Keynotes, Festivals, Conferences & Author Visits
I travel around the world sharing my story of how I left school with virtually no qualifications, being dyslexic, having had 10 units of blood after an operation that went wrong, raising an autistic adult, to becoming the creator of the characters of the first animation that features a black British family. I talk about my new children’s picture book: My Skin, Your Skin, and ongoing new television productions.
I am very flexible on what and how I deliver, for instance through question and answer sessions, panel discussions and/or key notes.
Author visits: Nursery/infants
"We invited Laura into our Reception classroom to share her book 'JoJo and Gran-Gran' with the class. She retold the story interactively using props and then discussed with the children different family members and activities that they do with their families. The children were so excited and enjoyed reading her book and discussing her visit afterwards too! Thank you so much Laura, we will be inviting you back again for sure!”
Georgina Betts, early literacy lead and Reception class teacher, Redriff Primary School
With these visits, I read my popular JoJo and Gran Gran book and bring along a range of props to bring the story to life. I provide the children with provocations to write their thoughts on the books, which includes extension activities.
Author visits: Juniors
Leading writing workshops with children, planting a love of story writing. Sharing how I wrote JoJo and Gran Gran. Supporting children to write stories within the session.
Author visits Secondary schools/colleges
Delivering inspiring and impactful talks for students, sharing my story and inspiring students to be the best they can be.
"It was an honour to have such an influential and successful woman spend time with us at Sutton High School to celebrate our study of Inspirational Women in Literature. Laura spoke to the girls about her fascinating life with warmth, truth and joy, which embraces perfectly our school ethos. She shared her own story demonstrating perseverance and determination to overcome any obstacles to success, encouraging the girls to never give up and to remain true to yourself.””
Tracey Hill, Prep School Literacy Lead, Sutton High School
Libraries and community events/groups:
Similar to my nursery and primary school visits, I also carry out author visits at a number of events and libraries.
"Laura toured several libraries in Lambeth retelling from her wonderful intergenerational story between grandchild JoJo and her grandmother Gran Gran to our under 5 Storytime sessions. These sessions were very successful with parents being able to meet Laura and speak to her about her book which is very relatable to many young children.
Lambeth Libraries wish Laura every success with tales of JoJo and Gran Gran and hope she will visit us again.”
Sandra Davidson, development librarian – children and young people, London Borough of Lambeth
Keynote speeches
I travel around the world sharing my story of how I left school with virtually no qualifications, being dyslexic, having had to have 10 pints of blood after an operation that went wrong, raising an autistic adult, to becoming the creator of the characters of the first animation that features a black British family.
"Laura delivered one of our keynote addresses at the recent international 3rd HCT Education Student Research Conference in Abu Dhabi. The session was extremely well received and we are already in discussions as to how we can continue to work with Laura for the benefit of both our students and faculty.”
Phil Quirk, executive dean education, Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE
Tips on writing children’s picture books and scriptwriting
I often get asked how to write books and scripts for children. I would advise to write about something that you are passionate about and that comes naturally to you.
This book is a great starting point
BBC Writers Room
Sign up to the email alerts from BBC Writers Room. I am delighted that we used a number of new writers who came from the Writers room
The Children's Media Conference
The Children's Media Conference is a useful organisation to connect with, and they have a lot of useful information and pointers to support you. Follow them on their social channels. Their 2020 conference was online due to COVID-19 and you should be able to access this from their website.
I also offer one-on-one coaching sessions in the areas of creative arts, media and publishing.
Please feel free to contact me with your specific requirements
JoJo and Gran Gran Books
New stories featuring JoJo and Gran Gran
Available from Laura's Online Shop
There is now a range of new JoJo and Gran Gran books by Pat-a-Cake and published by Hatchette Children's Group.
All titles are available in our Online Shop, and each book purchased will be personally signed by Laura, and you can also request a personal message from Laura to be inscribed in the book.