to pass on this comment from one of the teachers: Jacob had the kids in the palm of his hand the entire time....!” “Your presentation was one of the highlights of the day.” Liz Stewart “Factual information was absorbed while giggling and laughing – the best way to learn! Your creativity in bringing science to elementary school age children is to be commended.” Brenda Robertson |
 Craft:author Genre:non-fiction Ideal Audience Size:75 – 100 Maximum Audience Size:125 Grades:3 – 6 Website:School Reading Fee:$157.50 per reading (includes GST) Public Reading Fee:$250.00 per reading (four readings covered by the Canada Council) Book Week Tour Contact:Gail Hamilton |