Mark Dorey

Mark Dorey

Tomser Cat - Home of Brilliant Children's Books by Mark Dorey

www.tomsercat.com
Booking enquiry
Mark Dorey - author tools

Available for

Workshop, Talk, Reading, Interview, Commission a book

Audiences

Age 1 to 3, Age 3 to 5, Age 5 to 7, Age 7 to 11, Age 11 to 14, Age 14 to 16, Age 16 to 18+, Further Education, University, Adult

Genres

Adventure, Drama, Fairy tale, Fantasy, Fiction, Humour, Magical realism, Picture book, Poetry, Science fiction, Short story, Speech, Tall tale

Book types

Fiction for children, Fiction 5-9, Picture book, Young Adult

Awards

  • Shortlisted Best Self Published Book 2014

Organisations

Details

Interactive, Informative, Inspiring & Fun!

Hi there, my name is Mark and I just love telling stories!

 

As a father of three children, one in High school, one Home Schooled, and one now grown up, I’ve always loved reading and telling stories! With over 30 years writing experience, I am passionate about engaging our youngsters to not only read more, but also to pick up their pens (or their tablets) and get writing themselves!

 

Children never get tired of having stories read to them, which is even more brilliant when those telling the stories are the authors themselves! Our storytelling sessions are designed for children of all ages, from Foundation phase (Nursery & Reception), right through Juniors and into Secondary education.

 

As a full member of the Society of Authors and someone who has performed poetry and Spoken Word at events all over Wales with National Theatre Wales, I know all too well how words can ignite and excite people’s imaginations.

 

All our storytelling sessions include a Meet & Greet the Author (normally scheduled on another day), where the children get the chance to meet with me for a little chat, and also to buy their own signed and personalised copy of a book!

 

All our storytelling sessions are interactive, informative, inspiring and fun, with kids asking all kinds of wonderful and sometimes very off-the-wall questions, so  there's never a dull moment!

 

Here is a summary of what I cover in a typical session (using PowerPoint), although elements of this can be tailored to individual requirements:

  

Bringing a Book to Life using our best selling book Polly's Magic Bubbles and the Quest for Dizzelwood

 

  • Inspiration is everywhere - how you can capture and develop  your initial ideas!
  • Character Development - showing the children how characters are created and developed.
  • Illustrating Your Book - explaining why we chose to illustrate our children's books.
  • Drafting Your Story - explaining the importance of drafting and showing how to do it!
  • Storytelling - where I storytell (with accompanying illustrations and not reading from a book), which really gets the kids excited and involved! Normally, after a few minutes, they are all joining in with their own sound effects and actions!
  • Original Book Illustrations - showing some of Liz's original watercolour illustrations on large A2 paper.
  • Book Cover Design - showing the importance of book cover design, and how we do it from start to finish.
  • 500 Word Storyboard Challenge - can they write their own 500 words masterpiece?
  • Question and Answer session about writing and what it's like to be an author.

 

Our aim is to encourage the children’s love for stories, so that by the time I leave they are already picking up a book to read, or even start writing one themselves!

 

Based in South Wales, I am fully DBS checked. 

 

Our Creative Writing and Storytelling sessions are one hour for KS2, a little more for pupils in Secondary school, and a little less for Foundation aged children.

 

The price for both sessions (Storytelling & Meet the Author Book Signing) is £125 which includes signed school library books.

 

Sessions can be tailored to individual school requirements. 

 

These interactive workshops provide a real insight into how we bring our books to life, and how the children too can become aspiring authors themselves! 

 

We have also developed a number of themed workshops including:

 

A Health & Wellbeing Storytelling Session using our book Midge - Prince of the Giants focussing on the Importance of Friendship and how children can Become true Giants in becoming better friends!

 

A Space Storytelling WorkshopBlast Off into Space with our Space Themed Workshop, where children put together their own Space Story Maps & Create their own books!

 

The Story of the Welsh Flag Workshop (Ideal for St David's Day) - a fun session where children discover the mysteries of why the Welsh Flag has a red dragon on it as well as creating their own books!

 

In addition, we have a Reading With Your Child session which highlights the importance and advantages of setting aside time to read with your children. There is also an opportunity to sit in on a storytelling session with your children as I take you through two of our picture books: Can We Walk to the Moon? and How High Do Trees Grow?

 

We also have a number of Christian themed titles explaining the Gospel in simple terms which are ideal as a basis for Religious Education talks.

 

We have also created our exciting Story Creators Virtual Course for Schools

See our video at the bottom of this page or click here and visit Story Creators on our website for more details

For more information, scroll down the page, or if you would like us to come to your area or simply find out more, please email Mark: tomsercat@gmail.com or call on 07846 994 916.

 Discover more about what others are saying about our Creative Writing and Storytelling Workshops...

“Just want to say a huge thanks for today. I went into the staff room afterwards and there was an overwhelming 'He was Fab, the kids loved him!' You were a big hit with the children and adults. Honestly, as the Literacy Coordinator, I couldn't ask for anything better!"

Rhian Morgan, Literacy Coordinator, Pontyclun Primary School, Pontyclun

"You are a great storyteller! You captured the children's attention and imaginations so well. You shared your genuine passion and enthusiasm with honesty. The children and teachers loved it. We wish you all the best! Keep telling and writing stories."

Miss Little, Mrs Kaur & Miss Jones, Kitchener Primary School, Cardiff

“What a fantastic morning we had. Mark was so interactive with the children, they were so engaged and enthusiastic. Both stories were great and the illustrations matched perfectly. Thank you for coming to our school!

Lisa Hearn, Deputy Head, Bryntirion Infant School, Bridgend

"Mark’s presentation to my Year 5 class was a delight.  During the session, he took the children through the process of writing a book from the initial ideas to the final published volume.  They were enthralled by the many drafting stages and thoroughly enjoyed seeing his first manuscript complete with doodles and scribbles."

 

Davina Wilkshire, Maes y Coed School, Pontypridd 

 

 “Mark’s creative writing classes gave the children a valuable insight into what it means to be a writer. From developing initial inspiration ideas, to drafting, illustration and final book cover design, the children were inspired to write their own storyboards. I am more than happy to recommend booking Mark for a visit to your school.”

 Mr R Carbis, Head Teacher, Ysgol Evan James, Pontypridd

 

"A wonderful experience to inspire and engage young children's experiences of stories and writing - Book a visit!!! If you want children to enjoy books listen to Mark Dorey. You can't beat a good storyteller to capture and expand their imagination ... and beyond!!"

 Alun Jones, Cefn Primary School, Glyncoch

"Mark gave a fantastic presentation (and performance). I can tell he is really passionate about writing and I'm sure he's inspired the children; as he has me!"

Sophie Hunter (Year 6 teacher), Cefn Primary School, Glyncoch

  

"The children of Christ the King were inspired by Mark visiting our school. It was a wonderful experience which I would thoroughly recommend to any other school. The pupils really enjoyed the storytime session and their follow up work, creating storyboards were wonderful. Since Mark's visit, Christ the King has been full of young enthusiastic authors!" 

Helen Keegan, Dosbarth 2, Christ the King Primary School, Cardiff

  

"Enjoyed! Enthusiastic, jokes brought drafting to life; storytelling great, funny, spoke to children not adults. Mark shared his ideas and was very inspiring. I have included some of the comments from our pupils who attended your class."

 Class 9, Didsbury Road Primary School, Stockport

 and here are the comments from the pupils of Didsbury Road Primary School, Stockport  

 "Thank you for inspiring me in writing. Your books are incredible." Ethan, age 8.

"Dear Mr Dorey, I really enjoyed you talking to us about being an author and about Polly's Magic Bubbles. I really appreciated it. P.S. You are a jolly man! :-)" Scarlett, age 8.

"Thank you Mr Dorey for telling me things I never knew, you made me more inspired to write." Nathan.

"Thank you Mr Dorey, I really loved your visit to our school. I liked the story of Polly and the Magic Bubbles, it was amazing! You also inspired me to read Polly books." Amelia, age 8.

"Dear Mark, thank you for your book and also your inspiration. One day hopefully I'll be as successful as you. I appreciate your visit. Also because spookily you made a cartoon character of me." Yours sincerely Madeleine x 

"To Mr Dorey, thank you for everything and telling lovely stories." Best wishes, Sienna.

"To Mr Dorey, thank you for your inspiring ideas and tips. You've inspired me sooo much, I feel like becoming an author! I really appreciate your hard work!" Evie, age 8.

"Thank you for the assembly, it was inspiring. I appreciate what you said because I'm going to write a book as well." Royeh, age 8.

"Thank you for all the expression reading and funny voice." Samuel, age 8.

"I really enjoyed the assembly. I forgot to bring money to buy the book so I was annoyed because the way you described the book made it sound very interesting." Angus.

"Thank you Mr Dorey for your wonderful visit to our school. I appreciate all your tips. I know your book is going to be incredible when I read it." Izzy, age 8.

"Thank you for inspiring me. Since then I've thought of a lot of ideas for books. I really appreciate you losing your free time to come and talk about your books & yourself. Thanks! :-)" Katie, age 8.

"I really enjoyed learning about writing books, so thank you because you've really inspired me to write more often and also to become an author. I loved the session with you so please come back soon with more great books."

 

If you would like us to come to your area or simply find out more,

please email Mark mark@tomsercat.com or call on 01443 408577 07846 994 916.

 

 

Tomser Cat Books - brilliant children’s books to captivate readers of all ages!

 

Event feedback

Excellent sessions with our home educated learners. They all thoroughly enjoyed the day. Would definitely book Mark again.

Lucy Arthur (Newport City Council)

Books by Mark Dorey

I have written and published 9 children's books, all fully colour illustrated by my lovely wife Liz, except for our young adult novel, which has also been read and enjoyed by many parents too! Our children's picture books are: Can We Walk to the Moon? & How High Do Trees Grow? both of which are picture books written in verse suitable for ages up to 7 years. The Story of How God Un-Invisibled Himself & Help! I'm Lost Property! Two picture books with a Christian message. Our children's fully colour illustrated chapter books are: Midge - Prince of the Giants, suitable for first readers 6 to 9 years. Polly's Magic Bubbles and the Quest for Dizzelwood & Polly's Magic Bubbles - Revenge of the Spiders, suitable for ages 7 to 12 years. The Mystery of the Un-Snowy Mountain and the Great Deep Sleep Miscalculation, suitable for ages 7 to 12 years. Young Adult Novel The Extraordinary Happenings of Peter Oddfellow: The Old Umbrella, for readers 11 and up.
978-1-912169-06-1
Polly’s Magic Bubbles and the Quest for Dizzelwood

Polly’s Magic Bubbles and the Quest for Dizzelwood

Thank you for purchasing your Magic Bubbles! Polly misses out on buying the very last bubble gun, but then a mysterious old man appears with a tiny bottle of bubbles, along with the cryptic message: Thank you for purchasing your Magic Bubbles! Twelve blows - but not too hard! Only twelve and no more. Use your last Bubbles very carefully! Refunds definitely not avalailable. Encountering deadly spiders and assassin birds, Polly and her best friend, Marcia, set out on a dangerous adventure! Will they discover the mysterious old man’s real identity, and can they defeat the evil Sor-Ben-Rez who is determined to win the Magic Bubbles for himself? This Chapter adventure book is beautifully illustrated with 104 full colour pages for ages 7 years and up. 
978-0-9927621-7-9
Polly's Magic Bubbles: Revenge of the Spiders

Polly's Magic Bubbles: Revenge of the Spiders

Spiders! Spiders! Spiders! Dad's precious pipe has gone missing! Marcia’s lost her voice! Spiders are rampaging everywhere! Not only that, Polly's family have been trapped like statues beneath giant spider webs! Polly, along with her bookworm big brother, Jake, and best friend, Marcia, set out to stop the evil Sor-Ben-Rez and his spider army from taking over the world! Armed with just a bottle of Magic Bubbles and their wits, can the intrepid companions discover and unlock the mysterious Power of Three? Will Jake prove a hindrance or a help to their mission? Will Sor-Ben-Rez capture the Magic Bubbles and use them in his dastardly plans for world domination? This Chapter adventure book is beautifully illustrated with 200 full colour pages for ages 7 years and up. 
978-1-912169-03-0
The Mystery of the Un-Snowy Mountain and the Great Deep Sleep Miscalculation

The Mystery of the Un-Snowy Mountain and the Great Deep Sleep Miscalculation

Something Very Strange... For some strange reason, snow never, ever settles on Rudry Mountain... Some said it was Magic... ... or perhaps the Mountain was made of Hot Rock... but the Truth lay somewhere in between... What’s more, lots of fresh fruit has been mysteriously vanishing from the greenhouses of Rudry village... Tyler and his Grandpa set out on an unexpected adventure to unravel the secrets of the Mountain and so much more! This Chapter adventure book is beautifully illustrated with 160 full colour pages for ages 7 years and up. 
978-1-912169-04-7
Midge: Prince of the Giants

Midge: Prince of the Giants

A Mini-GIANT Adventure! Midge is just 11 feet 1¼ inches tall Too small to become King Giants are supposed to be TALL, but this Royal Giant is barely knee height! The King and the Queen decide to hold A Great Contest to find a new heir to the throne with Three Giant Tests: The Strength Test The Speed Test The Agility Test Can Midge beat his fellow Giants against the odds and regain his claim to the Royal Throne as Midge, Prince of the Giants? A delightful tale of cunning & invention as Midge sets out to prove that Brains are better than Brawn! A Full Colour Illustrated Chapter book for young readers. 
978-1-912169-02-3
The Extraordinary Happenings of Peter Oddfellow: The Old Umbrella

The Extraordinary Happenings of Peter Oddfellow: The Old Umbrella

Never EVER Open Indoors! Waking up in a hospital bed with two broken legs was the last thing that teenage misfit, Peter Oddfellow, expected but this was only the beginning! A strange and enigmatic visitor, a bad-tempered cat, a beautiful Forest Princess and an old umbrella, no good for anything … or was it? Peter Oddfellow is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, where things are rarely as they seem, least of all his own identity. The Extraordinary Happenings of Peter Oddfellow: The Old Umbrella is a fantasy novel for teenagers and young adults. 340 pages of high adventure and roller coaster page turning action for teens and young adults. 
978-1-912169-00-9
Can We Walk to the Moon?

Can We Walk to the Moon?

“Can we walk to the Moon, Dad?” Tom and his Dad set out on an adventure to the Moon where they discover quite a few surprises! A wonderful lyrical adventure story for everyone who loves to explore! A large full colour picture adventure book beautifully illustrated for ages up to 7 years. 
978-1-912169-01-6
How High Do Trees Grow?

How High Do Trees Grow?

“How high do Trees grow, Dad?” Tom and his Dad set out on an exciting expedition to find out the answer, discovering quite a few surprises along the way! A wonderful lyrical adventure story for everyone who loves to explore! A large full colour picture adventure book beautifully illustrated for ages up to 7 years. 
978-0-9927621-4-8
The Story of How God Un-Invisibled Himself

The Story of How God Un-Invisibled Himself

God was sad! He had created a wonderful world Now everyone had forgotten all about Him They didn’t even know what He looked like! But God had a Plan … He would un-invisible Himself to show everyone what He was really like! A 'Mr Men' sized picture book with a Christian message beautifully illustrated in full colour. 
978-0-9927621-9-3
Help! I'm Lost Property!

Help! I'm Lost Property!

Something terrible had happened... God had lost the most Valuable and Precious thing He'd ever created! But God had a Plan ... He would send His Son, Jesus, to get Everyone back, so they wouldn't be Lost anymore! A 'Mr Men' sized picture book with a Christian message beautifully illustrated in full colour. 

Photos and videos

Mark Dorey - first image
Mark Dorey - first image
Mark Dorey - first image

Keywords

AUTHOR VISIT BOOKS FOR BOYS BOOKS FOR GIRLS CHILDRENS AUTHOR CHILDRENS BOOKS COVID CREATIVE WRITING DRAGON WORKSHOP EARLY READERS EDUCATIONAL FICTION FUN HEALTH & WELLBEING TALKS FOR CHILDREN ILLUSTRATED BOOKS MAKING BOOKS NATIONAL CURRICULUM PICTURE BOOKS POEMS POET POETRY PRIMARY SCHOOL READING WITH YOUR CHILDREN RELUCTANT READER SCHOOL SECONDARY SCHOOL SPACE WORKSHOP ST DAVID'S DAY CHILDREN'S TALKS STORIES STORY CREATORS STORYTELLER VIDEO COURSE VIRTUAL AUTHOR VISIT VISITS WRITING FOR CHILDREN