A Selection of Joanne's Books
Joanne Owen
Primary: Story-exploring through Martha Mayhem’s Madcap World
KS3: ‘Every Object Tells a Story’ talk/workshop to spark inspiration and creativity
Primary:
Martha Mayhem’s Madcap World story-exploring talks and workshops: in this lively interactive event, Joanne reveals ALL about Martha Mayhem’s madcap life in cheery Cherry Hillsbottom, and introduces attendees to Martha’s friends, including grumpy witch, Griselda Gritch. Joanne talks about what makes an exciting story, with tips to inspire budding writers. There will be copious costumes, Fascinating Facts aplenty (courtesy of Martha’s granddad Professor Gramps) and maybe – just maybe – a modicum of mayhem!
Secondary:
Every Object Tells a Story talk and workshop: in a highly visual talk, Joanne shares the tales, cultures and historical periods explored in her writing (e.g. European fairytales, Prague in the age of alchemy, Caribbean folklore), while the workshop sessions (themed around turning the spark of an idea into a story) invite students to select an interesting artifact as the basis for their own stories.
Type of Artist:
AuthorDetails
Preferred age range:Primary (Martha Mayhem events): Year 2,3 and 4
Secondary: Year 7, 8 and 9
Maximum number in any one session:
Maximum 30 for Martha Mayhem events and ‘Every Object Tells a Story’ workshops. No limit for ‘Every Object Tells a Story’ talks.
No of sessions per day:
Maximum three, but can be flexible, depending on the structure of the day – please see below.
Session Length:
Primary: Martha Mayhem events are typically 60 minutes
KS3 ‘Every Object Tells a Story’: talk is typically 45-60 minutes/workshop 30-45 minutes
Areas prepared to travel to:
Joanne is based in North London, but happy to travel anywhere, if transport and overnight expenses can be met.
Transport:
Public transport.
Fees:
Website:
Joanne Owen's publisher's page website
Titles include:
Martha Mayhem and the Barmy Birthday
Martha Mayhem and the Witch from the Ditch
Martha Mayhem Goes Nuts!
Circus of the Unseen (Hot Key Books)
Puppet Master (Orion Children’s Books)
The Alchemist and the Angel (Orion Children’s Books)
Wales Unlocked (Factfinder)
Testimonials:
"Joanne Owen's visit to our school was inspiring for both students and staff. It was really interesting gaining an insight into Joanne's creative processes and finding out about the objects, places and folk stories that inspire her writing.”
Mike Easdown, teacher, Yewlands Academy
"Joanne's visit made me want to pick up a pen and write." Ben, Year 9 student, Yewlands Academy
"Joanne's visit inspired me to read different genres of books and try something new."
Tom, Year 9 student, Yewlands Academy
“Thank you so much for the workshops last week. The feedback from the students has been incredibly positive. We will certainly look to be running more workshops in the future, so expect to hear from me again!”
Hannah Sullivan, Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Baysgarth School
“It was awesome!” Francesca, Year 7 student, Baysgarth School
“It has inspired me to write a new story.” Year 7 student, Baysgarth School
“Opened my imagination.” Year 7 student, Baysgarth School
“Joanne Owen’s author event is one of the most interesting I’ve seen; encompassing a solid grounding in story, narrative, and the world of an author, while also showcasing the unusual, the macabre, the historical, unique and the intriguing side of what inspires her writing. A confident speaker, Joanne has comfortably held audiences of hundreds of teens, and worked equally well with smaller groups.”
Nina Douglas, Senior Publicity Manager, Orion Children’s Books
Published work:
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