A Selection of Thomas's Books
Thomas Taylor
Type of Artist:
Hour long interactive presentation about Malamander and the Eerie-on-Sea books, including Q&A. Can be extended by a further half hour if ‘Scribble Beasts’ workshop is included.
Hour long interactive assembly about the inspiration behind Malamander and the Eerie-on-Sea series. I bring props and beachcombed objects to show how inspiration can be found in almost anything, with an emphasis on imagination and fearlessness in storytelling. The presentation itself is about 40 minutes, with the rest of the time given over to a Q&A about the stories, as well life as a writer and publishing in general. If anyone wants to ask specifically about my connection to Harry Potter, this is usually when it comes up. I end on a drawing stunt I call ‘Scribble Beasts’, where I turn the children’s scribbles into creatures and characters, to further emphasis the point that anything can be turned into something with a little imagination. This can then launch a half hour story creation workshop for smaller groups. I’m always happy to make time for a book signing too, where possible.
Details
Preferred age range:All of KS2, but primarily Yrs 5 & 6
Maximum number in any one session:
Up to 300 in a talk, or more if facilities allow. No more than 40 in a workshop. (Workshop is optional)
No of sessions per day:
Preferably 2, but will consider 3. Fewer if also doing workshops.
Session Length:
Presentation and Q&A is about an hour. Workshops are 30 minutes on top of that.
Areas prepared to travel to:
South East and London are easiest, but happy to travel further if costs are covered.
Transport:
Car, at 40p per mile. Train, if fare is covered.
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
Yes (DBS)
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
Yes
Website:
Twitter:
@ThomasHTaylor
Titles include:
Malamander, Gargantis, Shadowghast, Festergrimm, Mermedusa
Testimonials:
Tidbury Green School were thrilled to recently be visited by Thomas Taylor. His Eerie-on-Sea series is already very popular in school (one of our Y5 texts is Malamander) so everyone was very excited to listen to and meet Thomas. It was such a joy to finally meet Thomas: he was fantastic with the children and so inspiring to listen to.
Thomas’ presentation immediately hooked the children. He had brought along the mermonkey, unique smell jars and he talked to the children about the inspirations behind Eerie-on-Sea. Thomas was well prepared and had also brought along other trinkets he had found on his seaside walks (our school is not by a beach so this surprised the children). What has really stayed with all of us from Thomas’ visit is the importance of being present and finding inspiration in everything around us. During Thomas’ workshop, he asked the children lots of questions and was responding attentively to their answers. We will never forget that magical spyglass moment in the dark!
After the workshop, Thomas was so kind to sign books for the children. He was keen to know the children’s names so this amazed them. He also stayed after school so that parents could come and say hello too. I would highly recommend having Thomas in to visit your school – highly entertaining, inspiring and such a thoughtful man, I can definitely see across KS2 how he has inspired our pupils with their current piece of writing. We look forward to welcoming Thomas back soon!
Tom Griffiths, Assistant Headteacher, Tidbury Green School
Our visit from Thomas was a huge success! Both children and staff were very excited beforehand, and really loved the interactivity of his assembly.
Thomas' books are now constantly on loan from our library and everyone is still talking about our visit to Eerie-on-Sea!
Caroline Clary, William Cobbett Primary School, Farnham
Other information:
My presentation is very interactive, and includes passing things around, and my walking among the audience, if possible. I have to collect these things back at the end.