LOOK & BOOK
Alan Dapré Author Events
Over 200+ lively fun-packed events so far!
Want to book me?
Click a TAB to choose from 7 author sessions, and message me via my contact form below.
Please read the accompanying booking information. It should answer most of your queries. I'm happy to tailor a session to your requirements.
When a little girl meets Max at the Doggy Den, she can't stop thinking about him! She would LOVE to give Max a happy home...but will the grown ups agree?
Alan Dapré shares 'MY DOG MAX', his latest picture book about a girl who really wants a dog! A hopeful story with relatable themes of helping, home and happiness. Filled with fun and read aloud rhymes.
Expect props, quizzes, laughter and more as Alan shares his story. So many dogs. So many questions. Can you work out what type of dog Max is? Does he have hidden hobbies? Will there be a furry tail ending?
Plenty of author & pupil interaction, plus volunteering.
[Suitable for a hall, classroom or library] Usually P1-3
When Ben is given a too cuddly toy bear for his birthday, he gets so grizzly he becomes a grizzly bear!
'GRIZZLY BEN' explores life's wee frustrations. Ben goes on a journey through his emotions, stomping round and round the garden...like a grizzly bear! Thankfully, the thing that makes Ben sad turns out to be the thing that can make him happy again.
A story-telling session full of props, giggles and empathy. All about coping when life doesn't go our way. Alan Dapré offers a lively event that invites children to think about their feelings. Expect a quiz and quirky questions like Where's Wee Bear? and How will Ben become a boy again?
Plenty of author & pupil interaction, plus volunteering.
[Suitable for a hall, classroom or library] Usually P1-3
'WE ARE ALL AUTHORS' invites children to explore and engage with stories.
Alan Dapré has lots of writing experience with 63 published books, so far.
A successful author, he recalls the objects and moments that encouraged him to write. From a battered old Superman annual to a love of wordplay. Alan looks at quirky words and explains their uniqueness.
He goes on to share tried and tested tips. How to plot a story and tell if it's working well. Alan shows the way that multi-strand stories grab our attention, and explores how illustrations are drafted and refined. Expect plenty of questions (and answers) too. Is the dog in 'MY DOG MAX' real? What makes a great title?
With so many books to choose from, Alan has plenty of examples. Listen out for lots of laughter and tips!
[Suitable for a hall, classroom or library] Usually P3-6
Here Alan Dapré explains the journey his story 'MY DOG MAX' took from first idea to published book, and beyond.
He reveals his secret, and successful, way of plotting stories and creating draft sketches. Exploring where ideas come from, including how to harness creative energy.
Alan explains the relationship between author and illustrator. Plus the collaborative approach that he has with his publisher. It's all about having a shared vision, and wanting to make the best book possible.
Children are shown how the print process works; printing, folding, cutting and assembling. They investigate print and crop marks, the types of inks used and what CYMK actually means!
The session leads to everyone drawing a new cover for Alan's picture book, 'MY DOG MAX'. Can they outdo the original?
[Suitable for a hall, classroom or library] Usually P4-7
Is it possible to take a story plot and turn it into an exciting board game?
Of course! Using one of his books as an example, Alan breaks his story into sections, and investigates how the plotted action goes on a journey.
We begin by playing a board game based on Alan's book and investigate gameplay, rewards and jeopardy.
Each child uses common themes to invent a situation and narrative with a clear start, middle and end. The action may be taken from a book, a movie or their imagination!
Alan supplies blank templates and a helpful guide sheet.
[Suitable for a hall, classroom or library] Usually P4-7
Join Alan Dapré as he explores the different ways that illustrators draw his characters. How they expertly express movement and energy.
Alan will look at the use of characteristics, including props and clothing to convey emotion. Literally, drawing out each character's personality...to make a story more believable.
Younger children will each create a character based on the animals in Alan's books.
In the P4-7 workshop, older children will investigate how to create an emotional connection, and convey truthful reactions, thoughts and moods via rough sketches, quick notes and helpful labels.
[Suitable for a classroom or library]
2 sessions available: P1-3 / P4-7
A back to basics look at writing, with tips and techniques taken from Alan's useful writing guide - 'STUFF ABOUT WRITING, WRITING ABOUT STUFF'.
Exploring concepts such as Premise & Theme, Alan offers practical advice and ways to communicate story narratives.
He builds a link between prose and poetry, and looks at a range of classic children's books.
This session offers prompts and ideas, that poet and novelist Jackie Kay says "will get your creative juices flowing".
[Suitable for staffrooms, writing groups & anyone else interested in exploring their craft]
Please scroll for info on cost, applying to Live Literature to help with funding, and what to do before a visit.
HOW MUCH?
For school visits, my usual fee is the standard rate of £200 per (1 hour) session, as advised by the Scottish Book Trust. It enables me to write more books & compensates for time I am not writing.
If I do multiple sessions at your school, or within a cluster of schools, I may offer a discount.
Additional costs such as travel or accommodation are dependent on location/distance. Happy to discuss this when organising any booking.
FINDING FUNDING
I am on the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature database that helps fund author visits to community groups, such as schools & libraries. Apply for funding in advance.
If successful, the SBT pays a large proportion of the author's fee, plus any travel & accommodation expenses. You just pay a pre-set cost after the event towards each session. A session lasts for 1 hour. This way of funding means you get financial help to fund a great author visit.
NOTE: Live Literature money is flexible funding and not linked to any specific author. Contact me if someone is unable to make it to your school.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE A VISIT
Please provide an email confirming the age groups present, number of children attending, contact details of school / organisation, name of organiser, etc.
I usually arrange for books to be available for purchase & signing after my event. If this is due to take place, please inform parents/carers well in advance. It really helps if you text the day before too. My publisher may provide a helpful leaflet.
Click SBT Logo for info on applying for Live Literature funding
"Any questions?"
CONTACT ALAN HERE:
AL'S AUTHOR EVENTS ALBUM
Alan Dapré has done 200+ author visits to schools, libraries and festivals. His fun-packed, lively shows have been all over Scotland and beyond.
Here are some images and tweets from some of these visits.
