A Selection of Sue's Books
Sue Palmer
Type of Artist:
High energy, interactive, cross-curricular workshops and school assemblies. Library and festival talks.
Secrets of the Shore – (KS2/3 Workshop or talk)
In my workshop-style session, I share the backdrop to my fast-paced, award-winning adventure/mystery, The Shell Secret.
With a focus on my Cornish heritage and the role the Southwest played in WWII, I introduce pupils to the uniqueness of the Cornish coast.
They will learn about strange-looking creatures, ingenious rock pool survival tactics and get hands on experience of my very special collection of shells and Lego.
A great compliment to KS2 study of living things, habitats and WWII history.
My sessions are interactive, fun, educational and usually competitive (with prizes involved).
About The Shell Secret
The Shell Secret provides rich cross-curricular text for KS2/3, combining mystery, history, setting and emotional depth in a way that supports both reading for pleasure and classroom learning.
Set among the beaches, caves and castles of the Cornish coast, it offers schools a compelling starting point for discussion, creative writing and topic-based study.
With one timeline set during WWII and another in the near-present day, The Shell Secret explores how the past shapes people, places and families. Alongside its fast-paced plot, the story opens thoughtful discussion around displacement, intergenerational relationships, grief, friendship and resilience.
Details
Preferred age range:7 – 12-year-olds
(For festivals and library events, younger and older siblings are welcome)
Maximum number in any one session:
Workshops – Up to 60 children Talks – Up to 100
No of sessions per day:
2-3 workshops per day (depending on objectives/session length)
3 talks per day (depending on length)
Session Length:
60-120 minutes per workshop (excluding book signing)
60 minutes per talk (including book signing)
Areas prepared to travel to:
I am based in South Oxfordshire but would be willing to travel up to 60 minutes from my location on the day for an event. Or to the following areas, if overnight expenses are met:
Hampshire,
Gloucestershire
London,
Dorset,
Berkshire
Wiltshire
Northamptonshire
Surrey
Cornwall
Devon
South Wales
Fees:
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
No
Titles include:
The Shell Secret
Testimonials:
Teacher/Librarian Endorsements
An engaging workshop…She captivated the children with fascinating facts about the unusual creatures that inhabit our local rock pools.
Ladygrove Park Primary
We keep getting lovely feedback from both the kids and parents. How entertaining, fascinating, relaxing and educational your workshop was!
Headington Library
Thank you for delivering two engaging and entertaining sessions to some very excited children.
Watlington Library
Thank you so much for the amazing workshops this morning. The children really enjoyed them, and I had quite a few staff members tell me how much they enjoyed them too!
<pSt. John’s School, WallingfordWe had a fantastic visit from Sue Palmer this week who really engaged the Year 3 & 4s with all kinds of details of shells and sea life whilst talking about her book, The Shell Secret.
Europa School UK
Sue bought along a magnificent collection of seashells and talked in detail about the lives of rock pool creatures. Thanks to Sue for such an engaging, informative & entertaining session. We are already looking forward to her return when her next book is published!
Reading Children’s Book Group, Fourbears Bookshop, Caversham
Sue was great. She engaged the children and brought her story to life through props and games. The children were captivated by her session. A great booking for Badgemore.
Badgemore Primary School, Henley – An Accelerated Reader user
Other information:
My aim is to involve every child in the session and give them an opportunity to be heard. Group challenges, quiz questions and prizes are some of the ways in which I do this, even with large groups.