ALSC Charlemae Rollins Presidents Program, Las Vegas 2014
Conferences, talks and workshops
I regularly give talks, workshops and courses for adults - parents, teachers, childcare workers, illustrators, writers, librarians and children... I like to talk! (Actually, mostly I rant!)
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Talks to professionals working with
children and young people, teachers, librarians or early childhood professionals 
You choose the theme...
These talks are usually on a requested theme but there are things I like to talk about and have developed ideas based on my experiences... • I give talks and run workshops for early years colleagues and other childcare or library professionals regarding choosing books and using books. • I'm particularly interested in leading discussions and workshops on choosing books to make diverse class collections to include every child (and/or devising a set of criteria which teachers etc can use to select in the future); • I do a lot of 'How a Book is Made' workshops in schools and I often find that teachers are particularly interested in finding out all the background behind (in particular) picturebooks and want a more 'grown-up' session for themselves. • I'm particularly interested in issues around selecting books for storytimes in settings where English is not the first language for every child. I talk about how to select books for this particulat context and how best to use the books so every child in the group can enjoy the shared experience of listening to a story |
Talks to authors and other creatives
You choose the theme...
For writers... • I'm often asked to speak about writing for the Early Years and what that means. I usually cover a little of child development and what issues need to be taken into account. • Of course, I also talk a lot about inclusion and diversity... For writers, illustrators and new publishers • how books are costed by small publishers (so writers and illustrators get an insight into how their advance fits into the picture) • I also talk about preparing and getting the best out of the International Bookfairs like Bologna • Author and illustrator groups have also been interested to have me speak about the international side of the business and the rights sales that underpin how picture books work. Lots of people are only aware of the creative side of developing picture books and not the complex financial foundations that underpin their publication. |
Adult groups, older teenagers and third level students
• I'm happy to talk about the journey from idea to finished books - which I've also found teachers REALLY enjoy.
This is also an interesting one for secondary schools or third level students (i.e. looking at the publishing industry rather than writing).
Other groups have been interested in the international side of the business and the rights sales that underpin how picture books work. Again, this is a side that teens and adults may be interested in – lots of people are only aware of the creative side of developing picture books and not the complex financial foundations that underpin their publication.
• I'm happy to talk about the journey from idea to finished books - which I've also found teachers REALLY enjoy.
This is also an interesting one for secondary schools or third level students (i.e. looking at the publishing industry rather than writing).
Other groups have been interested in the international side of the business and the rights sales that underpin how picture books work. Again, this is a side that teens and adults may be interested in – lots of people are only aware of the creative side of developing picture books and not the complex financial foundations that underpin their publication.
Parents and carers
I've been invited to many parent groups to talk about the fundamentals of why reading with your children is 'a good thing'. I don't feel that this battle has been won or that we can take for granted that all parents know why it's good to read with a small child (who can't read) or with an older on (who can read for themselves).
In this situation I also usually talk about book choices, and about books which can help parents (with picky eaters, on potty-training etc).
I've been invited to many parent groups to talk about the fundamentals of why reading with your children is 'a good thing'. I don't feel that this battle has been won or that we can take for granted that all parents know why it's good to read with a small child (who can't read) or with an older on (who can read for themselves).
In this situation I also usually talk about book choices, and about books which can help parents (with picky eaters, on potty-training etc).
If you would like me to visit your group - click here for information.
If you would like to know more about workshops for children, click here for information.
If you would like to know more about workshops for children, click here for information.
Gallery
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YLG South East & South West Training Day
8th June 2018 Making Your Space More Inclusive 
With Jenny Hawke, South East YLG rep
With Philip Ardagh and Chitra Souther
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Cork Book Fest - Inclusivity workshop
Cork, June 2018 Diversifying your book collection and working more inclusively with young children - workshops for Early Years Practitioners
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Federation of Children's Book Groups Conference
Small Publisher's Panel, Reading, March 2017 Life as small independent publishers and specifically about the fact that we all publish 'diversely' in some way, featuring children who are under-represented or making books from around the world available to UK readers. |
Left to right: Jill Coleman (chair) head BookTrust; Anna McQuinn, Publisher Alanna Books; Delaram Ghanimifard, Publisher Tiny Owl; Greet, Publisher Book Island - and in the back, Roy Johnson of Kid Gloves Books
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Nordic Literature Festival
London, February 2016 Organised by the Danish Embassy, the Nordic Literature Festival was a celebration of Nordic literature in translation. With the Danish Editor, Kaya Hoff, of Gyldendal Publishing in Denmark, and Chair, Joy Court, I took part in a discussion about Little Frog, originally published in Denmark and acquired by me for Alanna Books for the UK market. |
Early Years Training
Downe Manor Primary School, Ealing, March 2016
Downe Manor Primary School, Ealing, March 2016
I was delighted to join Georgina Tate to offer one session on Literacy & Communication, as part of a programme of monthly early years cluster school meetings for early years teachers, nursery nurses, leaders working in schools in Ealing. The teachers came together after school hours to share practice and reflect together about how to develop their own teaching and learning and ultimately improve outcomes for children. My session focused on Literacy and the importance of reading to young children.
Industry Panel: Anna McQuinn (Alanna Books); David Maybury (Scholastic); Barry Cunningham (Chicken House)
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IBBY UK/NCRCL Annual Conference 2015
Steering the Craft: navigating the process of creating children’s books in the 21st century University of Roehampton, London 14 November 2015 The International Board of Books for Young People (IBBY) UK co-organises a one-day MA Conference in November each year in conjunction with the National Centre for Research in Children's Literature at the University of Roehampton, London. |
YLG panel with Dr Alice Curry (Lantana), Jasmine Richards (OUP), Janetta Otter-Barry (Frances Lincoln and recently her own list Otter-Barry Books) and (chair) Tricia Adams.
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YLG Annual Conference 2015
Glasgow, 23 & 24th October 2015 As part of the YLG (Youth Librarians Group) conference, I gave a workshop on working with the under fives and their families and in particular, how to include families with English as a second language in rhymetimes.
• Making Storytimes Inclusive - focus on working with families with English as a second language - workshop I was also on the panel titled: A (diverse) books is for life not just for Black History Month. • Diversity Variety & Choice - How to put the right book in the right hands - Publishers' Panel |
James Dawson, Anna McQuinn, Susie Day, Ken Wilson-Max, Beth Cox, Alex Strick
(facilitators not shown, Jane Ray and Pippa Goodhart). |
A Place at the Table
Inclusive Minds, the Publishers Association, the Independent Publishers Guild and EQUIP (Equality in Publishing) London, January 2015 It was wonderful to be invited to kick off this unique event. I've been avidly following the progress of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign and other initiatives which followed the event in the USA (organised by CBC), so I was really excited to be part of this 'action'-focussed day. Children’s book publishers came together with booksellers, teachers, librarians and other key partners for a unique event aimed at turning discussions around inclusion and diversity into action.
The event took the form of a workshop aimed at helping the children’s book community to agree a clear way forward in terms of achieving real inclusion. The event was facilitated by the organisers together with a team of children’s book writers and illustrators with particular interest and experience in the subject. |
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IBBY Belonging Conference
Roehampton University, London, November 2014 It was a great honour to be invited to give the key-note speech to open IBBY's Belonging conference in Roehampton in November. I traced the ebb and flow, the advances and retreats in the battle to make children's books more inclusive and diverse - to set the scene for a day of discussions and workshops on belonging.
Beverley Naidoo closed the day and the hours in between were packed and intense with papers from Julia Hope, Anne Harding, panels including Carol Thomson, Mary Hoffman, Ros Asquith and Sarah Garland, and who could forget, Candy Gourlay! Read more about IBBY here. Read more about the conference on the IBBY UK website by clicking here or here. Read my full speech here. |
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Sutton Libraries
Black History Month Workshop on Language and Inclusion October 2014 I was delighted to work with an enthusiastic and engaged group of Early Years practitioners, Childminders and Librarians to discuss how to better include all families in their work and especially to look at the difficulties (and propose some strategies) for using books and telling stories with children who don't speak English as a first language.
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American Library Association Convention
Las Vegas, June 2014
Las Vegas, June 2014
ALSC Charlemae Rollins Presidents Program
I was incredibly proud to be asked to be part of the annual program commemorating the work of Charlemae Hill Rollins (1897-1979) - a Chicago librarian and author who was dedicated to improving the image of African Americans in children's literature.
This year's theme was partnership working and I spoke about making spaces more inclusive and working in multi-language settings
It is now available - to listen to rather than watch here (you need to input this access code LLXO2520, then search by title - ALSC Charlemae Rollins Presidents Program). Or, for just the highlights, you can read my blog.
I was incredibly proud to be asked to be part of the annual program commemorating the work of Charlemae Hill Rollins (1897-1979) - a Chicago librarian and author who was dedicated to improving the image of African Americans in children's literature.
This year's theme was partnership working and I spoke about making spaces more inclusive and working in multi-language settings
It is now available - to listen to rather than watch here (you need to input this access code LLXO2520, then search by title - ALSC Charlemae Rollins Presidents Program). Or, for just the highlights, you can read my blog.
American Library Association Convention
Las Vegas, June 2014
Las Vegas, June 2014
Book Buzz Theater: Early Ears: Choosing the Best Books for Early Childhood Patrons 6/29/2014
A panel discussion on what makes a good book selection for the youngest sect of library visitors. Session will include a special focus on why picture books are so important for this growing group of pre-reading patrons and tips for successful story-hour programming. Panel lead by Anna McQuinn, UK librarian and best-selling author of the Lola at the Library series.
A panel discussion on what makes a good book selection for the youngest sect of library visitors. Session will include a special focus on why picture books are so important for this growing group of pre-reading patrons and tips for successful story-hour programming. Panel lead by Anna McQuinn, UK librarian and best-selling author of the Lola at the Library series.
I was very proud to lead this discussion with Suzanne Bloom (author and illustrator of the brilliant Goose and Bear series and the wonderful Associate Publisher at Charlesbridge, Yolanda Scott.
You can log on to watch an MP4 video of the talk on the ALA website: You'll need to input my code: LLXO2520 then go to BookBuzz Theatre. This session was on Sunday June 29th, 2014.
You can log on to watch an MP4 video of the talk on the ALA website: You'll need to input my code: LLXO2520 then go to BookBuzz Theatre. This session was on Sunday June 29th, 2014.
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Youth Libraries Group Unconference
Bringing Stories to life Bromley Library, May 2014 This was YLG
South East's first Un-conference and one of my first 'unconferences'.
It was a really successful day - a perfect mix of scheduled sessions and open-ended discussions |
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Family Reading Partnership Workshop
A Passion for Picture Books! Ithaca, USA, September 2013 A special afternoon for Early Years Educators, Librarians and other picture book-loving professionals Anna McQuinn and Suzanne Bloom speaking about their passion for picture books, why they are important and how to select the best ones.
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Developing the Publishing Workforce:
Equality in Publishing Conference Children's Panel with Inclusive Minds London, May 2013 |
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Youth Libraries Group, Eastern
Training Day – Welcoming the World: Ensuring our public libraries are relevant to our diverse communities of young people and families - Keynote speaker: Anna McQuinn, Flitwick Library, Norfolk Libraries UK, March 2013 |
By the way, we had really good feedback from the day, including the following comments in reply to our question, "Which part of the course did you find most relevant or useful?"
"Anna McQuinn - very interesting"
"Anna McQuinn - making storytime open to all."
"Anna McQuinn - practical ideas we can use in our rhymetimes to make more inclusive."
There were lots of general comments which included you too of course. So thank you again!"
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READ LK - One Book One Community Initiative
Letterkenny Central Library, March 2013 A workshop for parents, teachers and others working with children looking at ways to encourage reading. |
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Language and Inclusion Workshop
BookTrust - Central Library Derry, March 2013 Beyond the Book - Making children welcome through visual clues in the setting, approaches to making nursery rhymes and songs more inclusive and looking at books for children with English as a second language. |
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Book Trust Workshop Series
Looking at the issues around sharing stories in multi-lingual settings London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow May-June 2012 I was thrilled to be given the opportunity by Book Trust to give a series of whole-day workshops exploring the issues around using dual language books and reading and sharing stories in settings where multiple home languages are used. The delegates were a mix of early years librarians, Book Start workers, early years workers, language specialists, teachers and family support workers. |
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Kerry County Childcare Conference
Tralee, Co Kerry, June 2011 Workshop on choosing inclusive books, and devising criteria that delegates can take away and apply to future selections |
Books for Keeps
Magazine Article on storytelling in multi-lingual settings
Check out the Books for Keeps website (though if you subscribe or can read it in your local library, you'll see the pictures as well).
Magazine Article on storytelling in multi-lingual settings
Check out the Books for Keeps website (though if you subscribe or can read it in your local library, you'll see the pictures as well).
National Centre for Language and Literacy
Picture books and other media course -
Reading
February 2010
in February 2010, I shall be giving a course for teachers on how to use new technologies to extend and enhance the use of picturebooks in the classroom. Using Lulu Loves the Library, Five Little Ducks and My Friend Jamal as starting points, we will look at using photography, novelty elements and recordings. Information
Picture books and other media course -
Reading
February 2010
in February 2010, I shall be giving a course for teachers on how to use new technologies to extend and enhance the use of picturebooks in the classroom. Using Lulu Loves the Library, Five Little Ducks and My Friend Jamal as starting points, we will look at using photography, novelty elements and recordings. Information
Co-opeative of India Language Library Authorities
Talk on the issues considered when producing the Lulu multi-language CD -
London
October 2009
I was delighted to be given the opportunity to discuss the reasons I developed the Lulu CD and all the issues that we considered during the development. To find out more about this, check back later - I've just written an article for Books For Keeps and will have a link soon.
Talk on the issues considered when producing the Lulu multi-language CD -
London
October 2009
I was delighted to be given the opportunity to discuss the reasons I developed the Lulu CD and all the issues that we considered during the development. To find out more about this, check back later - I've just written an article for Books For Keeps and will have a link soon.
English Language Support Teachers Association
Conference - Dublin October 2009
I was delighted to be in Dublin and able to attend the ELSTA conference. The response from teachers to the Alanna Books was wonderful. I also found out more about the wonderful programme at Lochrann - the Centre for Intercultural Education.
Conference - Dublin October 2009
I was delighted to be in Dublin and able to attend the ELSTA conference. The response from teachers to the Alanna Books was wonderful. I also found out more about the wonderful programme at Lochrann - the Centre for Intercultural Education.
Centre for Language in Primary Education
Multicultural Bookfair - September 2009
This year CLPE's bookfair was attended my even more teachers and education workers - quite possibly because Malorie Blackman was the keynote speaker. I gave a talk on the thinking behind the new Lulu multi-language CD and CLPE provided children from neighbouring schools to make recordings of their favourite books. More
Multicultural Bookfair - September 2009
This year CLPE's bookfair was attended my even more teachers and education workers - quite possibly because Malorie Blackman was the keynote speaker. I gave a talk on the thinking behind the new Lulu multi-language CD and CLPE provided children from neighbouring schools to make recordings of their favourite books. More
Chautauqua Writers' Conference
Highlights Foundation Conference,
The Chautauqua Institution, New York - July 2008
I was delighted to be asked to be a faculty member at the Chautauqua Writers' Conference run by the Highlights Foundation (do click on the little video of the Chautauqua Experience - it really sums it up - I swear I did some serious workshops, but the video only shows me singing!). I gave a number of talks and also tutored six writers over the week-long conference.
I was lucky enough to also sit in on talks given by the wonderful Jerry Spineli, Suzanne Bloom, Floyd Cooper, Linda Sue Park (who gave a most wonderful key-note speech), Susan Williams Beckhorn, Carolyn Yoder and many others. The whole wonderful experience is the result of tireless enthusiasm and the willingness to dream of the indescribable Kent Brown Junior
Highlights Foundation Conference,
The Chautauqua Institution, New York - July 2008
I was delighted to be asked to be a faculty member at the Chautauqua Writers' Conference run by the Highlights Foundation (do click on the little video of the Chautauqua Experience - it really sums it up - I swear I did some serious workshops, but the video only shows me singing!). I gave a number of talks and also tutored six writers over the week-long conference.
I was lucky enough to also sit in on talks given by the wonderful Jerry Spineli, Suzanne Bloom, Floyd Cooper, Linda Sue Park (who gave a most wonderful key-note speech), Susan Williams Beckhorn, Carolyn Yoder and many others. The whole wonderful experience is the result of tireless enthusiasm and the willingness to dream of the indescribable Kent Brown Junior
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Brighton Learning Development Centre
Developing Whole-School Reading Communities - Brighton July 2009
I was delighted to speak at the final day of this wonderful scheme.
I gave a talk on inclusion and how complex an issue it is. I discussed tokenism, voyeurism and many other issues. It all sounds a bit heavy, but actually it was a lively fun afternoon.
Wandsworth Ethnic Minority Achievement Service
Life Chances Conference for Parents - London July 2009
I was delighted to take part in Wandsworth's Life Chances for Parents Conference in July 2009.
I gave a talk to parents on choosing books to share with their children and discussed reluctant readers, parent confidence and many other issues.
Developing Whole-School Reading Communities - Brighton July 2009
I was delighted to speak at the final day of this wonderful scheme.
I gave a talk on inclusion and how complex an issue it is. I discussed tokenism, voyeurism and many other issues. It all sounds a bit heavy, but actually it was a lively fun afternoon.
Wandsworth Ethnic Minority Achievement Service
Life Chances Conference for Parents - London July 2009
I was delighted to take part in Wandsworth's Life Chances for Parents Conference in July 2009.
I gave a talk to parents on choosing books to share with their children and discussed reluctant readers, parent confidence and many other issues.