How the
Borks Became

An Adventure
in Evolution

Prince
Ribbit

The Princess
and the Pig

Here Be
Monsters

Pigs
Might Fly!

The Clockwork
Dragon

The Silver
Serpent Cup

Cleopatra Bones
and the Golden
Chimpanzee

Ruby Flew Too!
(Ruby in Her
Own Time)

Someone
Bigger

A Spot of
Bother

Bringing
Down
the Moon

Diamond
in the
Snow

Danny
Dreadnought
Saves the World

(Excerpt)

The Emperor's
New Clones

(Excerpt)

Doohickey and
the Robot

(Excerpt)

Bookings for schools open for the children of key workers

Since most schools are now closed for regular use, I've suspended my regular Wednesdays-only booking system and am open to requests for Skype readings on any day of the week from schools open for the children of key workers. I'm not sure how much demand there will be for this, so I may have to put up an availability table at some point, but for now, please feel free to request any time on a weekday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm using the form below.

Skype sessions still need to be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

What you need for a Skype session

Technical Requirements

• SOFTWARE: If you don’t already have it, you’ll need to install Skype on your computer and set up an account. You can download Skype for free here. Please note: you will need to use the separate Skype app rather than the "Skype for Business" web browser app as I have had connection problems using "Skype for Business."
  
  
• WEBCAM / MICROPHONE: The webcam should be positioned as close as possible to the screen the students will be looking at, so that I can see the students' faces looking towards me. If you're using a separate microphone, this should be positioned so that I can hear the students clearly.
  
  
• SCREEN: Ideally the computer should be connected to a large TV screen or white board projector, but as long as there is a screen of some sort that the students can see me on this is not essential. If you're using a projector in a brightly lit room, it's a good idea to turn off the lights or close the blinds near the screen or whiteboard so that the students can see me more clearly.
  
  
• SPEAKERS: Sound is important! The students will need to be able to hear me clearly. Your computer’s built-in speakers may not be loud enough for my voice to carry to the back of the room, so you might need to use some louder, plug-in speakers or the TV’s speakers if you’re using a TV screen.
  

PLEASE NOTE: I don’t have time to offer technical assistance, so if you are new to Skype please make sure that you have Skype installed and you have familiarised yourself with how to use it by making some video calls BEFORE you book a virtual visit with me. If you are intending to use external sound and video and have not done this before, it’s a good idea to test these in advance too.

Other Requirements

• At least one copy of the book I’m going to be reading: This is essential for picture books as half of their appeal comes from the illustrations, so I like to have someone beside the screen holding up the book and turning the pages so the students can see the pictures as I’m reading on screen.
  
  
• Some questions prepared in advance: There will be time for a quick Q&A session after the reading. To get the most out of this, please make sure that the students have some questions prepared in advance.
  
  
• A room full of enthusiastic students: Students will enjoy a Skype session much more if they are already familiar with my books and are anticipating the visit. Arrange for the library service to provide you with a selection of my books before the visit – or you might even buy a few. Set up a book display in your classroom. Feature the visit as an upcoming event in school newsletters and include the address of my web site. Click here to download a PDF virtual visit poster to print out and publicise the visit.

BOOK SALES: If you'd like to order copies of my books from a book shop to coincide with my virtual visit you can use this book list / order form to do so. I'm happy to send out signed book plates (shown opposite) for any books purchased in this way.