About the Author

Lynne Chapman is a best-selling author and illustrator of children's books, with 20 years' experience. Lynne illustrates her picture books in pastels, creating humorous but beautiful drawings that bring a whole range of characters to life and burst with fun.

Having lectured for several years in Illustration at the Sheffield College, Lynne now travels all over the country, delivering workshops, storytellings and talks to children of all ages, as well as adults. She appears at several literary festivals each year and is a regular guest on BBC Radio Sheffield.

Lynne offers 4 kinds of event:

Lynne is happy to work with any age, from Foundation stage to adult.

Storytelling (1 - 1 ½ hours)

Reading 2 different stories, with interactive activities, such as singing, dancing, puppets etc, depending on the books chosen to read. Between stories, there is a break for a short drawing activity and Lynne finishes off with a competition where she draws different animals for the children to identify and keep.

Suitable for children from 5 - 8 years old (maximum 60 children)

 

Illustration Workshop (1 ½ - 2 hours)

Lynne begins by talking about being an illustrator and explains how a picture book comes about, showing original artwork and drawings in progress. She reads and analyses a story, and the children can ask questions. This is followed by group brainstorming to generate illustration ideas and get the children thinking about how to interpret them visually. The children then create illustrations of their own on a theme chosen to link in with the story read, and Lynne does drawings to demonstrate handy tips to help.

Suitable for 7 years and above (maximum 30 children)

 

Creative Writing Workshop (1 ½ - 2 hours)

Lynne begins by talking about being an illustrator and explains how a picture book comes about, showing original artwork and drawings in progress. She reads and analyses a story, and the children can ask questions. This is followed by a series of exercises using the children's imagination to create a character and setting for their own story. Each child then writes at least the beginning of a story, with Lynne using various fun methods to move the narrative on in unusual ways.

Suitable for 7 years and above (maximum 30 children)

 

Talk About Children's Book Writing & Illustration (approx 1 hr)

An informative but light-hearted talk, illustrated with PowerPoint. Lynne talks about her work as author / illustrator, with examples of illustrations at various stages, and explains the process of production of a picture book, showing how characters are created and evolve. She discusses the roles of the writer, illustrator, designer and publisher, and how the illustrations in picture books are affected by foreign markets.

Suitable for 7 - adult (numbers not an issue but decent black-out required)

 

Please note: the ages quoted above are a guide to event suitability only.

It is not a good idea to have too wide an age spread for any one event.

“Lynne was totally professional, well prepared, organised and completely in tune with the students. The sessions were informative, amusing, engaging and the students felt at their ease to ask questions. In fact, the whole event was a real eye opener for students and staff alike!”
Ann Cocker, Norton College

“A fascinating presentation enlivened by Lynne's brightly coloured and humorous illustrations. Pupils and Staff were unanimous when they said how much they enjoyed her talk and workshops. … Pupils were completely engaged in their tasks and produced fun and creative illustrations.”
Leigh Giulando, Oundle School

“It was really good fun and the stories were brilliant!”
Staff and students, Ashdell Preparatory School

 

KS1 Storytellings Nov 2008

 

"A magical day! The children were captivated from the start. Lynne was spot on at reaching all ages and abilities. Wonderful story telling and extremely interactive sessions, using children's ideas and extending the children's imaginations. Just what we wanted and we have some great illustrations to display around school. Lynne Chapman was very well prepared. She has a clear talent for engaging children's interest. We are saving up for another visit!"

Marion Lockwood, Adwick Washington Infants School

"It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with Lynne. Her enthusiasm, energy and humour completely engaged the children the minute the session began. By encouraging the children to do some drawing, they all felt involved and part of the session."

Louise Comfort, Grantham Children's Book Group

 

KS2 Illustration Workshop, Nov 2008

 

"Our thanks go to Lynne for such a fun and inspiring day: she proved to be a real inspiration. She earned immediate respect when she showed us the books she had illustrated and the children were fascinated to hear how she went about the task. They took to her bright, warm approach and responded as if she were an old friend!

One girl went home ‘raving’ (to quote mum) about what she had done.  One little lad got home, announced he could draw dinosaurs and promptly set about making a picture book of them, his mum told us. Lynne clearly lit some sparks that day! It will go down as one of our Very Special days at the SpLD Centre."

Jan, Jay & Sue Brind, Stafford SpLD Centre

 

Family Storytelling & Over 8's Illustration Workshop, Nov 2007

 

"Everyone thought you were wonderful, Lynne. The library staff said that you had the audience in the palm of your hand during your story telling session. This is a quote from one of the children attending the afternoon workshop: "An interesting workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed it!" (Ellie, aged 9). Your workshops were the highlight of the Children's Festival this year. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!"

Jo Munro, Beverley Literary Festival

 

 

Publications

An ABC of Nursery Rhymes (pub.Chicken House 2008) * New Release*

Giddy Goat (written by Jamie Rix)

Mr Strongmouse and the Baby (written by Hiawyn Oram)

Open Wide! (written by Tom Barber)

Smudge's Grumpy Day (written by Miriam Moss)

Class Two at the Zoo (written by Julia Jarman)

**Winner of Stockport Schools Book Award 2008**

Big Bad Wolf is Good (written by Simon Puttock)

 

Lynne now also writes for children, and her first book, When You're Not Looking! is published by Gullane.

Booking Information

Home:	Sheffield
Travels to:	Will travel to anywhere usually by train
Prices:	Depending on distance from £340 + travel expenses/ accommodation expenses as necessary + VAT

Publications by the Author