A Selection of Jo's Books
Jo Simmons
Type of Artist:
Interactive talks, story making workshops and readings
My talks use lots of humour to walk children through the process of creating a story, from first ideas to finished book. I use props and storytelling to bring my books alive and I share my writing tips to hopefully inspire children to create their own stories and believe in their creativity. Workshops can vary to suit your needs and interests, but might explore coming up with an idea, how to develop a character and how to make the plot exciting and satisfying, through a series of short exercises. Most of my books are aimed at children from Year 3 to Year 6, but The Reluctant Vampire Queen is for slightly older readers in year 7 and 8.
Details
Preferred age range:7-13 year olds.
No of sessions per day:
Maximum of 3 sessions per day
Session Length:
Approx 45 minutes for a talk, questions and signing; about 60 minutes for a workshop
Areas prepared to travel to:
If travel and overnight expenses are met, anywhere. I live in Brighton in East Sussex.
Transport:
Rail and taxi preferred.
Fees:
Please indicate which author you are interested in
DBS/CRB:
No
Titles include:
The Reluctant Vampire Queen
I Lost My Granny in the Supermarket
I Stole My Genius Sister’s Brain
My Parents Cancelled My Birthday
I Swapped My Brother on the Internet
The Dodo Made me do it
Super Loud Sam
Super Loud Sam and Birdman
Testimonials:
'Jo was brilliant and the children absolutely loved her visit. She delivered a talk to year 3 and 4, and another to year 5 and six, also took the time to chat to a small group of children at lunchtime! The year 4 teachers spoke very highly of her workshop in the afternoon. I know they were so pleased with some of their reluctant writers who wrote a whole page after her session. She definitely inspired the children and we have one year 3 class who are particularly obsessed! Her books are on their 'What's Trending' board too - there's so much enthusiasm for them and for Jo's writing in the school now’
Smallberry Primary School, Isleworth
'Jo spoke about her own road to becoming a published writer and read from her book, both of which really captured the interest of the children. Jo answered the children’s questions with great respect, honesty and good humour.
The children were engaged throughout and thoroughly enjoyed meeting her.
She had a lovely manner with the children and communicated with them on a very appropriate level without being at all patronizing. The children were very enthused about the book and learning about becoming an author.'
Teacher, Stanford Junior School
'I accompanied Jo on a 1-day tour of schools in Lewes, East Sussex, to promote Pip Street: A Whiskery Mystery. Jo did a fantastic job and I had great feedback from the schools, who had all enjoyed the visit. We visited three different schools, and Jo spoke to quite a wide range of different group sizes and age ranges. One of the schools wanted all the pupils from Yr 1 right up to Yr 6 to see her, which can be quite challenging for an author, but Jo managed to keep them all enthralled!’
Anna Morgan, Owner of independent children’s bookshop Bags of Books in Lewes, East Sussex
Published work: