Hello! I'm currently offering visits to reception and up to Year 2. Assemblies and class sessions are available for you to mix and match. I'm taking bookings for World Book Day 2024 in Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire and beyond
As a performer with years of children's theatre experience, I like to make my events engaging, dramatic, varied and fun. I have a BA in Drama (University of Bristol) and an MA in Writing for Young People (Distinction) from Bath Spa University.
My presentation is lively and fun and usually includes a quiz, a lucky dip in the Magic Book Bin, writing tips and Q&A. An assembly can be adapted to suit Reception and KS1 children or whole primary schools. My classroom workshops involve lots of slides, show and tell and plenty of interactive activity, as well as a reading. Using the themes of my books I will introduce story starters and leave you with some creative writing activities that complement the work we do during my visit.
I'm based near Bath but welcome any bookings which are practical. Please contact me by email: maudiesmithlook@gmail.com to discuss.
Some very nice things people have said about me:
Tracy Hager, Area Children and Youth Librarian, Wiltshire Libraries Maudie does one of the best author events I’ve ever seen. Her passion and enthusiasm for books mixed with her professional acting background makes for an enthralling, silly, and highly interactive session.
Bourneville Primary, Weston-Super-Mare Maudie's visit was fun, engaging and accessible for all children. She had carefully planned the PowerPoint for the different year groups and provided different resources to support these sessions. The assembly that opened that the day was excellent and insightful. Staff commented on how well the children stayed focused on Maudie and they really enjoyed how she promoted the magic of books.
Oakhurst First School, Dorset. I have had all positive feedback from the staff and children; they all thoroughly enjoyed it and felt inspired. It was great that you highlighted how you used to find writing tricky, especially the mechanics , but are now a successful author. It gave hope to so many. Even some of my more challenging children had their hands up to share their brilliant ideas for the stories.
Just wanted to let you know how much Keevil School enjoyed your visit on World Book Day 2017. All members of staff thanked me for organising it and said how much fun they and their classes had. You really made the day ALL about books - rather than just dressing up!! I know lots of children in my class are really enjoying/have enjoyed your books and are inspired to read more! Couldn't ask for more really!
Monkton Combe Prep School Thanks for such a wonderful day. It was a real treat and the staff were thrilled with what you shared with the children. I have loads of teaching ideas now too- you've inspired me!
Maudie Smith is an excellent visiting author! Her talks at Widcombe Junior School, St Martin's Garden Primary and Bath Central Library were all great fun (in addition to being well-planned and well-timed). Maudie's key talent is an ability to engage with her audience, while her background in theatre means that readings from her books are expressive and highly entertaining.
Great visit. Thank you Maudie :-)
We had a fantastic morning with Maudie, all the children were really engaged and loved seeing her books and where her ideas came from. This was a really useful insight into how writers gain their inspiration. Thank you for a wonderful morning.