Details
A bit about me:
I write and illustrate picture books for children, and have over 80 titles to my name, many of which have been published around the world. I had the honour of being chosen as one of the WORLD BOOK DAY 2019 authors, and have created TEN LITTLE BOOKWORMS with Simon Rickerty specially for the occasion.
The TEN LITTLE books have become extraordinarily popular best sellers. TEN LITTLE PIRATES was the first one Simon and I produced together, (I write the books and Simon illustrates them,) and with the publication of TEN LITTLE FAIRIES in 2025, the series total has reached fifteen titles. We have topped the Waterstone's Best Selling Picture Books list on several occasions.
The TEN LITTLE books have recently been developed into a major animated TV series by SKY TV. Called TEN LITTLE... WHO? the series consists of 26 episodes and began streaming on SKY KIDS and NOW TV in May 2025.
'LITTLE ROBOTS' was one of the first books I both wrote and illustrated, and was also made into an animated TV series, this time for the BBC, shown in over 70 countries. I helped to develop and design the series, and wrote several of the shows.
School Visits:
As both a writer and an illustrator, my talks include drawing sessions with the children. School visits can contain any of the following: lively book readings with audience participation, interactive 'how-to' drawing sessions such as how to draw a particular character and how to draw different facial expressions, a Powerpoint/Keynote talk about how a book can develop from a simple doodle to a book and a TV series, and tips on developing your own characters and writing your own picture books.
Talks can be for individual classes or whole year groups, mainly aimed at Key Stage 1 (including Nursery and Reception ages), though I sometimes give talks for Key Stage 2 students as well.
I will need:
A flipchart.
An empty table near the flipchart for the display of artwork and other objects to show the children.
For the Powerpoint element, I'll bring a memory-stick, but will need you to provide the usual Audio/Visual equipment.
Book signings:
It's nice to do book signings (complete with individual drawings!) at the end of sessions, but this is certainly not obligatory. Local, independent bookshops often welcome being involved or, provided I'm within driving distance of your school, I could bring my own supply of books to sell if that would be easier.
Fees:
I live in Somerset, but am happy to travel to other parts of the country. I usually adhere to the Society of Authors guidelines on pricing -- £250 for a half day and £350 for a full day, plus travel expenses and accommodation where necessary.
