A Selection of Ross's Books
Videos:
Trailer for The Midnight Guardians
Trailer for CHRISTMAS DINNER OF SOULS
Me reading the first chapter of CHRISTMAS DINNER OF SOULS
Ross Montgomery
Type of Artist:
I write weird and wonderful books for children, and my school events reflect this – they’re filled with fun facts and jokes, and teach children to look at the world around them with fresh eyes!
With seven years of primary school teaching experience I’m comfortable talking to children of any age group.
I do both creative writing workshops – for example, teaching children how to use vivid descriptive language to bring their ideas to life – and large assembly-style talks on key topics in my books such as space, fear, and the millions of things around us we cannot see. I also explain how I became a writer, talk about the importance of reading, and give lots of advice on how to improve your own writing."
Details
Preferred age range:I have seven years of teaching experience, which means I’m comfortable talking to all age ranges – whether it’s EYFS and KS1 for my picture books, lower KS2 for my chapter books, or upper KS2 and Year 7 for my longer MG titles.
Maximum number in any one session:
I ask for a maximum of 35 children in a writing workshop – for an assembly-style talk, the sky’s the limit! Currently my highest number has been 600…
No of sessions per day:
I can offer 3 sessions in a day, depending on exactly what your school needs.
Session Length:
For EYFS, a 30min reading usually works best - for all other workshops, an hour is the ideal amount of time. The usual structure is: 15 minutes of introduction, including a reading, 30 minutes of an activity or discussion, and 15 minutes for questions at the end. Time for signing afterwards is always good!
Areas prepared to travel to:
I live in London, but am happy to travel anywhere. My travel expenses are a standard class rail ticket – the earliest train I can get is 7.30am: otherwise I’ll need nearby accommodation for the night before.
Transport:
Public transport
Fees:
Please indicate which author you are interested in
DBS/CRB:
PLI and DBS check
Website:
Titles include:
THE MIDNIGHT GUARDIANS (ages 8+)
When Col’s childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians – a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight – Col must travel to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister. But there are darker forces at work, even worse than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything…
THE CHIME SEEKERS (ages 8+)
When an evil faerie steals Yanni's baby sister and swaps her for a Changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back. For faeries delight in tricks and rescuing her won't be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant Changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way. Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own, if he's to outwit the faerie and save his sister...
TRIPWRECKED!: TEMPEST TERROR (ages 6+)
Only a sensible, level head can save the day when disaster strikes on a school trip in this hilariously slapstick introduction to Shakespeare's The Tempest.
Frank and his drama club are off on a dream school trip to perform The Tempest at a festival. But it turns into a nightmare when their ferry is hit by a terrible storm! Half of the actors wash up on a sandy shore and they can't believe their eyes. Is this a desert island? Why is there strange music coming from the forest? Where are the rest of the cast? To Frank, it all sounds strangely like the plot of The Tempest and he hasn't got a clue how they're going to get out of this mess. One thing's for sure ... they've been tripwrecked!
TEN DELICIOUS TEACHERS (with Sarah Warburton, age 3+)
Ten very foolish teachers have missed the last bus home. But LOOK - a shortcut through the forest! They'll be back in time for tea! Off they skip, unaware that in the woods a hungry horde of mischievous and hilariously goofy monsters is waiting...
An irreverent and zany counting book that is gently thrilling and written in a deliciously infectious rhyme with witty and whimsical illustrations.
Other books:
ALEX, THE DOG & THE UNOPENABLE DOOR
THE TORNADO CHASERS
PERIJEE & ME
THE BUILDING BOY (with David Litchfield)
CHRISTMAS DINNER OF SOULS
MAX & THE MILLIONS
SPACE TORTOISE (with David Litchfield)
THE FINNEY ISLAND FILES
ROCK BOTTOM: A MIDSUMMER NIGHTMARE
Testimonials:
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“Ross attended our “Words for Children” event this year and immediately engaged the children with his entertaining dialogue. Ross skilfully included every child by getting them to think about their own favourite books and authors before describing his journey to become an author. We were delighted to find out that Ross shares our school values and positive attitudes towards learning which, in partnership with a great deal of hard work, have contributed to his success as an author. As he read the first chapter of “Perijee and me” we became so absorbed in the story that we could not wait to hear more….even our youngest children were inspired. A Year One boy, who has struggled to write this year, announced to his mum that evening that he was going to be an author! He began his book as soon as he got in from school…” Jill Nixon, Headteacher (Robert Piggott C of E Infant School) “Ross Montgomery showed not only his imagination and ability as an author but his experience in the classroom; he engaged with the children immediately and held their attention, and skilfully managed to draw out the less forthcoming members of the group and turn the attention away from the more ebullient ones. All the children and teachers alike enjoyed the well-prepared workshops and gained much from his creative and structured approach. He was generous with his time signing books for the children at the end of the school day - a very successful visit.” Cordelia Bou (Broomfield House School) “We felt incredibly honoured to be able to welcome children's author Ross Montgomery into school to work with Year 4 this morning. His latest novel, Perijee & Me, is at the heart of our topic for this half term - his visit couldn't have come at a better time! “Ross Montgomery proved to be just as funny, witty and charming as his writing. Wonderfully professional and personable, the children loved his fact-filled presentation and the teachers were delighted that he managed to be educational whilst being so entertaining. His books are absolutely barmy and all the more brilliant for it, luckily as a human being he seems to be completely sane and was a joy to work with. We look forward to reading whatever he does next and would welcome him back any time!” Katie Clapham, Storytellers Inc. Bookshop
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Published work: