A Selection of Gary's Books
Gary Northfield
Type of Artist:
i) Book specific session
ii) Cartoon workshops
i) Book specific sessions, including description on how I became an author/illustrator, the work I’ve done, description of the current book series, a reading and then finally a draw along.
ii) Cartoon workshops including short intro, how I create characters, creating a character as a group, then the class create their own individual characters. Then how to create a simple story with your character, including a short 4 panel comic created by the class, leading to each child creating their own short story.
Details
Preferred age range:6-11 year olds
Maximum number in any one session:
No maximum
No of sessions per day:
Three: two in the morning, one in the afternoon.
Session Length:
45 - 60 minutes for both, with time for signings afterwards.
Areas prepared to travel to:
Prefer upto 50 miles out from London, so I can get back home on the day (and get to the school easily enough in the mornings!). Happy to do occasional overnight stays.
Transport:
Train
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
Yes
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
No
Titles include:
Leif The Unlucky Viking: Saga of the Shooting Star
Julius Zebra - 5 book series.
The Phoenix Weekly Comic
Testimonials:
"The wonderful author-illustrator Gary Northfield has twice visited our Bexley borough libraries with his wonderfully entertaining cartoon workshop, in February 2020 and again in August 2024. He was so brilliantly entertaining on the first occasion effortlessly engaging with around 40 young people aged 6+ that we felt that we just had to invite him back again for a return visit and he didn’t disappoint.
On the first visit Gary focused on his hilarious ‘Julius Zebra’ series and whilst telling the audience about his books and some fun facts he got them all drawing some simple cartoon characters. On his more recent visit Gary introduced the audience to the first title in his new series ‘Leif the unlucky Viking’. The session was full of Viking facts and drawing tips for budding young cartoonists this event had everyone laughing out loud as Gary introduced the hilarious world of Leif the.. Again Gary was fantastically entertaining imparting lots of viking facts and leading the children in a draw along. .The library staff received many compliments from parents about the event.
In short I can highly recommend Gary for library/bookshop/school festival visits. He is talented, charming, entertaining and brilliant to work with."
Susan Prior, Librarian, Bexley.
"Our Year 2 pupils were absolutely captivated by Gary and had so much fun at his workshop. He really listened to the children’s ideas and incorporated them into his drawings and they loved hearing all about his life as an author and illustrator. Gary’s workshop was interactive and inclusive and the pupils loved having a go at drawing their own characters. Since his visit, copies of his books have been flying off our library shelves which is a true testament to the positive impact of his workshop."
Victoria Edwards, librarian Alleyn’s Junior School
“Gary’s visit to us was huge success. He was a pleasure to work with before, on and after the visit, and demonstrated a remarkable level of energy during his talks. The students were enthralled by him throughout and his books remain some of our most popular. Most importantly though – I can now draw an impressive zebra!”
Amy McKay - Corby Business Academy
Other information:
I like to use powerpoint for my talks, and a Flipchart to draw live on. I would like the children to have access to a pencil and paper to draw along with too, please.