Tips for Schools

• Book visits well in advance, busy times of year are usually around World Book Day and Book Week.

• Arrange and agree a timetable of workshops before the event.

• Talk to the pupils prior to the event and familiarise them with a book or two.

• Please make sure there is somewhere to park close to the venue.

• If you are a large school or if you have booked a day visit, set aside one room for the workshops to take place. If possible also provide access to a projector / interactive whiteboard.

• If you are planning a signing please make sure parents and pupils are informed in advance of the time / venue and cost of various books. (Hannah can recommend a bookseller who can provide books on a sale or return basis)

• Provide basic drawing / colouring / writing materials and A3 / A4 paper for participants.

• Allow at least 5 mins between workshops for the next one to be set up.

• Any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Hannah for further info.

About Events

Hannah’s usual primary school or library workshop event lasts 1 hour and is suitable for ages KS1 & 2 or ages 4-11. It involves stories and discussions on two of her books (selected with age group and audience in mind) how she creates her illustrations and what inspires her. She shows pictures and encourages enthusiastic questions and answers, as well as doing some live drawing! For the last 20- 25 mins of the session Hannah either sets a project that involves inventing and drawing book characters or she brings fun worksheets for children to complete.

Hannah can extend this workshop to a half day session with one group, this involves further exploration into the characters they have invented, usually working in pairs to a create story and illustrating a page or cover for their story. This longer session generally suits KS2 – KS3 (or ages 8-14). Her aim is to get everyone drawing and brainstorming.

For Festivals or non-educational events, Hannah will usually do a themed workshop around a new book. This can include fun craft activites, games and stories.

For secondary schools, colleges and adult workshops she can tailor the sessions above to suit the age / ability of the audience. This can range from a shorter talk and presentation to a whole day workshop. Together they explore the finer details of making a picture book. She can talk more about the processes that lead to publication, give advice on writing styles and illustration techniques. Hannah can also take part in set projects, she has experience of teaching illustration up to degree level.

For Skype based talks, please enquire via email to discuss what is possible.

The main aim of a visit is to provide insight, entertainment and encourage imaginative, creative drawing and writing.

You may want Hannah to do sessions with reception or young children or arrange a book signing at the end of an event- please download her Information Guide here to find out more.

Hannah is on a Maternity break from December 2012- September 2013. If you are interested in booking her, please email and check availability for day events after this time. There may be some exceptions made for shorter local events or Skype talks, follow her blog for updates.

Hannah is happy to travel to day events within a 3hr drive from Gloucestershire but will charge more for venues more than 1hr 30 mins travel away.

For further info see: www.contactanauthor.co.uk

or download a PDF of costs and further information.

email hannah@hannahshawillustrator.co.uk to make an enquiry.

Please be aware that Hannah often has book deadlines and may be unable to do visits during some weeks.

Feedback

“It is always a pleasure to work with Hannah in school. Her workshops are inspiring and exciting, offering both practical writing and illustration advice for students and the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the world of publishing.”

Mrs P. Bates, Library Manager
The Chase College Malvern

“Thank you ever so much for all your hard work yesterday. The children were absolutely thrilled to meet you and really enjoyed the events.”

Kate Agnew, Muswell Hill Children’s Bookshop
on behalf of Cranbrook Primary, Ilford.