Alessandra Requena Children’s Author

OCT Member Alessandra Requena has been teaching in the TDSB since 2013. She specializes in Kindergarten Music and her early career shaped the way she designs her manuscripts, her books are made to be read to a classroom and encourage young children to participate in group reading. With a focus on critical thinking opportunities and empathy building, Alessandra’s picturebooks are written with the same needs in mind she had as an early teacher looking for excellent and inclusive picturebook read-alouds that support bigger conversations and skill building.

“THE BOY WHO CRIED POOP!” (Frances Lincoln, 2023) Can be used for high energy groups, with entry points for group reading and word recognition, as well as around discussions about the fact that bathroom accidents happen to everyone (even in the classroom), and having empathy for others.

“I DON’T CARE WHAT SIMON SAYS” (Tundra, release date Oct 20, 2026) Is the perfect read aloud for a class that just doesn’t want to sit still! Get kids moving without ever getting up from their bottoms, and engaging in this story that demands their attention first then encourages them to think. Great for conversation starters around making good choices, peer pressure, and thinking for yourself.

“MY NAME IS NOT FLUFFY-WUFFY-SWINDELEBUM!” (Tundra, Release date Summer, 2028) This one is still in the early works of illustration, more information will be announced soon! Follow @readwithriver to get the latest news.

INVITE ALESSANDRA INTO YOUR CLASSROOM FOR:

• Kindergarten Musical circle time (Appropriate for K-2)
• Grade 1-2 Short story writing workshop
• Grade 3-8 Comedy writing workshops

Want to apply for the Ontario Authors in the school Grant? Inquire about accessing these funds for having Alessandra visit your classroom!