Working with older children in schools & other venues
School Workshops

Much of my work in schools is doing workshops tracing the journey from idea to finished book (though I also do writing workshops). I bring along draft texts (children are always surprised that adults get it wrong and have to do rewrites) roughs, dummies, artwork, layouts, proofs, finished copies and AIs.
See photos from recent workshops on the CBI blog and the Educate Together website.
In 2002 I did a much more substantial project in Montem School in Slough where I was ‘Publisher in Residence’ for 8 weeks.
Three Year 7 classes planned 3 books which we took from idea to finished book - involving different children in research, production, IT, design, art and sales in addition to writing. I thought this was a fabulous project as it involved children with poorer writing skills who might not otherwise engage so enthusiastically in a book project.
Three Year 7 classes planned 3 books which we took from idea to finished book - involving different children in research, production, IT, design, art and sales in addition to writing. I thought this was a fabulous project as it involved children with poorer writing skills who might not otherwise engage so enthusiastically in a book project.

I try and introduce this thinking into all my workshops encouraging children to think about extent (using times tables) size, format (different audiences) topics, art style (designing, for example books for babies) and price - in addition to writing and art.
I’ve also worked with ‘non-school’ educational projects like Lewisham’s Totally words Literacy Festival with Jubilee Books. I judged the competition entries, then, with my publishing hat on, produced a book with the winning writing.
I’ve also worked with ‘non-school’ educational projects like Lewisham’s Totally words Literacy Festival with Jubilee Books. I judged the competition entries, then, with my publishing hat on, produced a book with the winning writing.
If you would like me to visit your school
Please click here for information