Author Visits
The children (and staff) had a truly fantastic morning – thank you! I think you have certainly inspired many young writers which is fabulous…. Seeing the children’s excitement about having a book signed by an author was lovely, especially the time you spent with each child. I will certainly recommend you to other schools.
Sam Kelly, Queen’s College Taunton March 2023
Email me at toboggan@btinternet.com for more information

The Event
A fast-paced, fun session, all about my stories and how brilliant it is to be an author. It will be full of interesting pictures, peculiar pets, funny tales, odd objects and readings to grab the young imagination.
For example, would your students like to know how I became an author? Or what it’s like being edited? Maybe they would like to know if my characters are based on real people? Was I particularly clever at school? Do I ever run out of ideas? Or maybe you have budding authors keen to join me on the bookshelf. Whatever their questions, I shall do my best to answer them.
No audience is too big or too small.

Book a fun, inspirational morning that will have your students itching to pick up their pens and start writing their own stories!

Claire was absolutely brilliant! She catered for the needs of our school, ensuring all children could access and enjoy her inspiring talk!
Martha Walke, St Andrew’s Primary School March 2023
“Claire Barker gave an inspiring and joyous presentation to the children at Blundell’s Preparatory School on World Book Day. They were spellbound as she recounted all her life experiences and how they had contributed to the ideas in her books. They were buzzing with enthusiasm about all they had seen and heard. “
Tracey Nash, Blundell’s Preparatory School 2022
“I have never seen them so engrossed and quiet.”
Mrs Riley, Broadfield Primary Academy, Crawley
“A visit from Claire Barker was like our very own Mary Poppins – practically perfect in very way. She let our children know that reading is a special kind of magic.”
Miss Smith, Stoke Damerel School, Plymouth, September 2019
Virtual Author Visits
Claire did an excellent virtual session with two separate classes. She spent time beforehand discussing our expectations so when the day arrived she was prepared, professional and above all great fun. The children were so excited to talk to a “real” author which engendered lots of high quality discussion both before and after. Even the reluctant readers LOVE Knitbone and couldn’t wait to start writing in response!
Vicky Holness, International School of Verona, Italy 2019-2023
Sara Bullimore, Artistic Director of Newark Book Festival July 2020We had a 100% watch until the end
turnout on your session,
It was truly fantastic.

“It was BRILLIANT!!! Perfectly paced..”
E Bauer, Head of English,
Downs Preparatory School, October 2020
On Knitbone Pepper: “A perfect start for any newly independent reader.”
Mathew Tobin, Lecturer in Primary English & Children’s Lit
On Picklewitch & Jack: “Very funny, lots of good PHSE messages about friendship and acceptance, but the absolute best thing about it is that it’s a longer chapter novel that is PERFECT for Yr 3 or a strong Year 2.”
Ashley Booth, Teacher. Reading Lead.