GETTING YOUNG PEOPLE LITERACY FIT FOR LIFE
Primary teachers and home educators, get my FREE Class Reader Guide and Reading Skills booklets.
Take the stress out of planning and get the most out of your class / guided reader or book club book.
The guide contains a bank of ideas for using three of my books to open up a wealth of cross curricular activities, suitable for pupils aged 5 to 9. The Reading Skills booklets contain photocopiable worksheets of questions for each chapter so that pupils can develop their comprehension, inference and prediction skills alongside enjoying the stories.
You'll also receive my email newsletters about new book releases, competitions and opportunities to get involved with my works-in-progress.
JOIN MY MAILING LIST BELOW TO GET THE FREE RESOURCES
Take the stress out of planning and get the most out of your class / guided reader or book club book.
The guide contains a bank of ideas for using three of my books to open up a wealth of cross curricular activities, suitable for pupils aged 5 to 9. The Reading Skills booklets contain photocopiable worksheets of questions for each chapter so that pupils can develop their comprehension, inference and prediction skills alongside enjoying the stories.
You'll also receive my email newsletters about new book releases, competitions and opportunities to get involved with my works-in-progress.
JOIN MY MAILING LIST BELOW TO GET THE FREE RESOURCES
AUTHOR VISITS
RAISING ASPIRATIONS AND PROMOTING LITERACY FOR LIFE
Literate children have better access to education and improved life choices. Helen helps teachers to inspire their pupils to enjoy and feel confident with reading and writing.
A 2019 survey by The Literacy Trust found that pupils who have received author visits experience more enjoyment and more confidence in their reading.
RAISING ASPIRATIONS AND PROMOTING LITERACY FOR LIFE
Literate children have better access to education and improved life choices. Helen helps teachers to inspire their pupils to enjoy and feel confident with reading and writing.
A 2019 survey by The Literacy Trust found that pupils who have received author visits experience more enjoyment and more confidence in their reading.
GIVE YOUR STUDENTS AN EXPERIENCE THEY'LL NEVER FORGET
Authors bring books to life! Learning about the behind-the-scenes work involved in taking a story from first draft to published book develops children's appreciation of books and their enthusiasm for reading them. Discovering all the stages a story goes through to be publication ready can also improve children's writing confidence when they accept that their writing can be improved through revision.
Seeing a real person speak openly about the ups and downs of their writing career allows children to raise their aspirations and realise that achieving goals is possible to anyone willing to put in the work, wherever they're from and whatever their strengths and weaknesses are.
Authors emphasise the importance of self-motivation, discipline and perseverance: traits that will help children succeed in their education and lives.
Meeting the person behind the pages can engage children to want to read their books which often develops into an increased interest in books in general.
Authors bring books to life! Learning about the behind-the-scenes work involved in taking a story from first draft to published book develops children's appreciation of books and their enthusiasm for reading them. Discovering all the stages a story goes through to be publication ready can also improve children's writing confidence when they accept that their writing can be improved through revision.
Seeing a real person speak openly about the ups and downs of their writing career allows children to raise their aspirations and realise that achieving goals is possible to anyone willing to put in the work, wherever they're from and whatever their strengths and weaknesses are.
Authors emphasise the importance of self-motivation, discipline and perseverance: traits that will help children succeed in their education and lives.
Meeting the person behind the pages can engage children to want to read their books which often develops into an increased interest in books in general.
In person or virtual author visits are available for primary and secondary schools,
colleges, clubs and groups.
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If you'd like to mix and match the sessions above to fit into different terms, get in touch to discuss.
Helen can work with schools on a one-off session basis, or through medium (half or full term) or long-term (annual) packages.
Packages can be bespoke to your school to suit your needs and may include writing workshops, writing clubs, team writing projects and hobby horse sessions including school clubs and competitions.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE
Book several sessions so that Helen can work with all classes in a school, or visit one class / group over a number of dates to allow for more sustained and in-depth engagement. Regular visits from a writer can do more to inspire pupils and ignite their passion for writing, and long-term interaction can help to create a culture of writing excellence with the school.
SUPPLY
With 22 years of teaching experience and enhanced DBS clearance, Helen can also cover staff absence and give KS2 classes a supply day with a difference, immersed in creativity while their teacher is away.
Get in touch to enquire about prices or to discuss a package tailored exclusively for your school. Discounts are available for multiple bookings.
Helen can work with schools on a one-off session basis, or through medium (half or full term) or long-term (annual) packages.
Packages can be bespoke to your school to suit your needs and may include writing workshops, writing clubs, team writing projects and hobby horse sessions including school clubs and competitions.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE
Book several sessions so that Helen can work with all classes in a school, or visit one class / group over a number of dates to allow for more sustained and in-depth engagement. Regular visits from a writer can do more to inspire pupils and ignite their passion for writing, and long-term interaction can help to create a culture of writing excellence with the school.
SUPPLY
With 22 years of teaching experience and enhanced DBS clearance, Helen can also cover staff absence and give KS2 classes a supply day with a difference, immersed in creativity while their teacher is away.
Get in touch to enquire about prices or to discuss a package tailored exclusively for your school. Discounts are available for multiple bookings.
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Helen loves sharing her love of reading and writing. She's available in-person (in north west / east England) and can also beam into classrooms anywhere in the country / world via Zoom. Petra and Bella, the stars of her Daley's Dog Tales stories, can also accompany her on virtual visits and have proved a very popular part of the visit!
Helen's books are offered at a discounted price during an in-person visit.
NEW - Hobby Horse showjumping sessions are available as part of an author visit or on their own and can be linked to a creative writing workshop.
Helen's books are offered at a discounted price during an in-person visit.
NEW - Hobby Horse showjumping sessions are available as part of an author visit or on their own and can be linked to a creative writing workshop.
See the Hobby Horse page for more details about sessions and competitions.
Helen's books tie in brilliantly with a range of National Days!
September: National Read a Book Day, International Literacy Day and Recycle Week.
October: World Animal Day, National Poetry Day, National Book Month, International School Libraries Month and Everyone Writes Day.
November: National Author's Day and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
December: National Short Story Day.
January: National Storytelling Week and International Creativity Month.
February: Children's Mental Health Week.
March: World Book Day, Crufts, Global Recycling Day, World Poetry Day and National Careers Week.
April: National Pet Month, International Children’s Book Day, National Pet Day and Earth Day.
May: Mental Health Awareness Week, Write a Review Day, National ‘Two Different Shoes Day’, World Bee Day and World Turtle Day.
June: World Environment Day, World Oceans Day, National Writing Day and Indie (Independent) Authors Week.
September: National Read a Book Day, International Literacy Day and Recycle Week.
October: World Animal Day, National Poetry Day, National Book Month, International School Libraries Month and Everyone Writes Day.
November: National Author's Day and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
December: National Short Story Day.
January: National Storytelling Week and International Creativity Month.
February: Children's Mental Health Week.
March: World Book Day, Crufts, Global Recycling Day, World Poetry Day and National Careers Week.
April: National Pet Month, International Children’s Book Day, National Pet Day and Earth Day.
May: Mental Health Awareness Week, Write a Review Day, National ‘Two Different Shoes Day’, World Bee Day and World Turtle Day.
June: World Environment Day, World Oceans Day, National Writing Day and Indie (Independent) Authors Week.
AUTHOR VISITS FOR PONY CLUBS
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Helen can offer author visits specifically for young riders where she shares her own background with horses and how they inspired they to write the Amber's Pony Tales series which feature her own adventures with her ponies and the Pony Club. Helen will also speak about her experience of setting goals in order to make progress and will lead young riders aged 8+ in a goal setting workshop. This can be delivered in person or virtually, making it perfect for indoor rallies or Pony Club camps.
TESTIMONIALS FROM SCHOOLS
Seaton St Paul's CE Junior School, Workington
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"We encourage our children to have aspirations for the future and having a local author in to visit is a great example of this." Amanda Dickinson, Headteacher
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St Matthew's CE Primary School, Westnewton
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"The children really enjoyed the sessions. I noticed some excellent engagement from children who don’t always engage in the same way. They liked seeing the books you had enjoyed in the reading session and hearing you read an extract from your book was good. As for the writing, they really enjoyed that session and enjoyed the activity.
I hope you get lots of bookings! Thank you so much! We sold all the additional five copies I got from you! I may have to sell the school copies next and then buy replacements!" Helen Harrison, Headteacher |
Raughton Head CE Primary School
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" The children have not stopped talking about your visit and Lucy!! They all loved the workshop, the quiz was great and pitched well to all levels and the writing character profile prompts were great! We thoroughly enjoyed today; it was very inspiring for our budding authors." Victoria Baker, KS2 Teacher
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Hunter Hall School, Penrith
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"Thanks so much for coming. The kids loved having you in, and were buzzing about it all day.
I was really impressed with the way you pitched it - bang on for their age. You definitely won around the reluctant readers and have certainly inspired some of the keen readers to want to become writers themselves (not to mention me!!!) I particularly liked the editing task at the end. The buzz that (name) and (name) got when you were genuinely impressed with their edits has really skyrocketed their writing confidence, so thank you." Kirsten Fletcher, Deputy Head. |
Derwent Vale Primary School, Great Clifton
Year 5 students at the school used Little Pearl as inspiration to write and produce a performance poem which was presented to Helen during the visit. SHE WAS NOT expecting this!
Morland Area CE Primary School (& others) Gifted & Talented Day
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"I was just talking to the group who came to this and they loved it!"
Lynne Wade
Headteacher
Kirkby Stephen Primary School
Lynne Wade
Headteacher
Kirkby Stephen Primary School
Stanwix Primary School, Carlisle
"The session really inspired our children and gave them belief that anyone can become a story writer! They were enthused to read all of the stories that you suggested and we have a waiting list of children wanting to take the books home. A great session which I would highly recommend!"
Sam Fitzsimons
"The session really inspired our children and gave them belief that anyone can become a story writer! They were enthused to read all of the stories that you suggested and we have a waiting list of children wanting to take the books home. A great session which I would highly recommend!"
Sam Fitzsimons
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Forest Elementary School, New York, USA - Zoom visit
"Thank you so much for visiting with us today! They loved asking you questions and finding out all about your books, published and upcoming! The students had so much fun and of course after meeting you, Petra, and Bella... we had to go on your website and see more pictures of the dogs!" Mrs Russo, second grade teacher. |
Woodside Primary in the Forest of Dean - Zoom visit
"The children absolutely loved chatting to you today. It was just wonderful watching how engaged they all were. I know they were buzzing about meeting Petra and Bella. One of the girls absolutely adores your books. Her mum told me today she’d booked some riding lessons for next month because she is so keen." Mrs Cotterell, Year 3 / 4 teacher
"The children absolutely loved chatting to you today. It was just wonderful watching how engaged they all were. I know they were buzzing about meeting Petra and Bella. One of the girls absolutely adores your books. Her mum told me today she’d booked some riding lessons for next month because she is so keen." Mrs Cotterell, Year 3 / 4 teacher
Salterford House School, Nottingham - Zoom visit
"The children loved the whole process from researching about (and reading) your books to having the Zoom meeting with you. I think the children found it really interesting to hear about where your ideas come from and that some of your ideas are inspired by real events. A lot of the boys were also interested in reading some of your collection, particularly the Dalmatian that Lost its Spots."
Mr Pritchard, Year 4 teacher.
"The children loved the whole process from researching about (and reading) your books to having the Zoom meeting with you. I think the children found it really interesting to hear about where your ideas come from and that some of your ideas are inspired by real events. A lot of the boys were also interested in reading some of your collection, particularly the Dalmatian that Lost its Spots."
Mr Pritchard, Year 4 teacher.
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St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Workington - Zoom visit
"I used two of Helen’s books in my Year 2 class last term: 'A Tale of Two Shoes' and 'The Dalmatian that lost its Spots'. The pupils absolutely loved them and so did I! 'A Tale of Two Shoes' provided so many fantastic opportunities for meaningful and engaging cross-curricular work. We ‘kicked off’ our topic with a wonderful ‘wear your favourite shoes to school day’, wrote descriptions of our favourite shoes, created ‘WANTED’ posters, designed our own shoes, investigated shoe sizes in school and so much more. The children were so excited to ‘meet’ Helen via Zoom and loved having the opportunity to ask her some very thoughtful questions, as well as meet her beautiful dogs. I couldn’t think of a better way to inspire, engage and motivate our pupils. We are all looking forward to reading more of Helen’s books this year!" Mrs Payton, Year 2 teacher. |
Fairfield Primary School, Cockermouth - Zoom visit
"Our school was lucky enough to have the opportunity of a virtual author visit in the Summer Term in connection to our reading 'A Tale of Two Shoes'. Our Year 2 children were enthused by the fact we were getting to meet a real-life, local author and loved the opportunity to learn and ask questions about how to become a writer. The children engaged in a session where they could learn about the process of writing a story from the plan to the finished, published product. From the session, our children worked hard to produce newspaper articles reporting the exciting events the two shoes went through and were proud to display these in our school. The story was thoroughly enjoyed by all the children and shared with their families. The children felt that the characters were exciting and relatable which was supported by clear morals running through the story."
Mrs Mossom, Year 2 teacher.
"Our school was lucky enough to have the opportunity of a virtual author visit in the Summer Term in connection to our reading 'A Tale of Two Shoes'. Our Year 2 children were enthused by the fact we were getting to meet a real-life, local author and loved the opportunity to learn and ask questions about how to become a writer. The children engaged in a session where they could learn about the process of writing a story from the plan to the finished, published product. From the session, our children worked hard to produce newspaper articles reporting the exciting events the two shoes went through and were proud to display these in our school. The story was thoroughly enjoyed by all the children and shared with their families. The children felt that the characters were exciting and relatable which was supported by clear morals running through the story."
Mrs Mossom, Year 2 teacher.
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St. Catherine's Catholic Primary School, Penrith (visit organised by Penrith Library)
"We read 'A Tale of Two Shoes' in September as it fit in so well with the other book, ‘Planet in a Pickle Jar’ that we had started the term with. This book by Martin Stanev also has a hard hitting message about the damage we are causing to the planet and what we can do to help. Both books running side-by-side has been excellent. I read 'A Tale of Two Shoes' over the course of a week and the children were genuinely excited to see what was going to happen to Shane and Sheila. Each time I put the book down and left it on a cliff hanger, the children were disappointed that I stopped reading.
It's been excellent to fit in with our current learning about the environment and what we can do to help future generations. It has generated talks about reduce-recycle-reuse. The 'Planet in a Pickle Jar' book has run alongside it and enabled us to do a little DT project about what we would preserve in a ‘pickle jar’ for future generations. Other activities we've done based on 'Two Shoes' are:
Mrs Jones, Year 3 / 4 teacher
"We read 'A Tale of Two Shoes' in September as it fit in so well with the other book, ‘Planet in a Pickle Jar’ that we had started the term with. This book by Martin Stanev also has a hard hitting message about the damage we are causing to the planet and what we can do to help. Both books running side-by-side has been excellent. I read 'A Tale of Two Shoes' over the course of a week and the children were genuinely excited to see what was going to happen to Shane and Sheila. Each time I put the book down and left it on a cliff hanger, the children were disappointed that I stopped reading.
It's been excellent to fit in with our current learning about the environment and what we can do to help future generations. It has generated talks about reduce-recycle-reuse. The 'Planet in a Pickle Jar' book has run alongside it and enabled us to do a little DT project about what we would preserve in a ‘pickle jar’ for future generations. Other activities we've done based on 'Two Shoes' are:
- Written questions that we would like to ask the author on a shoe template.
- Predicted what could happen to Shane and Sheila at different points in the book.
- Written speech bubbles between Shane and Sheila, and Sheila and the cat.
- We are going to do a book review of ‘A Tale of Two Shoes’.
- We are also going to learn about the features of a diary entry and then write a diary entry as one of the shoes.
- If time permits, it would be interesting to make a sea turtle out of rubbish.
Mrs Jones, Year 3 / 4 teacher
Booker Hill School, Buckinghamshire - Zoom visit
Booker Hill School used A Tale of Two Shoes for World Book Day 2025 in connection with their Careers Week. All classes read the story in the days leading up to WBD and came into school on the day wearing odd shoes, odd socks; and something recycled from a friend, charity shop or passed down from a parent or sibling. Lots of the children joined in and because they had read the book, they understood the meaning behind this.
The book was used to inspire a range of activities across the school:
“The children have all really enjoyed your book and it fitted really well with our ethos, our focus on sustainability and our careers week. Thank you for your emails and support with this event - it was great to have something so relevant and unique to focus on this World Book Day. We have had many children telling us they want to write stories, make books and be authors following your live sessions and one child who sometimes struggles to fully engage with school lessons went home and made their own book! ” K White, Year 6 teacher.
Booker Hill School used A Tale of Two Shoes for World Book Day 2025 in connection with their Careers Week. All classes read the story in the days leading up to WBD and came into school on the day wearing odd shoes, odd socks; and something recycled from a friend, charity shop or passed down from a parent or sibling. Lots of the children joined in and because they had read the book, they understood the meaning behind this.
The book was used to inspire a range of activities across the school:
- Reception children used junk modelling to make shoes out of recycled materials.
- Year 3 designed their own shoes.
- Year 6 designed their own shoes and made them from materials in the recycling bin. They also drafted stories as sequels to A Tale of Two Shoes and photographedtheir shoes outside with a view to making their own books. In addition, they used the image of the turtle as their inspiration for a piece of artwork for British Science Week. They had just completed two units of work on Environmental issues so this fitted in perfectly.
- Children in Yr 1 to Yr 6 submitted questions to Helen ahead of meeting her in a virtual visit to discover the story behind the story.
“The children have all really enjoyed your book and it fitted really well with our ethos, our focus on sustainability and our careers week. Thank you for your emails and support with this event - it was great to have something so relevant and unique to focus on this World Book Day. We have had many children telling us they want to write stories, make books and be authors following your live sessions and one child who sometimes struggles to fully engage with school lessons went home and made their own book! ” K White, Year 6 teacher.
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