CREATE A BOOK!
Artist in Residence
KID’S Publishing Program
Presented by Award Winning Publisher
The Program
Create a Book, An Artist in Residence Kid’s Publishing Program is a school-based storytelling and artistic program designed to support student voices, confidence, and creative expression. Over the course of the program, students are invited to explore the school’s collective values and collaborate together to create a shared book that reflects their truth. This allows students to gain knowledge and skills in literary arts while also learning to listen and respect diverse perspectives.
While the finished published book is an important outcome, the program’s primary purpose is to support students in self-discovery, artistic engagement, and community building in a respectful challenging learning environment.
Your Publisher & Facilitator
Medicine Wheel Publishing, was selected as BC’s publisher of the year. Teddy Anderson is the official publisher of Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Society as well as many other indigenous authors.
With a degree in Child and Youth Care, Teddy has travelled to over 2,500 schools across 20 countries since 2010, offering workshops, storytelling programs, and teachings passed on from respected mentors such as the late Lakota educator Kevin Locke.
“Kids have an incredible capacity for change, creativity and for making the world a better place. Having extensive experience in publishing as well as working with children in the school setting, my hope is to show them how we can change the world through publishing and literary arts.” – Teddy Anderson
How it Works
Create A Book is a multi-day artist residency. Medicine Wheel Publishing works with school staff to understand classroom goals, student needs, and the focus of the residency. This planning shapes the creative direction, sets expectations, determines the appropriate book format, and allows MWP to prepare supporting in-class work for teachers and students.
Medicine Wheel Publishing works directly with students in classrooms and assemblies, ensuring all students are included. Students are guided through storytelling, identifying community values, writing, and illustration, with age-appropriate support throughout the process.
After the residency, MWP prepares a digital draft of the completed book for school staff review. Once approved, MWP completes the design, includes the book in a print run, and ships the agreed number of copies to the school. Teddy may return to reveal the book in an assembly format and reflect on the program. The completed book and all work created through the program belong solely to the school.