Latest News
Evron has recently been involved with two of Canada’s top universities, McGill University in Montreal, and York University in Toronto.
At McGill, A Time for Evron is now mandatory reading in Dr. Christopher Milligan’s 4th year Faculty of Education Professional Seminar Course (EDEC 405-004). At York University, author Bryan Smillie recently gave a lecture to 2nd and 3rd year English students on Exploring Canadian Children’s Literature From an Author’s Perspective. (PDF: 168 KB)
A Time For Evron On The Web
YouTube and MySpace
Hey kids! A Time for Evron is on YouTube and myspace.com.
Go to YouTube where we have four videos of Sara and Carlie discussing A Time for Evron.
International Children’s Digital Library
You can now visit A Time for Evron at the International Children’s Digital Library (ICDL) at the University of Maryland.
Download all or part of the book; show your friends, your teachers, make copies of chapters for class discussions.
For more information on the ICDL you can download a brochure. (PDF: 160 KB)
School Visits
Invite award-winning author Bryan Smillie for a day visit to your school.
In up to 6, one hour long interactive class presentations, students will be stimulated and engaged in everything from the writing and creative process, to the part they can play in further enriching their own lives. From kindergarten to grade 8, from fairy tales to Maslow's Theory of Self-Actualization, it's all part and parcel of A Time for Evron, the hot new kid's book most want to read more than once. Email Bryan Smillie at shabrya@sympatico.ca to discuss a specially tailored visit to the needs of your school.
Click on an images below to see some classroom photos of past school visits:
Resources
Believe in You by Amanda Marshall
This Canadian singer/songwriter has these excerpts from her incredible song of hope Believe in You, at the beginning of A Time for Evron.
Somewhere someone’s reaching
Trying to grab that ring
Somewhere there’s a silent voice
Learning how to sing
Some of us can’t move ahead
We’re paralyzed with fear
And everybody’s listening
Cause we all need to hear
I believe in you
I can’t even count the ways that
I believe in you
And all I want to do is show you
I believe in you
I will hold you up
I will help you stand
I will comfort you when you need a friend
I will be the voice that’s calling out
I believe in you
The beautiful metaphors contained in this song mirror perfectly the central theme of the book which is each kid's own self-growth, and helping each other in life's daily struggles.
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Recently while attending a conference, Bryan Smillie came across these inspiring words in a Grade 8 Graduation Programme from the The Network of Sacred Heart Schools in Chicago. He believes the words reflect beautifully some of the underlying themes in A Time for Evron, and are of special significance for young people growing up today. They are included in his book.
Helped by adults and peers to be
truthful and honest with yourself,
you will grow in self-confidence
by dealing realistically
with your gifts and limitations.
Not all are leaders,
not all are athletes,
not all are artists.
Do not grieve what talents God did not give you,
but recognize and rejoice in
the worth of others.
Discover your particular gifts
and develop your unique potential.
If you are sensitive to people, care for them.
If you are a scholar, share your love of learning.
If you create with your hands, give the world beauty.
When you find humour and laughter in your life, give
others your joy.
The gift you have received, give as a gift.
Information Sheet
For more information on the book download an information sheet.
(PDF: 2 MB)
Real Life Inspirations For The Book
Bryan Smillie’s grade 6 class welcomed Mr. Al Sellers who is one of the real life inspirations behind the fictional character Mr. Burrows in the book.
Bryan Smillie’s Grade 6 class welcomed Elvira Bitrovska, one of the real life inspirations for the fictional character Vahid in the book. Elvira lost her father in the Bosnian war when she was only 10 years of age.
About The Author
Bryan Smillie is a recipient of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Writer’s Award (2004) and the Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection (2003).
He is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto. He is a retired teacher and counselor with over thirty years experience working with young people from kindergarten to pre-college and university. He continues to teach and counsel part-time.
For an author interview with Bryan Smillie go to the International Children’s Digital Library (ICDL).
Order the book
Order online from Amazon.com and have a copy of A Time for Evron delivered to your door.
