Kita Mitchell

Awards

• Cumbrian Primary Schools Spellbinding Book Award 2019 - Winner
• Lancashire Libraries Fantastic Book Award 2020 - Winner
• Cumbrian Primary Schools Spellbinding Book Award 2022 - Shortlisted
• SGIS Golden Cowbell Award 2023 - Shortlisted

Details

Kita

I used to build sets for TV programmes but now I write funny, award-winning adventure stories for children. Apart from cake, I like nothing better than visiting schools to talk about reading and writing and the importance of never giving up. I offer whole-school assemblies and a range of inspirational workshops which can be tailored in advance to the requirements of the class. I've also been known to hold quizzes, judge writing competitions, open libraries and draw amusing pictures. I never leave a building without signing a postcard for every child, whether they want one or not.

My work includes the award-winning Grandma Dangerous series, and my environmental themed novel, Don't Tell Mum I Made a Mammoth, was Scholastic book of the month and is currently in the running for the prestigious 'Golden Cowbell' prize. I write for a number of magazines and contribute to several educational websites as well as lecturing on the Creative Writing BA at Bath Spa University. I currently live in Oxfordshire with four daughters, three chickens and a hamster.

School Visits

In whole-school assemblies I typically show examples of my early attempts at writing and talk about the authors who inspired me as a child. I explain where my ideas come from and the value of both perseverance and biscuits. We discuss badly-behaved grandmas and death-defying hamsters, then test the children's knowledge of fictional dogs. Hats are worn, stickers are awarded, and hundreds of questions about *being an author* are asked and answered.

I offer both writing and drawing workshops for all key stages. These normally last an hour and can be tailored to the age of the group and the needs of the school.

I am happy to travel both nationally and internationally.

Festivals

Fun and interactive sessions of up to an hour. Content and fees to be agreed beforehand.

Charges

My charges are based on those suggested by the Society of Authors, though I do offer a discount for libraries, small schools and those within thirty miles of OX12. Please contact me for a copy of my terms and conditions, plus a full list of fees.

Testimonials

Kita Mitchell is a fabulous author and her events are always filled with fun and inspiration.
The multiple events with schools and the community that we have shared with Kita have all
found the children engaged - spellbound - though her generosity of ideas, warmth, and her
wonderful activities! From reading to writing and lots of in-between, we fully recommend an
author event with Kita Mitchell to inspire the curious and reluctant alike.
Jaqueline Diego, Jacqson Diego Story Emporium

Thank you very much for taking part in the Bookfeast Schools Festival last week. The children
and teachers loved hearing about your books, and everyone went away truly inspired and
bursting with ideas and writing tips.
Celia Maclachlan, Bookfeast Events Manager

Kita was lovely, she really held the children’s attention and was really interested to see their
reading choices. I’ve had four children come to me this morning to say they have read her
book over the weekend and it was brilliant, so funny! Thanks again, it was very inspirational.
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Barrow

Just wanted to say a massive thank you for coming to Roose Primary School on Friday. The
children gained so much from meeting you and discussing writing. This will be a great memory
from their time at Roose and we appreciate you making the long Journey.
Roose School, Barrow

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