Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret: A School Workshop by Michele Doucette
Where creativity and self-acceptance come together.
This one-of-a-kind workshop is designed for K–3 students and built around art, storytelling, and embracing what makes us beautifully different. Inspired by the children’s book Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret, co-authored by Calgary-based artist and illustrator Michele Doucette and writer Lindsay Bath, this experience invites kids to explore individuality, belonging, and self-expression in a fun and meaningful way.
This workshop is inspired by Michele’s children’s book, Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret, the heart of the entire experience.
Students meet Fenn, a little bear with a hidden blue patch of fur, and follow his journey of self-acceptance and bravery. The story lays the foundation for every part of the workshop: from the class discussions to the art project that follows.
Built around the story that started it all.
What’s Included
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📖 Book Reading: Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret
Michele begins with a reading of her children’s book, introducing students to Fenn, a little bear with a big blue secret, and setting the stage for thoughtful discussion and creative reflection.
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🗣️ Class Discussion on Identity & Inclusion
Through gentle, age-appropriate questions, Michele guides students in exploring what makes them unique and why differences should be celebrated.
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🎨 Art Project: Create Your Own Canvas
Each student is invited to express their individuality on a small canvas using blue-themed art supplies provided by Michele. There’s no “right” way to create, just your way.
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🧩 Collaborative Mosaic Display
After the workshop, Michele collects and scans each child’s art to create a custom mosaic poster for your classroom. A beautiful visual reminder that our differences create something powerful.
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📚 Book Donation to the School Library
Every school that hosts the workshop receives a donated copy of Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret for the library, so students can revisit the story again and again.
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🛍️ Optional Take-Home Copies for Families
Families can choose to purchase their own copy of the book at a special discounted rate, helping extend the message of self-acceptance and creativity beyond the classroom.
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✏️ All Supplies Provided by Michele
From canvases to pencils, everything your students need to create their masterpieces is included. Just provide the space and we’ll bring the blue.
About Michele
Michele is a Calgary-based artist and the illustrator and co-author of Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret. After discovering her creativity later in life, she developed a deep passion for helping others, especially young minds, use art as a tool for connection, growth, and self-discovery.
Her workshops are rooted in storytelling and hands-on creativity, helping students explore who they are and recognize the value of what makes us all unique
This workshop is designed with K–3 students in mind, but it can be adapted for older grades too. It’s more than a classroom visit, it’s an experience rooted in connection, creativity, and lasting impact.
Creative Confidence
Each child is encouraged to express themselves freely through art. No two pieces are the same.
Closer Connections
Students dive into big ideas like kindness, identity, and community through story and conversation.
Lasting Impact
Completed canvases are transformed into a collective mosaic to hang in your school as a lasting reminder that we’re stronger together.
More Than a Visit
A signed copy of Michele’s book is donated to your school’s library, with optional take-home copies for families.
What educators are saying.
Michele’s book readings and creative workshops bring Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret to life, inspiring children to embrace their uniqueness through storytelling and art. Teachers and schools who have welcomed Michele into their classrooms have seen firsthand the impact of her engaging sessions. Here’s what they have to say about the experience.
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Michele delivered an outstanding in-class presentation that resulted in excellent student engagement throughout. From the moment she began reading, students were visibly leaning in, listening intently, and fully immersed in the story. Her book’s message, Be Blue, Be You, resonated deeply with students, who eagerly interacted with the theme of uniqueness and self-expression.
Students were excited to explore creatively using the markers and canvas, and it was especially meaningful to see more apprehensive students challenge themselves and take creative risks. Michele’s one-on-one consultations with students were a highlight—she took the time to guide them thoughtfully as they figured out what to draw, validating their ideas and building confidence. Her illustrations were highly inspiring, and the overall experience was engaging, inclusive, and impactful for learners. Michele brings a powerful blend of storytelling, artistry, and student-centered connection into the classroom.
- Melissa L. | Grade 5
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Having Michele Doucette visit our special education classroom was a truly magical and inspiring experience. Michele brought her story, Fenn's Giant Blue Secret, to life with such warmth and heart. She instantly connected with our students, making each one feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Michele not only read her beautiful book aloud but also provided materials for every student to create their own special piece of artwork. She took the time to engage with each student individually, offering encouragement and celebrating their creativity. One student even said,
"Maybe I can be an artist when I graduate!" — a powerful reflection of how deeply empowering her visit was.
After the visit, Michele took all of the student-created art and transformed it into a large, collaborative piece that now proudly hangs in our classroom. Along with the artwork, she generously donated a copy of her book and a cuddly blue stuffed bear, which we've displayed beside the final piece. These items have become cherished symbols of the joyful and inclusive experience she gave our students.
Michele's visit was so much more than an author reading — it was a moment of connection, creativity, and confidence-building. We are beyond grateful for her time, generosity, and the light she brought to our classroom.
- Ms. Smith
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Michele was a wonderful gift to our school, and helped to share the joy of creativity and positivity through art with our students. Michele and Lindsay’s book, “Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret”, is playful, easy to understand, but also highlights the important theme of self acceptance and love, while teaching the kids the importanct of celebrating our uniqueness. The art is gorgeous, and the students in the workshop have the opportunity to create anything they like that speaks to their heart. An opportunity kids cherish, particularly when presented with beautiful art supplies and materials like those Michele brought with her. The culminating collage is a wonderful testament to the beauty of all our differences, and we will hang it with pride at Royal Oak!
- Julia Cain, Head of School, Royal Oak Community School, Niagra-On-The-Lake, Ontario
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Working with Michele was easy to plan, organize, and enjoyable. Michele is thoughtful, easy going, calm and kind. My students enjoyed meeting a real artist and illustrator. My class found success with the art as they were given freedom to create what they wanted. The story was sweet with a wonderful message. This was an experince they will always remember.
- Loreen Mitchell, Grade 1/2 Teacher, Learning Leader, Patrick Airlie School, Calgary
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Michele came to our elementary school for our Fine Arts Conference and worked with students in kindergarten to grade 6 to create beautiful art pieces on canvas related to her book, "Fenn's Giant Blue Secret". The students were very engaged and Michele was positive and enthusiastic. Michele is an incredible artist and helped the students to explore their own creativity, and helped to inspire them. It was a wonderful experience for our students!
- Brenda Kossman
Pricing & Booking
Every school is different, and this workshop is designed to be flexible. Pricing is tailored based on class size, location, and specific needs. Whether you’re booking for one classroom or multiple, we’ll work with you to create a plan that fits.
To get started, just fill out the short form below. We’ll be in touch with more details, available dates, and any support you need to bring this experience to your students.