Karen Greaves

Details

I am a children’s middle grade and picture book writer. My writing career has also included stories and scripts for children’s television. I am also an experienced, former classroom/English intervention teacher (KS1/2). Being a great believer that reading for pleasure empowers children and guides them in finding the voice inside themselves, storytelling has always been at the heart of my work with and for children. Work such as my middle grade novel, ‘Please Sir, The Gremlin Ate My Homework’ and my picture book for ages 3 – 6, ‘Grandma Georgia’s Amazing Handbag’ focus on stimulating imagination and creative thinking.

I was recently interviewed by KFM Radio on World Book Day, for my views as an author on the importance of reading.

Visits to schools are more than author readings as they are presented in the form of fun, creative workshops with the aim of encouraging children to develop a love for books and reading.

Workshops include:

• Writing activities during the workshops – differentiated for FS/KS1/KS2 and individual year groups.
• Post workshop activities
• Discussion work of story themes and literary devices
• Q&A session
• Book signing

I am based in Rochester, Medway. Visits to schools are free but travel expenses may apply to schools more than five miles outside the Medway Towns.

Please visit my website at www.kdgreaves.com for further information regarding my books, workshop activities, examples of student work, reading tips and testimonials.

Examples of Testimonials

FS/KS1

A well organised, well-paced workshop that suited all our children. The author read the story, asking simple questions throughout, which allowed the children to fully participate and express their opinions. The follow up activities, including the children making their own variant of Grandma Georgia’s bag promoted further story discussion. I would thoroughly recommend this beautifully illustrated book and an author/workshop visit; you won’t be disappointed!

Noelle Odie: Pre-School Manager, St Andrew’s Independent School, Rochester

Year One were very enthusiastic to join in with the workshop and share ideas. ‘Grandma Georgia’s Amazing Handbag’ picture book was itself was very inspiring and extracted good language and overall learning from the children.

Sita Maharaj: Year One Teacher, St Nicholas CEVC School, Strood

The children loved their time with the author and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the book as the characters were brought to life by their creator. The author brought in props and asked questions throughout her talk, making it very interactive. It was lovely how she adapted the talks for the children’s ages, meaning we could include Nursery right through to Year 2.

Coral Doughty: Literacy Lead, New Horizons Children’s Academy, Chatham

KS2

Some comments from the children in Years Three and Four at Gordon Children’s Academy, Strood

“I really enjoyed the workshop. It was really, really fun!”

“I liked it because we did fun activities!”

“I enjoyed this workshop because I loved the Gremlin book.”

KD Greaves was absolutely amazing and a real inspiration to all our children and staff! Her workshop was amazing, and she had all the children joining in, really getting their minds flowing! ‘Please Sir, The Gremlin Ate My Homework!’ is a story for all ages, with bits that make you laugh out loud! Can’t wait to have her back!

Amy Costidell: School Librarian at The Academy of Woodlands Primary School, Gillingham

A fantastic workshop. The children were engaged throughout. They loved the activities and were eager to complete the follow up tasks.

Jenny Plumb: Year 5 Teacher at St Helen’s CEP School, Cliffe