[email protected]
‘Absolutely Brilliant!’
BBC6 Music
‘A Tour de Force’
Michael Morpurgo
‘Spellbinding’
RGS The Grange, Worcester
‘A truly amazing,
utterly exceptional experience’
Austin Friars St. Monica’s School, Carlisle
johnharristhestoryteller.com
[email protected]
Why does a school need a visit from a Storyteller?
You’ve heard the old saying: Knowledge is power.
True, perhaps, but there’s more to it than that. Knowledge is communicated through language.
The more developed someone’s language skills are, the more they are able to aquire,
understand, communicate and develop knowledge. It’s the combination of knowledge with
language that brings power. Pause for a moment, and consider the people who seem to rule the
world: business people, politicians, journalists, bankers. Their knowledge is limited. No-one
knows everything, and all too often they don’t seem to know very much.
What they have in common is the power of language.
To develop a child’s ability with language is the best start you can give them, as a parent or
teacher, and the best way to begin that development is through stories – not just in reading to
them and encouraging them to read for themselves, but also encouraging them to sit and listen
to stories.
Stories are at the heart of everything we do.
They’re how we make sense of the world around us, how we pass on events and traditions within
our own families. We use stories to spread information, knowledge and gossip. They are the
basis not just of books but also film and TV dramas, computer games, role play exercises, and
the advertisements that stick for longest in your mind. They help us to make sense of the news
we’re bombarded with and they’re by far the best way to bring history to life for our children.
Stories are so integral to our lives that, ironically, it’s all too easy for us to overlook their
importance. Children are given smart phones, tablets and computers but, with the best will in
the world, parents increasingly feel they don’t have the time (or the skills) to read to their
children, let alone tell them a story.
What’s missed out at home can’t always be made up for at school. There are so many demands
on time that stories and reading can all too easily become compartmentalised, just one more
item on a long list of things that have to be done.
A good storyteller can change all that.
Having a storyteller visit your school can have a galvanising effect on your children. Having an
hour in which they simply sit and listen, totally engrossed in the stories they’re hearing, can
change them for ever. At a stroke their listening skills are improved, their imaginations stretched
and their concentration developed.
A well told story can take an audience from a gasp of shock to a scream of laughter in the twist
of a phrase. It can leave the listener more exhilarated and moved than anything on a screen can
do: the immediacy and intensity of a live performance which reaches every child in the audience
is utterly priceless.
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A good Storyteller takes children to another world, in which their imaginations are set free, the
gamut of emotions is run, and the experience of others can be understood, related to, and
learned from. Their understanding of the world around them is enhanced and developed.
In an age where children are bombarded with visual imagery right from birth we are losing the
ability to actually listen. Research has shown that when children watch a video, for example, they
are watching but not listening: information contained in the soundtrack but not reinforced
visually is not picked up. Children are increasingly only able to learn from what they see.
Leaving aside the problems this causes for educators with children who sometimes have next to
no listening skills, this has disastrous implications for the human race and we need to do
something about it – quickly!
Getting children to listen to stories is the best way to start.
Listening to a good Storyteller can help a child find their own voice in the world.
And it’s also great fun!
Why does a school need a visit from John Harris?
Over the last twenty years John Harris has told stories to great acclaim in schools all over the UK
and Ireland as well as libraries, arts centres and literary festivals. He’s recently been filmed telling
Biff, Chip and Kipper stories for Oxford University Press and has been been interviewed for, and
told stories on, BBC Radio 4, BBC 6 Music and Planet Rock. He’s been featured in national and
local newspapers and on regional TV and has had articles published in the NATE magazine and
on line. Visits from John have been the prize in a national schools writing competition organised
by a multinational corporation, and he’s been a guest speaker at The Prince of Wales’ Education
Summer School at Cambridge University, where Michael Morpurgo described his contribution
as ‘A Tour de Force’.
He has a repertoire of about 350 stories in his head – and he`s always working on more – so he’s
bound to have stories that will suit your needs and transfix your kids. He never works from scripts
and can tell any one of his stories off the top of his head in about half a dozen different ways.
His style is relaxed and conversational – he works very hard at making it look as if he`s not
working at all because he wants children to become engaged in the story rather than the
performance. That’s also the reason he doesn`t use anything but himself. No screens, props, sets,
costumes, lights or instruments - he doesn`t want anything to get in the way of the story itself.
Most importantly of all he wants the children to think that they can do what he`s doing. He
doesn`t want them to think ‘I`d love to be able to tell stories, but I haven`t got a spangly cloak
and I can`t play the guitar….’ It`s just him, the stories, and his extraordinary natural ability to
engage all children on all levels.
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He never tells the same story twice in one day (unless he`s asked to, of course) but he does ask
each of his audiences to tell one of the stories they`ve heard to someone else before they get to
bed that night. This leads to impromtu storytelling sessions in the playground or classroom and,
judging by the feedback we`ve had, hundreds of parents get a story at bedtime after one of
John`s visits!
Some have, initially, doubted that children can have their attention held by something as simple
as a story being told. All we can say is that when the storyteller is this good is it isn’t a problem –
we really have lost count of the number of times teachers have expressed to John their delight
and amazement that a whole class has sat and just listened (and gasped, laughed and sighed)
for up to an hour. Teachers are regularly astounded to see children they didn’t think could sit still
for five minutes sitting utterly entranced and quite agog.
But don’t take our word for it: have a look at some of the – unsolicited – responses to his work
from schools he’s visited at the end of this pack, and we’re sure they’d be delighted to confirm
their opinion if you got in touch with them.
What kind of Stories does he tell?
John tells stories from all around the world, from all the way back to ancient times to something
that might (or might not) have happened yesterday.
Myths, legends, fairy stories, folk tales, urban legends and spooky tales from all over Europe, the
far east, Australasia, Africa and the Americas.
A few of them are well known, most of them aren’t but should be. He is constantly researching,
developing and refining stories, studying not just what happens in them but their origins and
history and their interest and value to children. Out of every hundred or so that he comes across
there are only one or two that he thinks he can really do something with. He’s often asked which
is his favourite story and his answer is that he doesn’t have a single favourite: he only tells stories
he loves and he won’t tell stories he doesn’t like. Those that he thinks are weak, structurally
flawed, lacking integrity or morally dubious don’t get a look in. This means that the stories he
brings to your school will be some of the most exciting, fascinating, involving, moving, scary,
hilarious and wonderful stories your children are ever likely to hear.
The sessions are age specific. There are some stories he could tell to five year olds and ten year
olds but not at the same time - the way he pitches them will be different, drawing out different
aspects of the story depending on the audience’s cognitive development, interests, reference
points and maturity. (We’ve also lost count of the times he’s been praised for pitching the stories
at exactly the right level.)
Since all the stories are in his head he’s happy just to play it by ear and choose which stories to
tell on the day, responding to what he sees and hears around him. But if you’d rather go for a
more formal arrangement, here are some suggestions for sessions:
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For Reception Classes:
A Pocketful of Stories
Quite possibly the biggest collection of small stories you`ll ever find in one person`s
head. Drawn from all around the world there are some you might know, some you won`t,
and some you`ll realise you only thought you knew!
Grandma’s Tales
A lot of the stories and rhymes that were once considered ‘traditional’ are not as well known as
they once were. TVs and tablets have taken over as the main source of stories in many homes,
and in a diverse society children will hear a wider range of traditional stories from different
cultures. This is a collection of stories from all over Europe (and sometimes further afield) but
which have been seen as traditional stories in Britain for the last hundred years or more.
For Years 1 and 2
Another Pocketful of Stories
As above, but slightly bigger, longer, more demanding tales from around the world.
Crazy Coyote
Most people over here know Coyote from the “Roadrunner” cartoons, but long before Warner
Bros got hold of him he was an essential part of Native American myths and folk tales. He`s
tricksy, dishonest, vain, cheeky, wise and silly… but somehow still lovable.
Here be Dragons
Some of the oldest Dragon stories in the world, mostly from the far east. Awe inspiring, moving,
and sometimes very funny.
For Key Stage Two
Most of these stories are suitable for everyone from year 3 right up to year 6 – but not at the
same time!
Pots of Gold!
Dodgy Pirates, greedy Kings, sausages that swim and some good luck for people who deserve
it. A collection of stories from around the world that clearly shows why you’ve got more chance
of digging up a pot of gold from your own garden than you have of winning the lottery.
Jack and his Beanstalk
You thought you knew this story? Think again! It really did happen, about two hundred years ago
and not very far from where you are now. And we have to warn you, it`s a bit scary....
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Tales from the Rain Forests
An amazing collection of stories which demonstrate the diversity of life in and around
our precious forests: lazy sloths, cheeky monkeys, playful dolphins, magical moments, desperate
fisherman and mysterious apparitions all have a part to play in this extraordinarily rich tapestry.
Around the World in a day
In this all day package John ensures each group will hear different stories from different
countries, with no story or country repeated in the day. Then it’s up to the children to tell
each other the stories they heard (and believe us – they do!). The result: a trip around the world
in stories and still back home in time for tea!
Arabian Nights (and more)
Stories from the Indian subcontinent and middle east. Some drawn from the Arabian Nights
stories, some from other sources, all of them wonderful in every sense.
The Far Side of the World
Stories from Japan, China and the far east. A motley crew of characters – some very good, some
very very bad – some extraordinary creatures and some amazing twists and turns!
Tales from Greece and Rome
Some of the most exciting and important stories in the history of the human race, and the basis
of much of western culture. Heroes, villains, tragedy, romance, comedy – who needs Eastenders?
Tales of Old Albion
There`s more to British folk tales and legends than you might imagine. Here you’ll find peddlars,
tricksters, rogues and royalty, smuggling parsons and fish with rings. Some you won`t have met
before, but some might seem oddly familiar…..
My Next Trick…..
The ‘Trickster’ story is a tradition that crosses cultural and geographical boundaries
and thousands of years, from treasure thieves of the ancient world to modern day scams
and cons, they thrill, amuse and entertain in equal measure and prove that the world has always
had its loveable rogues.
Tales from the North
No, we’re not talking about Wigan – that’s Ooop North as opposed to proper north! (And
anyway, John’s Cumbrian by birth so Wigan’s almost the midlands by comparison.) These are
amazing and sometimes beautiful stories from the very north of Iceland and Scandinavia,
reflecting the fire and ice, long days and brilliant nights of that part of the world.
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Old Tales from the New Empire
China is emerging as a superpower, and many schools are now organising exchanges
and contact with schools in China as well as teaching Mandarin. This collection of old folk tales
and legends gives a fascinating insight to the people, the history and the culture of this huge
country and serves as an excellent introduction to a nation which, in the course of your pupils’
lives, will exert an ever greater influence, both economically and culturally.
And only for years 5 and 6 +
Tales from Egypt
A storytelling session that involves a bit of history and geography, a lot of blood and guts, some
very dodgy characters, and the best explanation your kids will ever hear as to why they shouldn`t
pick their noses.
Beowulf and Grendel
An atmospheric (and wonderfully gory!) retelling of one of the oldest stories in the
English language. It’s the basis of John’s book ‘The Geat’ but not a reading or recital of the
book in any way – it’s a live and engrossing retelling which is different every time but
which always leaves audiences (children and adults) breathless at the end!
(Please note: this is a horror story and is NOT suitable for anyone younger than year 5.) “The very best way to experience Beowulf is to see it spoken live” – Historian Michael Wood
The Vanishing Hitch-Hiker
Urban legends are the stories you`ve heard from friends who assure you they`re true because
they heard them from a friend who heard them from a friend of a friend…….. They go from
strange to hysterically funny to spooky and then downright gruesome. They are the stories kids
hear (and tell) at sleepovers and as such are a great way of getting the apparently disaffected
back into the idea of listening, reading and telling stories.
Creepy Crawlers
A strange collection of stories from around the world in which human beings encounter the
spirit world. From the native american princess who found she`d taken on more then she
bargained for when she finally married, to the yorkshire nurse who ended her career with the
strangest of jobs, these stories have been told from generation to generation with such
conviction that we can only assume there must be some truth to them somewhere……
Spooky Stories
These stories are part of a modern oral tradition, having been collected by John over the last 40
years or so, often from the very people they happened to. Having questioned his sources
rigorously John is as sure as he can be that each of these stories is as true as any story can be.
You may not find them frightening at the time, but the next time you`re alone in the house and
it`s dark outside…
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What books has John written?
At the moment John has three books in print, all of which are available on Amazon or in
bookshops. On the day of his visit he’ll bring copies with him for the booksigning and, as a thank
you to the school for informing the parents, will leave a set of books for the library. Schools can
buy further copies at 20% discount.
Charlie’s Key
Charlie lived with his mum in a village by the sea. It
was a small village and a quiet one. Nothing much
ever happened there - at least not until he was
given his own key to the house. He promised his
mum he’d look after it but things just started to go
wrong.....
‘A sweet and lively story told in John’s distinctive,
relaxed, conversational style.’
Essex Life Magazine
‘This will be enjoyed by newly confident readers
and will be a good addition to school library
shelves.’
‘The School Librarian’ magazine
The Pearl in the Grass
Imagine you’re so poor you have to scrape a living by
selling wild grass. When the rains don’t come the
ground dries up and nothing can grow. You go hungry.
Eventually you’ll starve.
So if you found a patch of fast growing grass in the
middle of the desert you’d think your problems were
over, wouldn’t you? That’s what Sheng thought. But
when his mum suggested he dig up the grass and
plant it in their garden his problems had just begun.....
This is a very old story from China, and one of John’s
most popular, either told or written.
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‘John Harris’s skill as a professional storyteller is evident in this retelling of this Chinese folk
tale.... gossiping neighbours, wicked robbers and a terrifying dragon all lead to a hugely
satisfying end.’
‘The School Librarian’ magazine
‘This delightful folktale provokes both smiles and sighs.... the imaginative, stylish illustrations
heighten the speed and suspense of the well - paced text.’
Carousel, the guide to childrens’ books.
The Geat - the story of Beowulf and Grendel
The Danes’ tradition of gruesome horror stories predates Scandi Noir by a long stretch. This is
the story of Beowulf, the only warrior brave enough to take on the monstrous Grendel. This story
is at least a thousand years old and is still gripping readers and audiences all over the world!
‘It is a shame that the publishers of this book have had to resort to the usual hype on the cover:
“This is the original horror story, two thousand years old and as exciting as ever. Read it if you
dare.” This retelling of the story of Beowulf needs no such hyperbole. John Harris has spent the
last ten years telling the story in front of live audiences, honing the version that we now have in
print. It has been worth the wait. Whilst the language is suitably bloodthirsty - and no details of
pain, torture and death are omitted - a wonderfully evocative atmosphere is maintained
throughout the book. There are excellent colour illustrations throughout and good quality
paper is used, making this a “must buy” for any library.’
‘The School Librarian’ magazine
‘Fearsome monsters, powerful heroes and gruesome
murders should be enough to keep the most
bloodthirsty young reader satisfied.... the illustrations
manage to be both frightening and comic.’
The Daily Telegraph
‘Beowulf made easy for a new generation of
bloodthirsty juniors who are up for something a bit
different. Distinctive illustrations and an enthusiastic
rendition of a literary classic are what make the book so
appealing. John Harris is a storyteller by trade, and it
shows in the pace and rhythm of the text. He narrates
the tale of the Geat warrior Beowulf, who sails across
the sea to take on the challenge of gruesome, man eating Grendel, monstor of the parish. Beowulf is small,
and Grendel is huge. But Beowulf has cunning and
wisdom, and even children for whom this is a first time
story will be left with a sense of how it will end - which makes all the blood and gore of the
journey safely enjoyable.’
Carousel, the guide to Childrens’ books.
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So How does it work?
A visit is for four performances of 60 minutes, or five of 45 / 50 minutes, plus a booksigning.
The sessions need to take place in a quiet space with no through traffic and where external noise
is kept to a minimum. School halls which are also thoroughfares or have noisy kitchens next to
them are unsuitable. There should be one or two members of staff present, prepared to simply
sit and listen to the stories - having teachers marking, texting, reading etc. can be distracting to
the audience as well as the performer. The children don’t need to bring anything.
Maximum audience size is 90 for KS 1 and 2 and 60 for KS3+.
If the Reception class is being included the maximum audience size is 60.
Please note that John does not work with children younger than Reception Class.
It works best if the day begins with the youngest children and he works through the other age
groups chronologically. We understand this isn’t always possible, but what doesn’t work is
putting children of widely different ages together in the same session - the stories have to be
pitched at the right level and John has been praised time and again for getting the pitch perfect,
even in special schools.
Photos may be taken at the beginning and end of the sessions while he’s chatting to the children
but we must insist - as with theatres - that no recording or photography takes place while the
stories are being told.
John drives everywhere and thus will need a parking space.
The booksigning is best held at the end of the day but could be at lunchtime All we ask you to
do is send out the letter to parents which we send you when the booking’s confirmed, put up
the posters we send and on the day provide John with a table and chair - he brings everything
else he needs with him. As a thanks for sending out the letter to parents he leaves you with a set
of his books for the library. (The school can buy or order further copies at a 20% discount.)
We understand that in the current economic climate some parents will be reluctant to buy
books, but think it’s important to offer them the choice anyway. A lot of parents have got in touch
with John to say how excited children have been both by the books themselves and the fact that
their copy is signed by the author, which can be the start of a life long love of books. They’re also
a lot cheaper than a Playstation game.
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In the case of independent schools adding the cost of the books to the parents’ bill a member of
staff will need to be present to keep an inventory of sales, a copy of which must be given to
John before he leaves in order for the school to be invoiced.
Unless previously arranged the first session will start at 9:30. If you need to start earlier please let
John know in advance.
Please provide a schedule for the day in advance.
Payment for the storytelling is due on or by the day of the visit by cheque made payable to John
Harris. Any other method of payment MUST be agreed at the time of the booking. Late
payments may be subject to a 20% surcharge under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts
(Interest) Act 1988.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the booking will not be charged, but in all other cases a
50% cancellation fee will apply. If less than a month’s notice of cancellation is given the full fee
will be payable. In the unlikely event of John Having to cancel the visit every attempt will be
made to provide an alternative date and a 25% discount will be applied to any re-booking within
the same academic year.
And what do others say?
‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many children so wide-eyed and utterly agog!’
West Leigh Infants School, Leigh on Sea.
‘I have never seen anything like it: absolutely, utterly, completely, totally one hundred
per cent inspirational!’
Blenheim Primary School, Southend on Sea
‘The buzz around the school has been fantastic and I am amazed how many of the
stories the children were able to retell today. My year 6 were writing their own stories
this morning with real enthusiasm. One of them said, “He was amazing! He had a really
good imagination and was very boisterous for a grown-up!” I think that unusual
compliment just about summed up most of the comments I received from pupils and
staff.’
Belmont School, Surrey
‘I’ve known this lot long enough to know they never want to do one thing for the whole
day, so for them to say they want to listen to you all day says an awful lot.’
Dyce Primary School, Aberdeen
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‘A truly amazing, utterly exceptional experience.’
Austin Friars St. Monica’s School, Carlisle
‘Absolutely the best storyteller in the world.’
St. Helen’s RC Junior School, Brentwood
‘My goodness, you earn your money. You must be exhausted at the end of the day!’
The Beacon School, Amersham
‘The whole day was an amazing experience for our children, and from the youngest
aged 4 to the eldest, aged 12, the children were absolutely captivated by your stories. I
am pleased to share with you below some of the comments they made:
“Exquisite and imaginative, he paralysed us with words!”
“He makes you paint a picture in your head.”
“He raises the tension, then makes it explode in a ball of excitement.”
“He was hilarious, and I like how expressive he was with his face.”
“I liked his stories because they cheered me up. I have already read The Pearl in the
Grass – it was very funny. His descriptions allowed the pictures to be very clear in my
head.”
Ditcham Park School, Petersfield
‘I just wanted to say an ENORMOUS THANK YOU for your fabulous storytelling sessions.
The children absolutely loved it from Reception through to Year 6. We will definitely be
inviting you back next year and the staff are agreed that, if we can find someone to look
after the children, we would like our own storytelling session. Awesome!!!’
Ethelbert Road Primary School, Faversham
‘All the children of this school think you are ‘Well Sick’ which, apparently, is the ultimate
compliment!’
Selwyn Primary School, London E13
‘Thank you so much for a wonderful day, all of the children came away from the day
enthralled with your tales and many of them were still retelling them for a few weeks
after. The yellow sock story went down a treat with my class, and I know many of them
went home and secretly told the story to their siblings! Thank you so much for the
donations of books to our school library. You’ll be pleased to hear that The Geat made it
onto the TOP TEN library list for February! And it is still being reserved for children to
read. Thank you again for a wonderful experience, it helped to get our Storytelling week
off to a fantastic start. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.’
St. Pancras Catholic Primary School, Ipswich
‘Without exception we have had nothing but good news about your visit. Colleagues
were astonished by the positive reaction from the fourth form (Y10). Stories are still
emerging of tales being retold at home, and parents have been thanking the Head for
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such enthralling and enthusing sessions. Thank you for being such a success, so
professional, so organised, so friendly, and so very understanding of children and their
attitudes and behaviour.’
The King’s School, Gloucester
‘The whole school is just buzzing with stories! Every child sat agog with their mouths
open and I’ve just been in the playground and seen them telling the stories to their
parents and other children. Everyone has had a wonderful day, thank you so much!’
Rochford Primary School, Essex
‘You completely engaged every child in the audience, and every child was completely
entranced.’
Redbridge Primary School
‘Thank you for doing an amazing job when you visited. The children and teachers were
inspired as a result and it has had a positive impact on their motivation and on the
quality of their story writing. We carried out a weeks worth of lesson’s based on the visit
and the children will be telling their stories to each other on world book day. You were a
great model of how to use expression, tone, body language and pace to capture an
audience and already I have seen an improvement in their ability to verbally
communicate and their confidence in verbal story telling.’
St Helen’s Catholic Junior School Academy, Brentwood
‘What an amazing day we have had!’
Moseley School, Birmingham
‘Everyone has been raving about you all day, kids and staff, and I’ve been so looking
forward to hearing you. You exceeded my expectations!’
Lea and Garside Primary School, Wiltshire
How do you do it? You just sit on a chair and all these amazing stories just pour out, it’s
like magic!
Year 6 Pupil, Monk’s Abbey Primary School, Lincoln
‘Thank you once again for another great day of storytelling’
Bilton Grange Prep School, Warwickshire
‘The kids have been raving all day, the staff have been raving all day, and my lot loved it:
I’ve never seen them so quiet!’
St. Leonards Primary School, Heath and Reach
‘Wow! That was amazing!’
St. Chad’s CE Primary School, Poulton Le Fylde
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‘There is a feeling these days that children can’t sit still and quiet and simply listen. You
have completely and totally blown that myth away – they have all been spellbound!’
Kenyngton Manor Primary School, Sunbury on Thames
‘Everyone enjoyed your storytelling performances, both pupils and staff. We have one
particular child who CANNOT sit still for any amount of time at all. He constantly
wanders around the room, tidying trays, windowsills etc and generally fussing with
things – yet this child SAT STILL for 45 mins enraptured with your stories.’
Westbury School, Nottingham
‘I wanted to thank you ever so much for the wonderful storytelling sessions over the past
two days. I had so many staff and children express how impressed they were, both with
the fantastic, engaging stories and with how focused and keen the children were. It
really was so great to watch the children (some of them can struggle to sit still for two
minutes!) sit for an hour, loving every minute of the wonderful stories you told.’
St. Mary’s RC Primary School, London W10
‘We have had the most fantastic couple of days. Every child and adult in the school has
said you’re brilliant – absolutely everyone has had nothing but praise for you.’
Newport Primary Academy School, Barnstaple
‘I’ve never seen the children so rooted to the spot and utterly absorbed – how on earth
do you keep that energy level all day?’
Licensed Victuallers’ School, Ascot
‘Thank you, thank you, thank you! The children loved your stories, the staff loved your
stories, and parents have mentioned today how much they love your stories because the
children have done as you asked and shared your tales at home. Your energy and
enthusiasm, your passion, your ability to hold us all transfixed – amazing!
Copthill School, Uffington, Lincolnshire
‘Year 6 are at that stage in the year where they think they know it all, but you had them in
the palm of your hand. It was the quietest they’ve been for months, and apparently each
session has had the same effect on the kids all through the school – thank you!
Quinton House School, Northampton
‘When I announced in assembly last week that you were coming the years 4, 5 and 6
cheered to the rooftops and year 3 sat wondering what was going on. I told them “Don’t
worry, after next week you’ll know what the fuss is about”.’
Kingswood Primary School, Basildon
[email protected]
‘I’d had your card on the wall in my office for a while, intending to get in touch. Then on
open day three separate parents looking around the school pointed to it and said “Oh
he’s great” so I thought I’d better book you. They were right!’
Abbot’s Hill School, Hemel Hempstead
‘You’ve kept every child enraptured, and reminded many of the staff of favourite tales
they grew up with and had forgotten!’
Avondale Park Primary School, West London
‘The children are buzzing and the feedback from staff has been amazing. They all say the
children were utterly engrossed and that you pitched the stories at exactly the right level
for each group – that’s not easy!’
Hartsfield JMI School, Baldock, Herts
‘I am just emailing to thank you very much again for your visit today. My colleagues and
the children have all been singing your praises. It was wonderful to see the pure power
of storytelling take over the children as they listened, and the stories were very
memorable.’
St. Edmund’s School Hindhead
‘To be honest I wasn’t looking forward to your visit because we’ve had author visits at
other schools where I’ve taught and I thought you’d be like the others, but you’re not:
you’ve opened my eyes to what a visitor to a school can achieve and the school is
buzzing with excitement – you’re a breath of fresh air!’
Danbury Park Primary School, Essex
‘There are some children in this year group for whom sitting still and quiet and just
listening does not come easy, and yet even they were absolutely silent and utterly agog.
It was a wonderful story, wonderfully told, and a delight to watch the kids!’
Lee Chapel Primary School, Basildon
‘Once again I must thank you: the boys loved it. See you next year!’
Eaton House School, London SW1
‘The children all loved the storytelling – something very few of them seem to get
nowadays. This morning when they were writing about their fantastical creatures one of
my more lively boys said “I’m going to write mine like John Harris” and it was one of his
best pieces, so thanks!
Licensed Victuallers School, Ascot
‘The whole school’s buzzing with stories!’
Hazlemere C of E Combined School, High Wycombe
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‘The children have been transfixed – and the staff have loved it, too!’
St. James Primary School, Leyland
‘Thank you so much – even the 7s and 8s were just sitting there totally agog!’
Home Grange School, Wokingham
‘Your reputation goes before you – and you’ve exceeded our expectations!’
St. John’s Beaumont
’It was a real pleasure to meet you today. Everyone really enjoyed your visit and the
school was buzzing with excitement after each storytelling session. The teachers and
other members of staff who were able to watch your performances all spoke so highly of
the experience.’
St. Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley
‘Thanks for all your hard work on wednesday. The children thoroughly enjoyed the
sessions and, from a personal point of view, I loved the chance to escape into the rare
world of listening, without feeling the need to interrupt, make an ‘interesting point for
learning’ or think about how Iwas going to challenge the more able!’
St. John Fisher Primary School, West Wimbledon
‘Thank you for a really special day. Everyone has commented on how wonderful it’s
been and how you’ve had each child enraptured.’
Gidea Park College, Essex
‘I have heard brilliant things about Monday. One year 6 girl couldn’t sleep because of
story ideas, a reception child who hasn’t yet smiled did so for the first time, somewhat
challenging children behaved themselves and staff haven’t laughed so much in ages
…..Can you come everyday?!
Seriously, thank you for inspiring everyone and thank you for the books for the library
the children will enjoy them for a long time to come. A brilliant start to the week and the
children have said that you have been the best person we have ever had in bookweek!’
St. Joseph’s Primary School, Epsom
‘The children loved having you here on thursday and haven’t stopped talking about your
stories – a lot of them even finished reading the book they bought on thursday night!’
St. Christina’s School, St. John’s Wood
‘Everybody’s been raving about you! You were the only topic of conversation at lunch
and now that I’ve heard you I can understand why!’
Caldicott Prep School
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‘I’ve listened to storytellers all over Europe and all over this country, and you are far and
away the best I’ve ever heard.’
Milton Hall Primary School, Westcliff
‘You deserve all the praise that’s been heaped upon you.’
Birchfield School, Shropshire
We look forward to hearing from you!
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