A Selection of Jane's Books
Video:
Jane Elson
Type of Artist:
Events:
Sessions created around the themes of my books, perfect for 8-12 year olds.
I am from an acting/ improvisation background and these skills are used in my events which often start with a dramatic reading involving audience participation.
The audience will then go on to explore the themes in particular books - unlikely friendships, empathy, autism, bullying, animal welfare and social media influence. .
I have devised a specific workshop aimed at dyslexic students (I am dyslexic myself) with the intention of instilling confidence in students. I talk about dyslexia being a gift, and how it is possible to tap into the visual way that dyslexic writers can work to create stories using an ideas book.
For smaller groups I can also do a writing or drama workshop, details can be given on request.
Details
Preferred age range:My preferred age range is 8-12 year olds.
I also have experience of talking to student teachers and other groups of adults about my dyslexia and working with children with SEN.
I am an experienced drama and creative writing workshop facilitator, My book How to Fly With Broken Wings transcends into year 7 and 8. Should you want a separate author event for year 3. My Digby and Marvel Detective Agency series is suitable for that age bracket.
No of sessions per day:
My sessions are high powered and lively so three sessions in a day; an hour's interactive author talk at the start of the day, so the young people get to know me and my work. Followed by a book signing. A short break then a choice of a drama or creative writing workshop for a smaller group 60 maximum.
After Lunch in the afternoon an hour's workshop drama or creative writing. If you would like to substitute the hour workshops for less intense half-hour workshops, with even smaller groups this can be discussed.
Session Length:
My event would be 45-60 minutes.
The workshops would be an hour plus time for signing afterwards.
Areas prepared to travel to:
I live in North London but am happy to travel anywhere if overnight and travel expenses are met.
Transport:
Train – as per ticket price
Fees:
Please indicate which author you are interested in
DBS/CRB:
Public Liability Insurance via British Actors Equity & CRB check.
Website:
Titles include:
How to Fly With Broken Wings -winner of among others Peters Book of the Year, Calderdale Children’s Book Award, Shrewsbury Book Award and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
A Room Full of Chocolate – winner of Peters Book of the Year and the Leeds Book Award also nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
Will You Catch Me? -winner of the Wolverhampton Children's Book Award and the Alexandra Palace Children's Book Award .
Moon Dog – winner of The Barkers Book Award for dogs in literature, Spellbinding Cumbria Primary Book Award and the Inspire Book Award.
Storm Horse -Shortlisted for the Salford Book Award.
Testimonials:
Parkgate House School, Clapham
Jane was the most inspiring author and person. She has a unique way of reaching out to children and encouraging them to believe in themselves, particularly those who are low in confidence and need it most. Her presentations and workshop are bubbling with spark and enthusiasm, keeping audiences engaged from the beginning. Her passion for helping others is evident in the way she delivers her sessions. She manages the perfect balance of depth and meaning with humour. She is a genuinely kind, compassionate person and it was such a pleasure getting to know her! We would have her back in a heartbeat.
Lizzie Pickering Trustee of ChipLitFest:
I so enjoyed hearing Jane Elson speak to children at Charlbury School as part of the Chipping Norton Literary Festival Educational programme.
I felt she had given those children (particularly those with dyslexia and other challenges) a gift and really saw how she changed their perception in the hour she spent with them. I witnessed the dyslexic children go up to her at the end and they seemed liberated. A teacher told me that one in particular would never normally have been brave enough to ask questions let alone go up and talk to someone in front of the class. As a result of good speakers like Jane, we are now growing the educational side of the Festival. Truly inspirational!
Clare King, Headteacher:
Jane was our guest of honour at The Moat School for dyslexia’s Founders Day. Dyslexic herself, Jane is a talented author who spoke with intelligence and warmth and most significantly with humour about her first book, ‘’A Room Full of Chocolate’’. She captivated the audience, something of a challenge when you have a church full of pupils with ADHD! We laughed and cried at her experiences growing up with dyslexia; a speech she delivered in a truly self- deprecating manner. My parents reported that Jane was the best guest we had ever had and my only concern was how on earth we would be able to top her the following year. I would highly recommend Jane to you.
Lizz Skelly- Head of Publicity at Bloomsbury :
I worked with Jane for a year as her publicist whilst I was at Hachette Children's Books. Jane's background in acting means she is fantastic at events.
Her readings are superb and hold the audience captive. Jane also uses drama games to get the audience thinking about how to create stories. Additionally she is more than capable of thinking on her feet and improvising with the children as required which is really helpful for school events!
Jane's personal story of overcoming dyslexia to become an author is something which really resonates with her audience. At each of the events I've attended with her someone (adult or child!) has come up to her at the end and told her how they were inspired by her talk. We have even had students who traditionally struggle with storytelling and writing engage with Jane and her events.
Published work:
Other information:
Following the publication of her book Will You Catch Me? Jane was invited to be a trustee of the charity Nacoa -the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. In lockdown she was asked to write a spin off from Will You Catch Me entitled Lock Down Nell to encourage children of alcohol dependent parents to phone the helpline. It went global being used by alcohol agencies across the world. Click on the link https://youtu.be/cj7UKNvW6-E
Jane is also an ambassador for All Dogs Matter a rescue charity in North London.
Jane has won numerous awards:
HOW TO FLY WITH BROKEN WINGS
Winner of:
Weald Book Award 2017
Hillingdon Secondary Book of the Year 2016
Shrewsbury Book Award 2016
Peters Book of the Year 2016
Calderdale Book Of The Year 2016
Shortlisted:
Salford Children’s Book Award 2016
Lewisham Children’s Book Award shortlist 2016
Runner up Dudley Teen Book Award 2016
Phoenix Book Award 2016
Nominated for the Carnegie
Longlisted: Hounslow Junior Book Award 2015
A ROOM FULL OF CHOCOLATE
Longlisted:
Branford Boase Award
Nominated for the Carnegie
Winner of:
Leeds Book Award 2015
Peters Book of the Year 2015
Shortlisted:
Northants Childrens Book of the Year
SWIMMING TO THE MOON
Shortlisted:
Runner Up Harrow Junior Book Award
Dudley Teen Book Award
Will You Catch Me?
Winner of :
Alexandra Palace Book Award 2019
Wolverhampton Children’s Book Award 2019
Moon Dog
Winner of:
Cumbria Book Award 2021
Inspire Book Award 2022
Barkers Book Award 2022
Storm Horse
Shortlisted for:
Salford Book Award 2023
Photos: