A Selection of Ruth's Books
Ruth Symes
Type of Artist:
Talks/workshops for primary age and special needs children about my books.
For slightly older children (5+), I usually run animal story writing and illustration workshops based on my witching 'Bella Donna' books or my ecological fantasy 'Secret Animal Society' series.
The workshops also include a short presentation about the books and animal characters in them beforehand.
I’m a qualified teacher and have taught children with learning difficulties, including children with autism and PMLD, for ten years, both in England and abroad, before becoming a full-time writer.
I’m a member of the National Deaf Children’s Society, currently learning BSL and always happy to use it 😄
‘Dancing Harriet and ‘Little Rex’ are two of the picture books I often use for multi-sensory story-times where we transform the room with sound and colour and smells and touch as well as craft, movement and dance activities, if appropriate.
Details
Preferred age range:3 - 10 for primary schools.
2 upwards for children with special needs.
Maximum number in any one session:
I’m happy to talk to small or large groups. I’ve given quite a few presentations to groups of 700 plus and am very happy to give talks to the whole school or a group of schools at once.
No of sessions per day:
Usually 3 – two in the morning and one in the afternoon. But it would really depend on the group – so do ask.
Session Length:
The presentations/workshops are usually 45-50 minutes with questions at the end totalling roughly an hour. Plus book signing. But this can be geared to the needs of the school.
Areas prepared to travel to:
Anywhere if travel expenses are met and overnight accommodation provided if required. I live in Bedfordshire.
Transport:
Car @ 45p a mile or train
Fees:
Please indicate which author you are interested in
DBS/CRB:
Yes PLI via full membership of Equity. Plus DBS check and certificate.
Website:
Titles include:
Ruth Symes books:
Picture books:
Harriet Dancing,
Little Rex Big Brother,
Little Rex and the Big Roar,
The Sheep Fairy,
Floppy Ears,
Mondays at Monster School
The Bella Donna series
Cornflake the Dragon
Little Rex series
Testimonials:
‘Twirling butterflies and dancing hedgehogs – the little ones just adored her’ Wytchwood Festival
‘A wonderful afternoon of magic and song’ – Ramsey Library
‘My little boy was quiet during the session and didn’t want to join in but when we got home he went racing round the house singing the dinosaur song! Happy Mum after Milton Keynes Waterstones event.
Published work:
