Who We Work With

The Author/Illustrating team best known for the Lighthouse Keeper stories do their visits together – Ronda makes a story up with her audience, David does the accompanying illustrations. Ideal for Infant schools, Ronda is an ex-teacher and is originally from New Zealand, David from Australia. The lighthouse was inspired by a visit to Beachy Head.

Another ex-teacher: Bernard was a Headteacher in London for over 30 years. He is the author of over 20 books from picture books like Cleversticks and Double the Love to the thrillers for young adults starring Ben Maddox. His first novel, The Trouble with Donovan Croft (recently re-issued by OUP), was published in 1974 and won the 'Other' Award, an alternative to the Carnegie Medal (for which he has subsequently been shortlisted three times).

Ian is an Author/Illustrator who started his career designing album covers (including Elton John’s Yellow Brick Road) then moved on to Children’s Books. He has illustrated traditional tales like Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid and Philip Pullman’s Puss in Boots, as well as his own stories like The Teddy Robber. His most recent novels for older children about Tom Trueheart are currently being adapted by Hollywood for release in 2010.

Denis has an acting and a teaching background. He stopped teaching when he was commissioned to write Pipkins for children’s television, and went on to write for Rainbow, Let’s Pretend and to create The Munch Bunch. Denis is the author of a series of picture books for younger children, and several novels for older kids. His teaching and acting continue with his very popular school visits: he’s done visits all over the world combining performance with a writing workshop for Years 5 and 6.

One of Tony’s best known creations in a productive writing career is Dilly the Dinosaur. Tony has written fiction, poetry and edited a number of highly successful anthologies, and continues to write about and review children's books. His most recent work is overseeing a huge new series for Oxford University Press – PROJECT X - which aims to bring the reading scheme into the 21st century. He is great in Primary Schools, and addressing Adult Professional audiences.

One of the World’s top illustrators and writers of picture books – Anthony’s surreal twists in story and picture are enjoyed by young and old. His titles include Gorilla, Willy the Wimp and My Mum. Anthony visits schools to work with children and tell them about the thinking behind his books, and also does a lecture for adults about his work.

Ex-Children’s Laureate, two time Carnegie Prize-winner and two-time Whitbread Award winner, Anne is a popular and extremely prestigious Author visitor for Primary, Secondary and Adult Audiences. She might have written How to Write Really Badly, but her many titles which include Madame Doubtfire, Road of Bones and Tulip Touch prove her writing is anything but!

Morris lives in Australia, but does make trips to the UK and Europe to visit schools and libraries. His titles include Two Weeks with the Queen, and most recently Once and Then, Morris is great with KS2 / KS3 audiences if you can catch him when he’s in the country.

Jane is the Writer and Illustrator best known for the Old Bear books – drawn from the toys that Jane used to play with as a child which now accompany her on her visits. She studied illustration at art college, and was taught by Raymond Briggs before becoming an Art teacher herself. Her stories and the meticulous drawings that accompany them are now published worldwide.

George combines writing with acting, so his visits are fitted around filming schedules and kids often recognise him from his TV appearances. George’s short stories The Fib, The Trick, and The Lie are very popular with a KS2 / lower secondary audience. He has recently done a lot of visits specially designed to appeal to boy readers.

Christopher gives a highly entertaining talk on the history of the Earth, from Big Bang to present day. The author of  What on Earth happened? and What on Earth Evolved?, Christopher is a mine of historical information, with plenty of human interest and environmental history added for good measure. Previously a Sunday Times journalist, Christopher’s talks fit equally well into a school Science Week as well as a Non-fiction element for a Book Week. His talks are most suitable for KS2, Secondary Schools and Adult Audiences.

Linda is best known for her award winning novels for young adults but has recently added books for younger readers and a picture book to her titles. She started writing while teaching English and though a full-time writer now, is still a frequent visitor to schools. Twice nominated for the Carnegie Prize, she won the Costa Children’s Book of the Year (formerly known as the Whitbread) for Set in Stone.

Another ex-headteacher, Chris has taught at all levels from infants to postgraduate. He’s the author of 80+ books from picture books to novels. Recent work includes several titles for reluctant readers for publisher Barrington Stoke. Chris is happy talking to all Primary age kids, runs an INSET for teachers and a talk designed for Parents. He also addresses professional audiences for conferences and after-dinner events. A regular broadcaster, he is currently book editor for Classic FM.

Writer, Poet, Broadcaster, and 2007-9 Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen doesn’t really need an introduction. His performances of poetry are much more stand-up than recital : but underlying all the fun is a serious commitment to encouraging Poetry and Creativity into schools. He works with all age groups of school children, addresses Teachers, Librarians and professional groups on many book-related subjects. But please be warned: because of this versatility, he’s much in demand, and there is quite a waiting list for visits from Michael.

Pauline was introduced to the agency after being recommended by Michael Rosen. The author of What’s in the Pan Man? and Singing down the Breadfruit, Pauline was born in Hackney to Parents originally from Jamaica. She really brings poetry to life, and is happy working with all ages – from simple rhymes with reception to poetry workshops for primary school children. She has judged poetry for the Roald Dahl Foundation.

The books jackets tell us to “Laugh your socks off with Jeremy Strong” and junior school kids (and adults) do! Hugely popular, Jeremy is an ex-headteacher with a special interest in children who are becoming independent readers and those not particularly interested in reading.  Children love the extraordinary twists he brings to real-life situations.

Kaye was a primary school teacher for “years and years”. Her first book was published just before the birth of her daughter, who is now in her twenties. Her most infamous creation is Pongwiffy, the witch of dirty habits. She is happiest in Primary schools, but she can occasionally be persuaded to address a conference but she says they are scary because all the people there are “so well read”.

Author/Illustrator Bob Wilson is best known for his character Stanley Bagshaw and the characters of Pump Street Primary. The Huddersgate of Stanley’s world reflects that of Bob’s childhood in Stoke-on-Trent.His comic strip style is appealing to all ages Primary to Secondary. Bob also gives a story-building workshop.

Kit is a distinguished poet for adults as well as children: the author of more than 25 books, his work includes Dolphinella, Hot Dog, and Cat Among the Pigeons. The winner of many prizes including an Arts Council Writers' Award, the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize, and the Hawthornden Prize, he is happy to visit both primary and secondary schools.