School Visits
Clare is a trained primary school teacher with over fifteen years’ experience working with children and families. School visits - whether virtual or in person - are one of her favourite parts of the job. Clare’s visits are always lively, inspiring and memorable, packed with energy and a love of books every time. On this page you will find more details of Clare’s school events and the workshops she offers. If you are interested in something more bespoke, please use the contact form below.
Workshops
Growth Mindset
(EYFS, KS1, KS2)
Inspired by ‘The Space Between’ (illustrated by Fiona Lumbers), this accessible, affirming workshop helps children understand that change can be difficult, but that the space between ‘what was’ and ‘what will be’ is a powerful time for growth.
Using the book’s calming imagery and relatable metaphors (buds before flowers, batter before cake, dusk before night), children are invited to reflect on the idea that the ‘in-between’ is not something to rush through, but a moment to treasure.
Children can play ‘The Space Between Game,’ draw a lifecycle with Fiona Lumbers, and make their own pair of sunny side specs, inspired by ‘Sunny Side Up’ (illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo); a special pairs of glasses that show us the importance of perspective - how we look at the world changes everything.
Key texts: The Space Between, Sunny Side Up
Paper Puppets & Fairytale fun
(EYFS, KS1, KS2)
Step into the magical world of ‘Scissorella’ (illustrated by Laura Barrett); a stunning reimagining of the Cinderella story inspired by the life and work of Lotte Reiniger — the trailblazing pioneer of animated film.
In this creative and cross-curricular workshop, children will explore storytelling through silhouette art, just like Lotte did. After a shared reading of the story and a short introduction to Lotte’s ground-breaking techniques, children will get hands-on and make their own fairy tale puppets.
Combines fairy tales, storytelling and STEM, and also introduces children to a forgotten female film pioneer who changed the way we see stories.
Key text: Scissorella
‘On the Spot’ Storytelling
(EYFS, KS1, KS2)
Get ready for giggles, games and riotous storytelling in this high-energy workshop focused on plotting and creative thinking.
Using Clare’s laugh-out-loud books ‘Never, Ever, Ever Ask a Pirate to a Party’ (illustrated by Anne-Kathrin Behl) and ‘There’s a Gorilla at the Door’ (illustrated by Sam Caldwell), children will dive into the building blocks of storytelling, from wild characters to unexpected twists.
This workshop is perfect for exploring key story elements (including character, plot, setting) and aims to build writing confidence.
Key texts: Never, Ever, Ever Ask A Pirate To A Party, There’s A Gorilla At the Door
Animal Adaptations & Habitats
(EYFS, KS1, KS2)
Get ready for a wild and wonderful journey through the natural world. Using Clare’s laugh-out-loud books ‘Poo? Is that You?’ ‘Wee? It Wasn’t Me!’ and ‘Slime? It’s Not Mine!’ (illustrated by Nicola O’Byrne), children will discover how animals adapt to survive. Meet Lenny the ring-tailed lemur - a curious and loveable explorer who travels to incredible places like the Amazon Rainforest, the icy landscapes of Alaska and the sunny coast of California.
Alternatively, workshops can transport pupils to the vast plains of the Serengeti or the remote Arctic and Antarctic poles in ‘Time to Move South for Winter’ and ‘All The Animals Were Sleepng’ (illustrated by Jenny Lovlie). Follow young animal characters learning to thrive in some of the planet’s most extreme environments.
Both routes cleverly interweave fascinating facts and engaging storytelling. Sessions can include animal quizzes, interactive draw-alongs and other surprises, leaving children curious, inspired and eager to learn more about our amazing planet.
Key texts: Wee? It Wasn’t Me, Poo? Is That You? Slime It’s Not Mine, Time to Move South for Winter, All the Animals Were Sleeping
Crumbs! A Character Workshop
(EYFS, KS1, KS2)
There’s been a robbery… the biscuits have vanished! In this playful and imaginative workshop inspired by ‘Aerodynamics of Biscuits’ (illustrated by Sophia Touliatou), children become story detectives, piecing together clues to solve the mystery of the disappearing biscuits.
As they investigate, they’ll invent their own cast of colourful characters and use these creations to craft short mystery stories. Alongside the storytelling, children will also take part in a light-hearted experiment to test the aerodynamics of biscuits, blending creativity with science. They might even be able to design and build their own biscuit rocket!
Ideal for encouraging character development and problem-solving skills in a lively and memorable way. Lends itself to biscuity STEM follow up activities.
Key text: Aerodynamics of Biscuits
Creative Composting
(KS2, KS3)
Creative Composting is a lively, hands-on workshop for KS2 and KS3 pupils that demystifies the process of turning imaginative ideas into brilliant storytelling through fun, fast-paced idea-gathering exercises.
Using some top-secret author tips and tricks, pupils will learn how to 'compost' their raw ideas - mixing, turning, and nurturing them to grow rich, original story ideas full of character, plot and imagination.
This workshop not only builds writing confidence but also encourages resilience and playfulness, showing children that even the messiest first ideas can lead to wonderful things.
Perfect for boosting literacy skills, creative thinking and enjoyment for writing.
The Magic of Storytelling
(EYFS, KS1, KS2)
Celebrate the magic of storytelling with this creative and collaborative workshop inspired by ‘Moon Bear,’ illustrated by Carolina Godina. In this session, children are invited to become co-authors, using their imagination to bring a wordless picture book to life.
Children will discover how stories can be told without words, using descriptive language to narrate key scenes and collaborating as a class or whole school to tell a complete story.
Perfect for library launches, reading celebrations or any school looking for an exciting whole-school ‘reading for pleasure’ project.
Key text: Moon Bear
Books That Help
(EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3)
Where do children turn when life feels uncertain? What do they find hardest during times of change? This thoughtful and supportive session creates a safe, creative space for children to explore the big questions around emotional well-being and life’s ups and downs.
Designed to gently open up conversations around the theme of change, this workshop encourages children to reflect on their feelings - including the tricky, uncomfortable ones - and to share in ways that feel natural and reassuring. Every child will make a ‘feelings jar’ to help them express themselves, to build emotional awareness and to help them identify ways they feel safe, supported and happy.
Key texts: Everything Changes, The Space Between, The Tide, The Perfect Shelter