Ruth Quayle

Ruth Quayle

Ruth Quayle

Also writes as

Ruth Quayle
www.holroydecartey.com/ruth-quayle
Booking enquiry
Ruth Quayle - author tools

Available for

Workshop, Talk, Reading, Interview, Commission a book

Audiences

Age 3 to 5, Age 5 to 7, Age 7 to 11

Genres

Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Fairy tale, Fantasy, Fiction, Fiction narrative, Humour, Mystery, Narrative, Picture book, Science, Short story, STEM, Technology, Travel

Book types

Fiction 4-11, Fiction 5-9, Fiction 8-13, Picture book

Details

About me
 
Ruth grew up surrounded by sisters (she’s the middle of three). She spent a lot of her childhood writing to the tooth fairy, pretending she had a pet rabbit of her own and stomping up to her room to read books – vital training for a children’s author! She writes picture books and young fiction and some of her books have been nominated for awards. She lives near Oxford with her husband and three children.
 

Book a school visit with children’s author Ruth Quayle

‘Ever wanted to see inside a writer’s world? I’ll share stories and writing tips, show you bonkers excerpts from my notebooks and get children excited about putting their own ideas on paper!’

 What to expect from a school visit:

  • My fun, interactive sessions are ideal for EYFS, KS1 and KS2
  • I’ll talk about life as an author, including a slide show with pictures, funny stories about my childhood and how I started writing books
  • We’ll usually focus on a latest release – unless you request a specific book
  • EYFS (30 minutes): I’ll bring along Suzy Orbit’s Magic Space Rocket and we’ll create hilarious stories out of old junk
  • KS1 (45-60 mins): children will have a raucous time playing Crazy Characters and inventing their own literary superstar
  • KS2 (45-60 mins): I’ll help children create their own stories and characters. We’ll look at key ingredients and have fun plotting comic crime capers
  • After my visit, children can finish writing up their stories in class or at home
  • I always leave plenty of time for questions and try to answer everybody

Pricing options:

 Full day in school (two workshops in the morning, one in the afternoon, plus extra time for book signing): £400

Half a day in school (two workshops in the morning, plus extra time for book signing): £300

TESTIMONIALS

'Ruth Quayle was passionate, engaging and motivated our younger pupils to write their own stories. They loved exploring all the different characters from each book and learning about how to become an author. A very memorable event, thank you Ruth.’

Elizabeth Reeves, Sibford School, Oxfordshire

‘The workshops delivered by Ruth were entertaining and engaging for the children and adults alike! We all enjoyed learning about Ruth’s life and the secrets behind story writing. We have all been inspired to be authors and it’s been lovely to see so many children spend more time being creative and talking about their own story ideas. We can’t wait to have Ruth back in school again!’

Jo Perrottet, The Downley School, High Wycombe

"Ruth visited our school on World Book Day when our theme was ‘Books Boost Your Imagination’ and she certainly helped to do that. From nursery to year 6 children took part in the workshops with excitement and enthusiasm. Ruth was able to quickly engage the children and pitch her talks perfectly to the groups she was working with. The interactive elements were extremely beneficial and children were so enthusiastic about both reading and writing stories at the end of the sessions. Ruth was patient and accommodating throughout her visit and answered lots of questions that the children had as well as ensuring that she had time to sign the many books and pieces of paper that the children wanted her to. They can’t wait for Ruth to come back and visit us soon. Thank you very much from everyone at Castlefields."

Lauren S, Castlefields Primary School, Bridgnorth, Shropshire

 

WHAT THE PRESS SAYS...

‘Perfect for seven- to nine-year-olds, this is a brilliant, fast-paced adventure for those of us who love mischief.’
Evening Standard on The Battle of the Blighty Bling

‘This STEM focused picture book explores concepts of remaking, reusing and making do: that making something from the materials that we have available might be a better solution than ordering something new and ready-made.’
Book Trust on Suzy Orbit

‘The lead character is strong, wilful and very funny – the perfect heroine.’

The Independent on Magnificent Mabel

LATEST RELEASES...

The Chicken Farm Fiasco was published on February 2nd 2023

The Chicken Farm Fiasco is the third book in Ruth’s Muddlemoor Mysteries series. It is the school summer holidays and Joe Robinson and his cousins are staying with their granny in Muddlemoor. The problem is, Muddlemoor is a HOTSPOT FOR CRIME. These comedy crime capers are ideal for 7- to 11-year-olds.

CHAPTER BOOKS

Each Magnificent Mabel book features three laugh-out-loud short stories, brilliantly illustrated throughout. Aimed at 5-8-year-olds.

Sometimes life isn’t fair for Mabel Chase. Like for instance she doesn’t have one SINGLE pet in her whole life. And ALL the people in her class are losing their baby teeth. And she doesn’t EVEN have a sprinkler in her garden. But none of that matters in the end because Mabel is always MAGNIFICENT.

COMEDY ADVENTURE

The Battle of the Blighty Bling and The Race to Hornswaggle Rock are rollicking page turners, ideal for 7-11-year-olds.

THE McSvurvys are a family of pirates. But their ship has been sunk and now they live in a landlubber caravan. When Vic and her younger siblings Bert and Maud are left home alone, it’s no surprise that they get into mischief...

PICTURE BOOKS

Aimed at 3-6-year-olds (but enjoyed by all ages!), Ruth’s three standalone picture books have been nominated for multiple awards. Action-packed, funny and heartwarming.

 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RUTH ON:

Instagram at @ruthequayle
Twitter @RuthQuayle https://www.holroydecartey.com/ruth-quayle.html

Event feedback

Thank you for your wonderful workshops. The children were inspired to write their own stories after hearing about your history and processes of story writing. Staff and children thoroughly enjoyed hearing about what inspired you to begin the writing journey and we would love to have you back in the future!

Jo Perrottet (The Downley School)

Books by Ruth Quayle

I am the author of 12 books for children, ranging from picture books to young fiction.
9781788005944
Magnificent Mabel and the Rabbit Riot

Magnificent Mabel and the Rabbit Riot

Introducing a truly hilarious and one-of-a-kind new character: Magnificent Mabel! Sometimes life isn’t fair for Mabel Chase. Like for instance she doesn’t have one SINGLE pet in her whole life. And ALL the people in her class are losing their baby teeth. And she doesn’t EVEN have a sprinkler in her own garden. But none of that matters in the end… because Mabel is still MAGNIFICENT. Three laugh-out-loud funny short stories, brilliantly illustrated throughout! With perfectly-observed, child-friendly humour, highly-relatable themes in each story, an incredibly distinctive voice, and stylish illustrations, these books are perfect for early readers. 
9781788005951
Magnificent Mabel and the Christmas Elf

Magnificent Mabel and the Christmas Elf

Magnificent Mabel and the Christmas Elf By Ruth Quayle & Julia Christians Part of Series Magnificent Mabel 5-7 £5.99 FORMAT QUANTITY Magnificent Mabel and the Christmas Elf quantity Add to cart Meet Mabel – she’s MAGNIFICENT. Sometimes life isn’t fair for Mabel Chase. Like for instance a naughty Christmas Elf gets her into LOTS of trouble. And the new boy in her class at school REFUSES to be her friend. And no-one lets her look after her little cousin, even though she is BRILLIANT with toddlers. But none of that matters in the end … because Mabel is still MAGNIFICENT. The second book in a hilarious new series, highly illustrated throughout and with three short stories, this is ideal for newly-confident readers. 
9781839940125
Magnificent Mabel and the Egg and Spoon Race

Magnificent Mabel and the Egg and Spoon Race

Meet Mabel – she’s MAGNIFICENT. Sometimes life isn’t fair for Mabel Chase. Like for instance she ALWAYS comes last at sports day, even though it is NOT HER FAULT. And her family have not taken her to one SINGLE dog show. And she NEVER gets a good part in the school play. But none of that matters in the end … because Mabel is still MAGNIFICENT. The third book in a hilarious new series, highly illustrated throughout and with three short stories, this is ideal for newly-confident readers. A wonderful introduction to independent reading and chapter books for 5 – 7 year olds, with hugely relatable and perfectly-pitched themes that every parent and child will recognise, and ideal for fans of Pamela Butchart’s Wigglesbottom Primary series and Alex T. Smith’s Claude series.  
9781783446926
The Battle of the Blighty Bling

The Battle of the Blighty Bling

Vic and her younger brother and sister Bert and Maud have been left alone at home, which means they will surely get into mischief. But not just any ordinary kind of mischief, because Vic and her family are PIRATES. The only problem is, Dad sunk the family pirate ship and now the family is stuck in a caravan by the sea. So when the kids accidentally lose the family pirate treasure, the legendary Blighty Bling, it's up to them to take to the high seas in a leaky rowing boat and get it back, with their annoying know-it-all neighbours in tow. But their swashbuckling adventure runs into a few problems when they meet their pirate enemy, Captain Guillemot, and Vic discovers a few home truths along the way... 
9781783448289
The Race to Hornswaggle Rock

The Race to Hornswaggle Rock

Vic is from a family of pirates, and they are preparing to enter the Race to Hornswaggle Rock, the hardest, most dangerous pirate contest in the country. But the dastardly Captain Guillemot has stolen their ship and thrown their parents overboard. Together with siblings Bert and Maud, and annoyingly resourceful friends Arabella and George, Vic must come up with a plan to steal the ship back from their arch-enemy, join the race and win victory. But there are fearsome pirate crews, hungry sharks and some lovesick parrots in the way – will they be the rulers of the seven seas or the scurviest losers to ever walk the plank? 
9780857638298
That Bear Can't Babysit

That Bear Can't Babysit

A fabulously funny picture book about seven mischievous bunnies and one very lovable babysitter bear! When Mr and Mrs Burrow hire a babysitter, they are not expecting Bear. And Bear is NOT expecting seven little bunnies who are full of mischief. Together, the bunnies persuade Bear to read a scary book, give them sweets and chocolate spread for dinner, and go crazy with the garden hose! But when the bunnies find Bear sailing the high seas in a make-believe ship, suddenly he isn’t such a bad babysitter after all. When Mr and Mrs Burrow return, all the bunnies are peacefully tucked up in bed… Well, almost all of them. The perfect bedtime story for any child aged 3-6 who doesn’t always follow the rules. 
9781788004619
Suzy Orbit Astronaut

Suzy Orbit Astronaut

Suzy Orbit, Astronaut By Ruth Quayle & Jez Tuya 2-5 £6.99 FORMAT QUANTITY Suzy Orbit, Astronaut quantity Add to cart A humorous, inspirational picture book that shows how determination and resourcefulness can save the day! When Suzy Orbit and her boss, Captain Gizmo, hear that aliens have been spotted near their space station, they must act fast! But Captain Gizmo has no batteries for his space pod, his swanky new spacesuit is far too small, and there’s no chance of ordering a meteor blaster in time. Luckily, Suzy Orbit – astronaut and engineer extraordinaire – is on hand with her spanner and brilliant inventing skills. Suzy knows that a bit of quick thinking and ingenuity are even better than ordering new stuff. . . if only Captain Gizmo will listen! A story about girl power, resourcefulness and outer space, perfect for children aged 3-6. 
9781788002011
You're Not a Proper Pirate Sidney Green

You're Not a Proper Pirate Sidney Green

A hilarious read-aloud picture book for any child aged 3-6 with a big imagination! Sidney Green loves going on rip-roaring adventures with his dog, Jemima. Together, they race cars, sail all the way to Africa and build an enormous castle, complete with a moat full of crocodiles. But Captain Shipshape and his pirate band are NOT happy. They think it’s time for Sidney Green to become a Proper Pirate – right now, not “in a minute”. What will Sidney Green do? A witty and poignant tale by rising star Ruth Quayle and with artwork by award-winning Deborah Allwright, illustrator of The Night Pirates and There is No Dragon in This Story. 
9781839130090
The Muddlemoor Mysteries: Peril at the Bake Off

The Muddlemoor Mysteries: Peril at the Bake Off

It is the summer holiday and Joe Robinson and his cousins are staying with their granny in Muddlemoor village. The problem is . . . Muddlemoor is a hotspot for crime. When Granny's precious cake recipe goes missing days before the Great Village Bake Off, Joe, Tom and Pip are FLABBERGASTED. They KNOW that one of the neighbours has stolen it but the question is, WHO? 
9781839131271
Muddlemoor Mysteries: The Book Club Bank Heist

Muddlemoor Mysteries: The Book Club Bank Heist

It is the holidays and Joe, Tom and Pip are back with Granny in Muddlemoor. And Muddlemoor is STILL a hotspot for crime.  
9781839940477
Magnificent Mabel and the Very Bad Birthday Party

Magnificent Mabel and the Very Bad Birthday Party

Meet Mabel - she's Magnificent  
9781788005968
Magnificent Mabel and the Magic Caterpillar

Magnificent Mabel and the Magic Caterpillar

Meet Mabel - she's Magnificent! 
9781839132551
Muddlemoor Mysteries: The Chicken Farm Fiasco

Muddlemoor Mysteries: The Chicken Farm Fiasco

Joe, Tom and Pip are excited about spending the Easter holidays at Granny's in Muddlemoor village. They plan to climb trees, eat chocolate and loll around on Granny's sofa. But wait! They've forgotten that Muddlemoor is still a hotspot for crime.  
9781839940149
Magnificent Mabel and the Very Important Witch

Magnificent Mabel and the Very Important Witch

Meet Mabel - she's Magnificent! 

Photos

Ruth Quayle - first image

Keywords

CHILDREN'S COMEDY CRIME FICTION