Testimonials
“Claire has visited our school three times and we would have her back in a heartbeat. Her workshops are so engaging and full of cross-curricular ideas. Her talks cause copies of her books to be the most coveted items in the school library!” Bronnie Williams, Broadclyst Primary School, Cornerstone academy
‘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
“Claire captured the imaginations of the Year 3 and 4 children at Hazlegrove… What an inspiring morning for our budding writers.”
Lauren White, Hazelgrove Preparatory School 2019
“Claire was her usual vibrant self and kept the children completely captivated. She took time to chat to individuals as she signed her books, making each child feel special. She has the knack of inspiring both children and teachers!!” Testimonial Claire Rowe, KS2 teacher, The Maynard School, Exeter
“Wow! What can I say… the children and adults alike can not speak highly enough ofyou. Your presentation and workshops are truly inspiring, motivating and thought provoking. Our morning together has left my children desperately eager to write creatively and imaginatively, which was most definitely our aim. The sessions provided great enjoyment for all abilities of children. I would highly recommend a morning with Claire Barker to any school, your way with the children is lovely and their engagement this morning was truly magical… I have never seen them so engrossed and quiet.”
Mrs Riley and the children of Broadfield Primary Academy, Crawley
If you would like to me to visit you, or simply to find out more, please drop me a line toboggan@btinternet.com
‘Thank you Claire Barker
What an amazing and inspiring talk today for children of Seaton, Colyton, Kilmington and Shute Primaries. Hats, biscuits, how to create a character, the power of your imagination, and stories about Claire’s own collection of animals past and present which have inspired her writing. And that was just the talk in the hall! Claire was then invited to some classrooms to look at their creative writing and share top tips. And after that she spent an hour in the library chatting to any children who dropped in, signing books and answering questions’. Jenny Eagles, Owl and Pyramid Bookshop, Seaton
‘Claire was like a breath of fresh air… When signing her books, Claire talked with the children individually and made it a really special memory for them. Many children have said how they have been inspired to write more stories as a result of this visit.’ Winscombe Primary, North Somerset
“A boy in my class was a very reluctant reader, I had tried all sorts of books and activities to try and get him enthusiastic and inspired but for him reading was a chore. After a visit from CCB and the author Claire Barker he purchased the book Knitbone Pepper and got it signed by the author. He went home excited about reading the book in the evening – I couldn’t believe it! The next day he was giving me a summary of what had happened so far with great enthusiasm. We spoke about the book often and one day he proclaimed “I used to hate reading until we had the visit from the author – now I love it!”. For this little boy that 50 minute visit and book signing had changed his attitude and enthusiasm towards reading forever, which without CCB we wouldn’t have had. He is now an avid reader who finds it hard to put a book down!” Teacher’s email to Crediton Community Bookshop
A simple yet powerful presentation that showed the children that, although hard work and requiring a great deal of patience, being a published author is not out of their reach. An inspiring visit that saw many children buying books and instantly wanting to read them and not put them down – a winning sight for any teacher.
Thank you so much for visiting us and reminding the children how exciting, interesting and adventurous being a writer can be….What we particularly enjoyed was the way you showed the children how easy it could be to come up with ideas…Ever since your visit, your book has been read by a large number of the children and, from their reading comments, it is clear that they are loving it! Bring on the next one – we can’t wait!’ Haywards School, Crediton
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Claire came to speak to our KS2 children last week and was fantastic! Her story ideas and tips as an author were inspiring and the workshop afterwards complements perfectly our approach to story writing – never accepting the first idea, adding detail and “tell me more”!
It was a wonderful event and many children went on to buy her book and appreciated meeting her as an author. Claire took the time to speak to each child individually and as I have walked around the school since, have seen lots of children reading her book. A lovely event – thank you so much!
Chulmleigh Primary School