Mark Gunning | Updates

One More School, One More Story

Mark Gunning — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, June 17th, I'll be heading to Quaker Road Public School for my final author visit of the 2025–26 school year.

It's hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by. Since stepping back into schools as a visiting author, I've had the opportunity to meet hundreds of students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, sharing stories, laughter, and hopefully a little inspiration along the way.

At Quaker Road, I'll be working with two groups of students:

Grades 3/4 will dive into the world of humorous short story writing, exploring how everyday moments can become unforgettable adventures. Through examples from William and Thomas's many misadventures, students will discover that some of the best story ideas begin with a simple question:

"What could possibly go wrong?"

(As it turns out... quite a lot.)

Grades 5/6 will put on their detective hats as we investigate the ingredients of a great mystery. Together, we'll examine clues, red herrings, suspicious suspects, and surprising twists before students begin crafting mysteries of their own.

One of my favourite parts of these visits is watching students realize that authors don't simply sit down and magically produce perfect books. Stories grow from imagination, persistence, revision, and a willingness to embrace wild ideas.

Whether it's a disastrous bee-catching plan, a missing muffin mystery, or a spooky adventure involving the Itchygooney Witch, every story starts with someone asking, "What if?"

As this school year comes to a close, I'm incredibly grateful to the teachers, librarians, administrators, and students who have welcomed me into their schools. Thank you for your enthusiasm, your creativity, and for reminding me why stories matter.

Here's to one final visit, a few more laughs, and perhaps the beginning of some future authors' writing journeys.

Wish me luck... and let's hope no one brings a real swarm of bees.

Mark Gunning

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Author Visit — Garrison Road Public School (Fort Erie, Ontario)

Mark Gunning — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m excited to be visiting Garrison Road Public School over the next two days for a full school-wide author visit! I’ll be meeting with students from Kindergarten all the way up to Grade 8, sharing interactive presentations, storytelling sessions, mystery-writing activities, and plenty of laughs along the way. I’m looking forward to connecting with young readers and writers, answering questions, and helping students discover how fun and creative writing can be. It’s going to be an amazing two days of books, imagination, and storytelling adventures!

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Author Visit — Garrison Road Public School (Fort Erie, Ontario)

Mark Gunning — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m excited to be visiting Garrison Road Public School over the next two days for a full school-wide author visit! I’ll be meeting with students from Kindergarten all the way up to Grade 8, sharing interactive presentations, storytelling sessions, mystery-writing activities, and plenty of laughs along the way. I’m looking forward to connecting with young readers and writers, answering questions, and helping students discover how fun and creative writing can be. It’s going to be an amazing two days of books, imagination, and storytelling adventures!

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Author Visit — Heximer Public School (Niagara Falls, Ontario)

Mark Gunning — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m excited to be visiting Heximer Avenue Elementary School in Niagara Falls, Ontario, for a special in-person author visit!

During our time together, we’ll be chatting about my I Told You So series, where humour, friendship, and mischief are always just around the corner. I can’t wait to meet some very young authors, talk about how stories come to life, and share what it’s really like to create characters like William and Thomas.

Get ready for laughs, imagination, and maybe even a few “I told you so!” moments along the way!

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Author Visit — Princess Margaret Public School (Niagara Falls, Ontario)

Mark Gunning — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m excited to be heading to Princess Margaret Public School in Niagara Falls, Ontario, for a fun-filled author visit featuring my first book, The Adventures of William and Thomas!

During the visit, I’ll be meeting with some of the Grade 3 classes, where we’ll talk about how story ideas are born (sometimes in the most unexpected places!). We’ll also dive into The Killer Bees story, followed by a student Q & A—so I hope they come ready with their best questions!

It’s going to be a fantastic day of creativity, curiosity, and storytelling… and who knows - maybe we’ll even uncover a few Itchygooney worthy ideas along the way!

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Local Author Fair — Thorold Public Library (Thorold, Ontario)

Mark Gunning — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Saturday, March 14 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Thorold Public Library | March Break Event

I’m excited to be taking part in a Local Author’s Fair at the Thorold Public Library during March Break!

Come on out and say hello, meet Mark Gunning, and check out my books—including the laugh-filled I Told You So series and more. I’ll be there chatting with readers, talking about my stories, and signing copies for anyone brave enough to take one of my slightly ridiculous books home. 😉

Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, or just someone who loves a good story (with a little mischief mixed in), I’d love to see you there!

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Author Visit — Riverview Public School (Chippawa, Ontario)

Mark Gunning — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

March 6 | In-Person Visit

I’m excited to be heading to Riverview Public School in Chippawa, Ontario, for a fun-filled author visit featuring my newest book, The Itchygooney Witch!

During the first half of the visit, I’ll be meeting with several Grade 2/3 classes, where we’ll talk about how story ideas are born (sometimes in the most unexpected places!). We’ll also dive into The Itchygooney Witch, followed by a student Q & A—so I hope they come ready with their best questions!

In the second half of the visit, I’ll be sitting down with older students from the DSBN Writes crew for a behind-the-scenes look at the Day in the Life of an Author—from brainstorming and writing to editing, publishing, and everything in between.

It’s going to be a fantastic day of creativity, curiosity, and storytelling… and who knows—maybe we’ll even uncover a few Itchygooney-worthy ideas along the way!

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Virtual Author Visit — Walker Park Elementary School (Monroe, GA)

Mark Gunning — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

📅 February 17 | Virtual Event

I’m excited to be visiting Walker Park Elementary School in Monroe, Georgia, for a special virtual author visit!

Get ready for laughs, imagination, and maybe even a few “I told you so!” moments along the way!

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A Fresh Website, New Adventures, and Big Plans Ahead

Mark Gunning — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Today feels a bit like the first day of school, minus the lost lunchboxes and awkward gym shorts. I’m excited (and only mildly nervous) to officially welcome you to my brand-new website! It’s been rebuilt from the ground up to be cleaner, easier to use, and much friendlier on phones—because let’s face it, most of us are scrolling while waiting for something else to finish.
But this launch isn’t just about a new look.
This website marks the start of a new chapter for me as an author. Along with sharing my books, stories, and upcoming projects, I’m officially stepping into the world of school visits and beginning my journey as a travelling children’s author. I’ll be starting close to home by connecting with schools in the Niagara area as I roll out my programs, presentations, and classroom-friendly fun.
You’ll now find:

Information about my books
Updates and announcements
Resources for teachers and schools
A growing collection of interviews, reviews, and behind-the-scenes extras

And this is just the beginning. The site will continue to grow—kind of like my to-be-read pile, but with slightly better organization.

I’d love for you to take a look around and let me know what you think. Is there something you’d like to see added? Something you enjoy most? Something that made you smile (intentionally or otherwise)?

Thanks for being here, thanks for supporting my stories, and thanks for sticking with me as this adventure continues. More news, more books, and more slightly ridiculous ideas coming soon.

Stay tuned—and welcome!

Mark

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Book Signing @ Coles Seaway Mall

Mark Gunning — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Meet Mark Gunning

Mark is a local author from Niagara Falls.

His previous career as a teacher, his passion for education and storytelling led him to write books aimed at young readers by engaging them with his unique blend of humour and adventure.

Visit us this Saturday at Coles in the Seaway Mall from 11AM to 2PM!

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