The first is a virtual version of my popular live author talk, “Telling Impossible Tales”, which lasts 45-60 minutes. I tell the pupils a bit about myself, introduce the main characters and themes of my books, and explain how I came to write them. I also give a brief reading with on-screen illustrations, and host a group exercise designed to prompt creative writing that the pupils can do at home or in class afterwards. The event ends with a Q&A session in which the pupils can quiz me about whatever they like. The session can be tailored to smaller or larger groups as required.

I also offer a shorter online event, consisting of a brief introduction, a reading with accompanying illustrations, and a Q&A session. This event lasts for 20-30 minutes.

What’s your favourite bedtime story? Cast your mind back – I bet you can think of one. Because these are often the first stories we ever hear and, if we’re lucky, they’ll stay with us all our lives. In “Telling Impossible Tales”, I reveal how The Train To Impossible Places started life as a bedtime story, and explain how it grew into the final book. We take a whirlwind tour through the characters and storyline, before I invite the audience to brainstorm characters and settings for some brand new adventures. Finally, I explain how an eight year-old, who absolutely hated writing in school, grew up to become a full time author!

This is a fun, funny and engaging session that encourages children to think about their own creativity, and gives them the confidence and inspiration they need to take the next step in developing their ideas. It culminates in a 10 minute Q&A, during which the children are welcome to quiz me on any subject they like, and is followed by a book sale and signing session. Maximum audience size: 400 pupils.

We all love stories, but what really makes them tick? And how can we tell our own? This highly interactive workshop explores the three key building blocks of any good story and lets pupils put them into practice straight away. I’ll encourage them to ask questions and share ideas throughout, and they’ll finish the session with the beginnings of their own stories, and the tools they need to take them further. This is great for supercharging their creative writing skills. Maximum group size: 30 pupils. Duration: 50-60 minutes.

For more complete information about my school visits, or to request a booking, please get in touch via the contact form below. You might also want to check out the teacher’s notes based on the book, as well as additional activities and materials on my Extras page.