Rick Duchalski is a Canadian children’s author, storyteller, and founder of Mad Dreidel Press, an independent publishing imprint dedicated to culturally rich, widely accessible picture books. His work brings Jewish children and families into the everyday landscape of children’s literature through humour, warmth, and recognizable childhood experiences. In addition to writing and publishing, he presents interactive storytelling programs in schools and community settings. Rick is a member of The Writers' Union of Canada, CANSCAIP, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Independent Book Publishers Association.
Family Storytelling Reading
A lively public reading featuring interactive storytelling, audience participation, and discussion for children and families. Ideal for libraries, festivals, community centres, and family literacy events.
Let's Build a Story Together
A participatory workshop in which children collaboratively create characters, conflicts, and endings while learning the foundations of strong storytelling.
Interactive Kindergarten Storytime
A lively author visit designed for early readers, combining interactive read-aloud, movement, audience participation, and guided discussion. Students engage with character, prediction, listening, and oral communication while experiencing books as shared performance and imaginative play.
Storytime and Behind the Book (Grades 1–3)
A live reading followed by an age-appropriate look at how stories are created, from first idea to finished picture book. Students explore character, perspective, audience, and the creative choices that shape a published story, with plenty of participation throughout.
