Details
Hi! I'm a creative non-fiction author, which means that my books are full of fantastic facts but also have all sorts of fun creative bits – from characters, stories and imagined conversations to games, puzzles and activities. I write about everything from modern art and climate action to growth mindset and outer space.
I love doing author visits and workshops – both virtual and in-person! It’s one of the best bits about being an author. I'm based in the East Midlands but I'm very happy to travel, including to visit schools abroad :) I get so much enjoyment from helping children use books to explore and understand our big wide world, and gain confidence in their own ideas and writing abilities. I also really enjoy using my experience as an author and editor to help adults who want to write their own children's non-fiction books.
Author visits
My visits are full of amazing facts, inspiring stories, fun activities, and behind-the-scenes insights into what life as a children’s author is really like. I also invite children to develop their own creative non-fiction ideas, showing them how they can use their unique imagination to bring fascinating facts to life for others too.
I have experience working with schools, libraries and festivals (including York Festival of Ideas, Derby Book Festival, Moulton Library Festival and the Full Shebang Festival), offering sessions for families (children with parents/carers) as well as for school classes.
It’s incredible to hear from teachers, parents/carers and librarians how my visits have inspired children to read and write more – and to want to become authors themselves!
I offer a range of interactive workshops, themed around each of the different subjects that I explore in my books. Each includes a reading from one of my books and a Q&A session for children to ask whatever they've always wanted to know about being an author! I can also send over downloadable resources to maximise the visit’s impact for children, and to make hosting the event as simple (and fun!) as possible.
Book signings are included for all in-person visits, and for virtual visits I can send over signed bookplates to put in copies of my books that are purchased for the event. It’s a great way to engage children and make their book feel really special!
Workshops for adults
I work on both sides of the publishing process, as an author and an editor specialising in children’s creative non-fiction, and I also use this experience to coach authors (published and aspiring) to create the very best version of their book.
I offer writing talks and workshops for adults, and have previously worked with organisations and festivals such as the Society of Authors, ChipLitFest and Writers in Oxford. I can talk about different elements of writing for children, or of the publishing process, from putting together a non-fiction book proposal to working with illustrators (I've been so lucky in this regard, including collaborating with Sir Quentin Blake on one of my recent books!)
Working with me
Please do get in touch to chat about what you'd really like from your author visit, speaking event or workshop. It'd be great to hear about your school or organisation, and how I can help create the most engaging, inspiring and memorable experience possible!
I base my fees on Society of Author recommendations, and I'm happy to travel around the UK and abroad for in-person visits where possible – but I do ask for my travel expenses to be covered.
If you are interested in booking me for a talk or interview, in addition to festival appearances I have previously been interviewed on BBC Radio 4 World at One and on podcasts and video series such as Picture Book Ingredients and Embracing Humane Parenting. Please get in touch with details and it'd be great to talk further.
Testimonials
Here are a selection of kind words about my past author visits:
“To say that Alice's work with the students was a brilliant success is an understatement. The students really loved working with her and were already being asked regularly when she's coming back.
She fostered a great, inclusive working atmosphere and the children were very engaged and proud of what they produced with her guidance. The assembly was also hugely interesting and interactive - Alice really got to know the students and the parents were so incredibly positive about the afternoon event.
Her whole visit also aligned perfectly with the inclusive atmosphere and love of reading that we're so passionate about fostering in our school. I cannot recommend Alice highly enough.”
Sara Scott, School Library Manager
"We absolutely loved having Alice visit our school. She had such a warm and gentle presence – the children were completely hooked on everything she said. Each activity (including the assembly) was really engaging and perfectly suited to the different year groups. They kept all the children involved and excited.
There was such a buzz around the school. The children couldn’t stop talking about the visit, and it really sparked their enthusiasm for art and books. Parents were really impressed too; lots commented on how inspired their children were. We’ve added many of Alice’s books to our non-fiction library.
The visit tied in brilliantly with our Art Week and really supported our school’s creative aims. We’d definitely recommend a visit from Alice to other schools – it was a fantastic experience for everyone."
Domenica Wright, Senior Teacher and SENDCO
"WOW! Alice was great! She was such a lovely person and worked beautifully with the children. When I nipped into her workshops, the children were engaged and sharing super ideas.
She was kind to the children and had a great way with them.The children were excited meeting a real author!
She also helped me, massively, to judge the competition winners! Thank you very much - we had a super World Book Day!”
Jade Evans, Teacher and Reading Lead
“Alice’s visit was so inspirational: not only for our children but also our teachers too! Alice connects so well with her audience and has such a vast range of experience beyond just being a talented non-fiction author.
We found her passion for art, knowledge about combatting climate change and enthusiasm to give writing a go totally inspiring!
We can’t wait to invite Alice back for another visit. This was our favourite visitor assembly of the year!”
Victoria Harrison, Lawn Primary School
"We had a wonderful day with Alice. Feedback from children was brilliant, lots of them were inspired to write after her visit. Before the visit, Alice was personable and excellent to communicate with in terms of organising the day. We would highly recommend Alice to other schools who may consider her for a future author visit."
Luci Gordon, Deputy Headteacher
"We have been incredibly lucky to work with Alice, and her involvement with our pupils has created so many amazing memories … she has gone above and beyond in engaging with and inspiring our pupils! Alice has really motivated our children to find enjoyment in key issues around how non-fiction can open up our minds."
Paul Matthews, Deputy Head and Reading Lead
"Children really enjoyed the visit from Alice! They really benefitted from being able to ask questions and they were fascinated to learn more about the process of writing a book. Teachers all said that children got a lot out of each of the sessions!"
Caroline, Year 4 Teacher
"I really enjoyed working with Alice, as she inspired me to develop my love of writing! I think her books are so unique and amazing. The way she got the message across was brilliant."
Charlotte, age 9
"Thank you Alice for the excellent sessions you delivered to our schools, the children have been very fortunate. Alice engaged well with the children, using interactive elements to clearly explain growth mindset and how they could apply it to everyday life. This was a key objective in our programme to facilitate the pupils’ transition to secondary school. We would highly recommend Alice."
Jemima Kelly, Partnership and Community Librarian, North Lincolnshire Council
"Alice was really thoughtful when we had our virtual meeting for World Book Day. It inspired me to keep trying with my English and keep pushing myself."
Leona, age 10
"Working with Alice really inspired me to keep on reading and writing. I love her books as they are so unique and special. Keep up the good work Alice!"
Mia, age 9
