I enjoy visiting schools and pre-schools, bringing books to life and encouraging children in their reading and writing. An author visit is also an exciting experience for children – stimulating imagination and providing an opportunity to engage with a professional storyteller.
Check out a recent school visit here.
If a visit isn’t going to be possible, there are ways to help children engage with the books. Please see below.
If you are from a school, thinking about an author visit, check out this informative slideshow from the Society of Authors.
What could I offer?
I am always happy to consider any exciting ideas to meet your needs and topics. Alternatively there are some suggestions below:
Creative writing workshops
- A variety of topics are available
- Workshops are available for children from Foundation stage to college
- For creative writing workshops or talks for adults, please click here
Pre-school/Foundation/KS1 visits
- Hodge the Hedgehog – autumnal topics; sharing; animals; rhyme
- Robo-Snot – rhyme; robots; personal hygiene; designing robots and creating stories for them. A special ‘Snot Package’ is also available with Robo-Snot illustrator Paul Cherrill, to include live drawing and specially-written interactive song
- Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo – fun and imaginative monster activities; language; rhyme
- Gruff’s Guide to Fairy Tale Land – fairy tales; characters; maps; creative activities
- Mermaid Legends: Estella and the Falling Star – underwater topics; creating mythical creatures
- The Mouse Who Sailed the Seas – language; rhyme; art-based activities; aliens; other planets
- The Goodnight Star – night-time; friendship
- Alien’s Crazy Christmas – fun, seasonal activities
- Talking about and creating picture books
KS1/KS2 visits
- Gruff’s Guide to Fairy Tale Land – characters; maps; traditional fairy tales; humour
- Mermaid Legends: Estella and the Falling Star – underwater topics; creating mythical creatures; talking about myths and legends; creating own legends; illustrator also available to visit to discuss art-based elements
- Talking about and creating picture books and longer stories
- Creating imaginary lands and maps (using imagination; co-ordinates, artwork, etc.)
- ‘Meet an Author’ question and answer sessions
- Poetry – creating rhyming stories
How much do I charge?
Single sessions (up to an hour) – £100
Two sessions – £150
Three sessions – £250
Travel expenses may also apply (45p a mile).
Visits include a free book for the school library and an opportunity for pupils to buy signed copies at a reduced rate.
When could I visit?
Visits are available throughout the school year. At key times (such as World Book Day), it is advisable to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Some special dates:
- ‘Tell a Fairy Tale Day’ – 26th February
- World Book Day http://www.worldbookday.com/
- Children’s Book Week http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/children/childrens-book-week
- Roald Dahl Day http://www.roalddahlday.info/
- National Poetry Day http://www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk/
If a visit isn’t possible
If you would like the children to engage with an author, or if the class are looking at one of my books, I would be delighted to help in any way I can. Please contact me and I’ll see what I can do.
There are also some free book-related resources available in the Fun! section. Enjoy!
For more information:
You can view the Society of Author’s guidelines for author visits here
Or you can contact me here .