APPLY TO HOST KAITLIN HOYT (IN PERSON)

BIOGRAPHY

Kaitlin Hoyt is a wildlife illustrator whose work explores themes of growth and interconnectedness through whimsical fusions of flora and fauna. Inspired by early scientific illustrators and the magic of fairytales, her art is a celebration of nature’s resilience and adaptability—qualities that have also shaped her self-taught creative journey. Since committing to painting in 2019, Hoyt has participated in multiple artist residencies, written and illustrated children's books, and shared her work with collectors around the world.

Home Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick
Creator Type: Author-illustrator
Genres: Picture books
Website: www.kaitlinhoyt.com
Tour Region: New Brunswick (Anglophone School District West)
Target Audience: Grades 5 - 12
Cost: For one 60-minute presentation: $300 plus 15% HST     

NOTE: The fee of $300 (plus tax) will be paid to The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) upon receipt of an invoice from the CCBC. After Book Week, the CCBC will pay the author their presentation fee of $250 (plus taxes, if applicable).  

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS

Nature is Neat: How to Make a Nature Journal

Target Audience: Grades 5 and 6
Preferred group size: 10 - 15 students
Maximum preferred group size: 20 – 30 students

Kaitlin Hoyt shares how observing nature inspired her to create the fantasy world featured in her latest book, 'A Fleurlings Field Guide'. This interactive lesson introduces mindfulness with focused observation of foraged leaves and rocks, encouraging an interdisciplinary approach of drawing, creative writing, and scientific observation for students to document their thoughts and findings. Then, we'll activate our imaginations by looking for connections and sharing our discoveries in small groups.

Required equipment: projector
Required materials: small sketchbooks, pencils, coloured pencils

Making an Income as an Illustrator

Target Audience: Grades 9 - 12
Preferred group size: 20 - 50 (flexible)

In this talk, Kaitlin Hoyt discusses her path to becoming a children's book illustrator and provides students with a realistic glimpse into a career in the arts. This talk introduces basic business skills foundational to entrepreneurship, growth mindset, and the importance of creating personal
projects. She shares some wins and fails, the lessons learned, and offers advice to any students considering pursuing a creative career or self-employment.

Required equipment: projector, mic (if in a theatre)
Required materials: n/a

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A Fleurlings Field Guide. Written and illustrated by Kaitlin Hoyt. Monster House Publishing, 2025.

A Fleurlings Alphabet. Written and illustrated by Kaitlin Hoyt. Monster House Publishing, 2024.