Helen (H.L.) Dennis
Type of Artist:
Talk supported by visuals and interactive elements based around where my inspiration comes from, the life of a writer and the ideas used in my books.
Talk designed to encourage creativity, curiosity and perseverance and so useful when trying to encourage children to pursue their dreams and be active learners…not just as a way of encouraging reading.
Talk can be tailored to fit alongside school programmes or to focus on particular themes if required.
After the talk, I am happy to give a Q&A session and sign copies of books. (No number restriction for talks.)
Details
Preferred age range:Any age from Year 3 up! So age 7+ to cover all of Key stage 2 and 3.
No of sessions per day:
No limit, providing timetabling looks logical!
Session Length:
Up to 60 minutes for Talk (Q and A and signing time added as extra)
45 minutes for workshops
Please allow time for a break between sessions
Areas prepared to travel to:
I am based in Eastbourne but am willing to travel anywhere if overnight expenses and travel are met.
Transport:
I go everywhere by train! Nearest station is Eastbourne.
Fees:
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
Enhanced CRB from East Sussex 2013
Website:
H L Dennis's website for Secret Breakers series
Titles include:
River of Ink series age 10 +
Book One: Genesis
Book Two: Zenith
Book 3 : Mortal
Book 4: Immortal
Secret Breakers series by H. L Dennis (6 books series published May 2012- Oct 2014) age 8+
Book One: The Power of Three
Book Two: Orphan of the Flames
Book Three: The Knights of Neustria
Book Four: Tower of the Winds
Book Five: The Pirate’s Sword
Book Six: Circle of Fire
Testimonials:
‘I was Helen’s publicist when her first book came out, and have been lucky enough to see her in action many times at schools, festivals, libraries and bookshops. I can say without reservation that Helen’s events are fantastic – they are educational whilst being brilliant fun; they’re very interactive, with lots of ‘doing’ elements that children love; her events can work for different audiences sizes, from a workshop for 20 to a multi-schools theatre event.
Helen also has great resources for teachers who want to use her books for follow up activities. I think Helen is the most enthusiastic and energised author I’ve worked with! I cannot recommend her events highly enough.’
Rebecca Logan Publicity Manager, Hachette Children's Group
Helen Dennis is absolutely wonderful; her visits have been so brilliant, we have invited her back to our school on several occasions.
Helen's visits have been very popular with the girls (we are an all-girls school, but I don't doubt that she would be equally popular with boys), and her experience as a teacher is obvious. She holds the attention of the room naturally - she is dynamic, interesting and fun. For the Secret Breakers talks Helen brought along props and code activities (and different ones each time she came!), which were well thought out and really brought her talks to life. Every child has a chance to be actively involved.
Helen is equally brilliant talking about her books, her life, following her dreams, and running writing workshops. She is genuine, engaging, inspirational and clearly loves what she is doing. She has a real warmth with the kids, and they absolutely love her! Helen's love of literature is contagious, and she gets the girls engaged with whatever she's talking about, be it reading, History, Music or Maths (all of which are touched on in the Secret Breakers series). A member of our Maths department helped at one of her visits, and was so impressed, she invited her in for Maths Week.
I can't recommend Helen Dennis highly enough; if you get a chance to have her visit your school, jump on it!
Mrs E Lewis Assistant Librarian, Moira House Girls School, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Published work:
Other information:
Download further information about Helen's sessions here:
Helen Dennis information sheet about events.
Award nominations:
Book Awards
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ winner of the Salisbury Schools’ Book Award 2017
Salisbury Schools’ Book Award 2017
‘River of Ink: Genesis winner of the Hampshire Book Award 2017
Hampshire Book Award 2017
‘River of Ink’: Genesis’ has won Bronze at the Amazing Book Award 2017
Amazing Book Awards 2017
Award Nominations
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ chosen as a BookTrust Book Buzz Title 2016/2017
The Book Trust
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ shortlisted for North Somerset Teacher’s Book Award 2016 (Moving On Category)
North Somerset Teachers Book Awards 2016
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ shortlisted for Essex Teenage Book Award 2017
Essex Book Awards 2017
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ longlisted for Redbridge Teenage Book Award 2017
Redbridge Children’s Book Award 2017
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ shortlisted for the Wandsworth Schools FAB Awards 2017
Wandsworth Schools FAB Awards
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ shortlisted for the Ealing Readers Award 2017
Ealing Readers Award
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ has been shortlisted for the Salford Children’s Book Award 2017/18
‘River of Ink: Genesis’ has been nominated for St Alban’s Schools Book Award 2017
St Alban’s Schools Book Award
Photos: