Helen and Thomas Docherty
Helen and Thomas Docherty are an author and illustrator team based in the United Kingdom.
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ABOUT HELEN AND THOMASHelen and Thomas Docherty are the author and illustrator team who have created award-winning picture books such as The Snatchabook (#1 Autumn 2013 Kids Indie Next pick) and The Storybook Knight. Their books have been translated into over 25 languages and staged as plays in the UK and Ireland, and as an children’s opera by a school in Canada. Their latest book, Pirate Nell’s Tale to Tell, has been hailed as “a perfect addition to school and library curricula” by School Library Journal. Helen and Thomas have many years’ experience of author visits to schools, both real and virtual. Their presentations are dynamic, interactive and child-focused, and can be tailored for different age groups.
Helen worked for many years as a language teacher before becoming an author, and also has an MA in Film and Television Production (Bristol University) which helped to develop her skills in crafting narrative. Thomas always liked drawing and keeping sketchbooks of his travels. These led him to Art College in the UK, where he studied metalwork and sculpture, and eventually to the creation of his first picture books. Helen and Thomas live in Swansea, Wales, with their two daughters. |
TOPICS
Each visit will follow the same format. Schools can choose from one of the following books:
VISIT FORMAT:
The visit will start with a brief presentation, showing the students where Helen and Thomas live so they can situate the author and illustrator. Helen will then read the story, and Thomas will show some of his sketches and character development, so the students can see how the artwork developed from ideas to final illustrations.
The visit will end with an opportunity for students to ask questions they have prepared in advance. For example:
- Pirate Nell’s Tale to Tell
- The Storybook Knight
- The Snatchabook
VISIT FORMAT:
The visit will start with a brief presentation, showing the students where Helen and Thomas live so they can situate the author and illustrator. Helen will then read the story, and Thomas will show some of his sketches and character development, so the students can see how the artwork developed from ideas to final illustrations.
The visit will end with an opportunity for students to ask questions they have prepared in advance. For example:
- What inspired you to write this story?
- What do you enjoy most about being an author / illustrator?
- What tips would you give someone who wants to become an author / illustrator?
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Testimonials
“The visit was AMAZING!!! The students loved it…every single one of them.”
– Annemarie Hanley, Robertsville Elementary School, New Jersey
“Never have we seen a group of children aged between 3 – 7 so gripped by storytelling!"
– Harriet Lowe, Literacy Coordinator, Monkton Pre-Prep School, Bath
“Helen’s workshops were perfect… The children were enthralled. She has a lovely manner with the children."
– Stephanie Songhurst, Literacy Co-ordinator, Tremains Primary School, Bridgend
“Thomas’s input was fantastic and he had an impact over pupil's enthusiasm and learning across the whole school."
- Teresa Fuller, Reading Coordinator, Cheddar Grove Primary School, Bristol
“I love Helen and Thomas’s books and would recommend them to any school looking to develop both visual literacy and superb language!”
- Helen Bowen, Education Consultant / Literacy Adviser
– Annemarie Hanley, Robertsville Elementary School, New Jersey
“Never have we seen a group of children aged between 3 – 7 so gripped by storytelling!"
– Harriet Lowe, Literacy Coordinator, Monkton Pre-Prep School, Bath
“Helen’s workshops were perfect… The children were enthralled. She has a lovely manner with the children."
– Stephanie Songhurst, Literacy Co-ordinator, Tremains Primary School, Bridgend
“Thomas’s input was fantastic and he had an impact over pupil's enthusiasm and learning across the whole school."
- Teresa Fuller, Reading Coordinator, Cheddar Grove Primary School, Bristol
“I love Helen and Thomas’s books and would recommend them to any school looking to develop both visual literacy and superb language!”
- Helen Bowen, Education Consultant / Literacy Adviser
