Tony Bradman
Type of Artist:
Talks, workshops, readings for all ages.
I’ve done hundreds of school visits, Zoom calls with classes and year groups, appearances at festivals and other events. In schools I usually do several one-hour sessions of readings, talking about the writing process, and enthusing children and adults about reading for pleasure. I always make sure the sessions are interactive, giving plenty of time for everyone to ask questions, and I’m happy to adapt what I do to specific areas such as writing stories or specific books of mine. In recent years many of my visits have focused on my historical stories such as VIKING BOY and ANGLO-SAXON BOY.
Details
Preferred age range:I’m happy to work with nursery, KS1 and KS2. My recent historical fiction is also suitable for Years 7 and 8, especially as it tackles subjects such as toxic masculinity in accessible way, ie in pacy stories that feature a lot of action.
I have taught creative writing to adults, and I’m always happy to talk to adults about my own books, being a writer and the writing process - I’ve edited lots of books by other people, and I have a special interest in helping people understand how stories actually work. I’ve given talks to teachers, librarians and children’s books groups. I’ve also been a reviewer and generally involved in the world of children’s books for a long time, so I can talk about all that too.
Maximum number in any one session:
Single classes are best for things like story workshops or looking at a specific book. But I’m also happy to work with two or more classes or a whole year group for a talk. I’ve also done short talks and readings at whole school assemblies.
No of sessions per day:
Three to four one-hour sessions in a day, depending on the size of the groups!
Session Length:
Minimum 45 minutes to an hour, happy to do longer sessions if useful or appropriate, especially for workshops, ie all afternoon or even all day. And I’m always happy to take as long over signing sessions as necessary!
Areas prepared to travel to:
I live in south London, and I'm prepared to travel anywhere in London or the south east - Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire, Herts, Essex, Suffolk, even Oxfordshire and Cambs. I've done visits all over the country, although I tend not to do overnight stays any more - but I'm wiling to consider them it if involves several events, schools or something interesting!
Transport:
Usually by train/bus/public transport - but I do go by car occasionally, and I’m happy to cover the fuel cost myself.
Fees:
DBS/CRB:
No
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
Yes
Twitter:
@tbradman
Titles include:
Viking Boy, Anglo-Saxon Boy, Roman Boy, (Greek Boy coming in April 2026), Viking Boy: The Real Story (non-fiction). (All Walker)
Queen of Darkness, Revolt Against the Romans, Winter of the Wolves, Attack of the Vikings (all Bloomsbury Educational)
Bruno and Frida, Operation Banana, Anzac Boys, Football Crazy, When Saturday Comes, A Bad Day for Jayden (all Barrington Stoke)
Project X titles reading scheme titles from OUP (I was Lead Author).
Astros titles (as editor) from Hachette Learning (for beginner readers with literacy problems).
Scholastic Voices series (as editor) - titles by Benjamin Zephaniah, Patrice Lawrence, Bali Rai and others.