Available for in-person visits: BC Interior
Craft: Author
Genre: Picture Books, Middle-Grade Fiction
Target Audience: Grades 1 to 7
Cost for School and Public Presentation: $250.00, plus applicable taxes
Biography
Emily Seo holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of British Columbia. She worked as an Associate Editor for two science journals and ran a multidisciplinary laboratory before experimenting with creative writing. The Science of Boys is her debut novel followed by two other children's books: Our World: Japan and The Perfect Sushi.
Presentation Information:
The Perfect Sushi by Emily Satoko Seo
Target audience age: 6-9 years old, Grades 1-3
Synopsis
Miko is a perfectionist who struggles to make sushi for her grandmother’s birthday. Along the way, she discovers the key ingredient to making the perfect gift. Infused with playful onomatopoeia, this story delivers a universal message about the importance of determination and heart.
Presentation
Students will be taken on a journey of how to write a picture book about something or someone they love. A lively reading of The Perfect Sushi will follow with a discussion of the inspirations behind the story and the structure and components of a picture book.
Class Activity: Students will draw a page-sized heart shape and fill it with everything they love using words, pictures or a combination of both. Examples can include food from their culture, people they adore and activities they enjoy. The class will then choose one or two of the words or images to write a story. Students will learn how to outline, keeping in mind the main elements: characters, setting and plot. If time permits, a simple sushi craft will be demonstrated.
The Science of Boys by Emily Seo
Target audience age: 10-12 years old, Grades 5-7
Synopsis
Science nerd, Emma Sakamoto wants to reinvent herself at the beginning of high school. When a popular girl lets it be known that she has a crush on a boy, Emma tells her she is writing a book about the science of boys. Emma applies scientific laws and theories to a perplexing subject—can gravity pull a boy into a girl’s orbit? And do people really conform to scientific principles? The results are unpredictable in this heartwarming story about the struggles of fitting in and the complexities of friendship.
Presentation
Combining literacy with science sparks creativity and curiosity. A reading of The Science of Boys will follow with an explanation of how science was weaved into the story, integrating experiments that relate to the book.
Class activity: Science is everywhere. We’ll make a list of science terms and concepts that exist in the everyday world. In smaller groups, students will be invited to creatively depict a science process by linking it to anything in their daily life. It could be something they enjoy like playing hockey, baking or writing. It could be something they observe like the weather or the stars. It could be as simple as breathing. Class participation will be encouraged. If time permits, the presentation will end with a final science experiment.
Book List
Our World: Japan (Barefoot Books, 2022)
The Perfect Sushi (Barefoot Books, 2023)
The Science of Boys (Tradewind Books, 2022)