Anyone arranged an 'author' visit? (ROISIN?)

[unicorn]

i am trying to get something sorted for dd's primary school for children't book week.

Has anyone got any a)brilliant authors (ie who talk well to kids!) b)experience of arranging this?

[Janh]

I wonder if nobody asks Quentin Blake usually, because they think he's too busy and high-powered and important, and in fact he's secretly longing to do it...?

Worth a shot, unicorn!

[roisin]

The children's laureate has some sponsorship/funding - so that might explain the Quentin Blake thing. The new children's laureate (Michael Morpurgo has just finished) will be announced on 26 May.

Who's on the shortlist? Does anyone know?

[unicorn]

apparently Morpungo knows who it is but won't tell!!

(I tried MM first of all - but he will be 'taking a break' after a busy 2 years)

Great ideas here - I will have to try for a freebie first and then see if the school will stump up some dosh.

[unicorn]

Morpugo!!

Anyone ever booked Jacqueline Wilson?

[Mud]

personally I would be careful about booking the more famous people, as IMHO they tend to do less and go on their names and the books (but they get booked cos they're great writers - writers do not necessarily make the best show) - less famous authors work harder and look for one who understands the curriculum

HTH

[unicorn]

Morpurgo even...

I'm tired!!!!

[unicorn]

very true Mud..
Anthony lishak looks v interesting... just got to see if the school will spend anything!!!

[Doddle]

We had Jacqueline Wilson at the last school I taught at, she was great, the children really enjoyed it. We also had Malorie Blackman who was very good too.