Simon James Books

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Children's Author and Illustrator, Author visits to schools, Book festivals,

Author Visits

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A typical school visit

A typical author school visit with Simon James will consist of three sessions. Simon will arrive at 9.15am in order to set up his equipment. The day will then usually follow a timetable, an example of which is set out below. Simon is always happy to discuss a timetable to suit your school.

  • 9.30 – 10.30. a session with Reception and Years 1 and 2
  • 10.45 – 12.00. a session with Years 3 and 4
  • Lunch
  • 1.30 – 3.00. a session with Years 5 and 6

Simon’s fees for an author visit are in line with the recommended charges set by The Society of Authors. Please contact Simon for details.

Preparing for a school visit

Simon brings a memory stick and so will need a projector, lap-top and screen. He will also require:

  •  A darkened room suitable for using a powerpoint presentation
  • A flip chart and black marker pens
  • A chair and table for his books, artwork, sketchbooks, etc.

(Simon is very experienced in speaking to very large groups, a microphone will be necessary for groups of 200+)
Sometimes it can enhance the visit if the audience is familiar with Simon’s books and has prepared some questions. However, this is not essential.

To book a school visit click HERE.

“I would like to extend a big thank you for delivering a talk at Exeter University this Tuesday, we were so pleased with the event and I do hope you enjoyed the session too. I know many of the students were engaged and inspired by your event. The feedback from students was great, just a few to share with you in particular: ‘Such an energising speaker.’ ‘I very much enjoyed how Simon talked us through his creative process  -fascinating and enjoyable.’ ‘I was inspired by understanding more about the writing process.’  Thank you again for your time.”

Mair George, Exeter University 

“On behalf of everyone at our school, I wanted to thank you for such an inspirational day. The children and staff haven’t stopped talking about you!  The impact of your visit was plain to see. Many children arrived the next day clutching books they had made, mostly about ‘Rex’ and ‘Baby Brains.’ Thank you again, for a memorable visit.”

Rachel Brotherton Headteacher, Sutton Veny Primary School School

Simon enjoys visiting schools, festivals, colleges and universities when time allows, and is an engaging and charismatic speaker.

Simon has spoken at all the major literary festivals in the U.K. and at conferences both here and in the U.S.A.
He can talk to small, large, or very large groups of children and adults from ages 3 to 103.
Simon can tailor his visit to meet your needs, some of the things a typical visit might include are:

  • Explaining his career and how he became an author/illustrator
  • Discussing how ideas develop into words and pictures, choosing words creatively and refining ideas
  • Sharing some of his draft books, sketch books, and materials that support his work
  • Story-telling, discussing book design and artwork using large images on screen of artwork from his books
  • Demonstrating his drawing and painting technique -this works best with class sized groups
  • Question and answer session
  • Book signing session

”Simon James came to visit Exwick Heights Primary School on World Book Day and all we can say is WOW! He worked with three large groups of children from Reception to Y6 and the experience could only be compared to magic. There was utter silence as all children were enthralled with the weaving of Simon’s storytelling. Character drawings seemed to be an extension of himself as they appeared on the paper. Every young mind was ignited, eager to write stories for themselves. Many children left school that day with vivid pictures in their minds, clutching a treasured signed book. A truly memorable day.”

Emma Slaven, Deputy Headteacher, Exwick Heights Primary School, Devon

“My son, who attends another school, really enjoyed his school’s visit by Simon and now wants to be an author when he grows up! His enthusiasm for writing has greatly increased since Simon’s visit and I would love the children in my class to feel that enthusiasm too. We have read many of Simon’s books in class and the children love them. When can he visit?”

Juliette Endacott, Teacher, Birmingham

“I wanted to write and personally thank you for your inspirational workshops today. Without exception, the children from Reception to Year 6 and all the staff were buzzing. The energy of your delivery, your wonderful story-telling technique, your humour and your phenomenal artistic talent kept us all mesmerised. On my part, with the challenge of inspection upon us, my hour in your session was a welcome break and I loved every minute. Thank you so much for sharing all your talents with the entire team and for coming to see us today, please visit again!”

Penelope Kirk, Headteacher, Winchester

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