Claire Alexander

Awards

• BACK TO FRONT & UPSIDE DOWN won the Schneider Family Book Award from the American Libraries Association.
• LUCY & THE BULLY won the Paterson Prize for Books for Young People in 2019
• MONKEY & THE LITTLE ONE was shortlisted for the Junior Design Awards and listed as one of the top ten best new picture books during Independent Book Sellers Week 2015.
• SMALL FLORENCE was shortlisted for the Stockport Schools Book Award in 2010

Organisations

• National Association of Writers in Education
• Tutor at The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
• Represented by The Catchpole Agency

Details

Hello Teachers!

I’m passionate about inspiring literacy through drawing and story-making!

EYSF & KS1
I run engaging, interactive live and online workshops which include:

•    - Showing children how I make my books
•    - Performing draw-along’s of characters expressing different emotions
•    - Involving the whole class in directing a NEW storyline while I draw a giant storyboard they can pen some words to after my visit!
•    - (Even the most reluctant of readers have been keen to write after this activity!)

I have an EXTRA surprise!

Prior to my visit, I can email teachers a FREE online visual board they can share with their class. It’s packed full of resources and activities about the book. I’ve found it generates excitement about my visit and makes the day extra special! The package includes:

•    - Colourful pictures and engaging questions about the story
•    - Mini video insights into how I make my books
•    - Printable drawing and writing activity sheets
•    - Printable colouring-in sheet

I centre assemblies or classroom workshops around 'The Think-Ups!' a book where children can let their imagination run wild! With half-cut pages that make for funny animal surprises at every turn, this book is a fresh celebration of imaginary play.

KS2 + 

I’m always excited to workshop with years 3+. Some topics I can cover with them:

•    - How I make my books and got published
•    - Explore character drawing
•    - Understand the principles of storyboarding wth pacing and economy
•    - Show how to make the biggest impact with simple layout drawings
•    - The different roles of words and pictures in a picture book or comic. 

I use 'The Snowbear', written by Sean Taylor, to workshop with KS2 students. It has plenty of page-turning drama, so a great example of how to create storytelling layouts, good pacing and cliff-hanger page turns.

School Testimonials

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the work you did with Prep 5 on their picture books. As part of Book Week this year, they proudly read their completed picture books to the Nursery. They are of fantastic quality, thanks to your inspiration!
Hannah Ross, Head of English, Parkgate House School

Claire provided wonderful things for our children to become involved with.  After reading her stories to each year group of enthralled pupils, she then illustrated how she goes about making her characters and deciding on her backgrounds, so all aspects of producing the book were explained.  More than that, she worked with every year group to produce their own story, leaving us as fabulous mementos of her visit.
St Matthews School Primary School

Our thanks to Claire for making our Book Week this year an extra special treat for our pupils.  We cannot say enough in praise of her visit.  The children love reading their own unique copies of their stories!
Ib Stock School

University / College Visits

I can talk and run workshops on any aspect of creating picture books including appealing to publishers and self-marketing. I run my own picture book writing and illustration workshops and run courses with The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in London.

Adult Education Testimonials

I give Claire's course 5 big fat stars!!! She's a brilliant teacher who really knows her stuff and she gives great, first-hand insight into the publishing world.
Claire Powell

I was so impressed with your students – their work put some college courses to shame.  I have so many illustrators who apply to join my agency who would benefit from your tuition.
Lorraine Owen, The Organisation Illustration Agency

Claire's courses are brilliant - informative, motivating and encouraging. Her testament is that students of hers have gone on to be published.
Glenda Frieda

Fees and Bookings

Please email: picturebookcourse@gmail.com or visit http://www.clairealexander.co.uk

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