About the Author

I'm probably best known for the 'Spartapuss' series, which is set in an ancient Rome ruled by cats. I started writing late in 2004 - having previously written songs. I co-wrote a musical version of The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. This was a massive hit (because of Julia's brilliant book and Tall Stories fab production). It toured the UK and ended up on Broadway - opposite The Lion King! After that, I got the confidence to move from writing songs into writing fiction. The Spartapuss series followed soon after.

My book London Deep has been chosen as a Recommended Read for World Book Day 2011 in the 9+ category.

 

School Visits:

I've come up with a cross-curricular author event that links history, creative writing and reading. As well as talking to large groups in assembly, I run creative writing workshops in class. My goal is to leave everyone with the tools they need to come up with their own classic tales.

An author event like no other

This fun event will your fire your pupils' imaginations and get them writing. Some author events can be a bit of a let down. So I've made mine a bit different. Rather than listening to an author blahing on about their book, your pupils will:

·      Take part in a Spartapuss story reading

·      Write their own stories based on Roman artifacts

·      Play the Fortune's Wheel game

·      Take part in creative writing workshops

High octane history and story-writing 

The fun won't stop there. They might get to act out a Roman battle, learn a little latin or act out their own stories too! The key to the success of this event is to fire their imaginations with a fun 'show' in assembly and then follow it up with story writing workshops in class where they actually produce their own work.

Who is Spartapuss for?

Audiences for my Spartapuss workshops tend to be from Year 3/4. I do a lot of sessions at KS1, K2 and some KS3/ lower secondary. There are some handy curriculum tie ins for 7-8 year olds with the Romans - unit 6a The Invaders at KS2 being a popular topic tie in. I can also do reading groups, sessions for gifted kids, home school group visits , library events and book fairs etc. But most of my work is with schools at primary or lower secondary level.

Testimonials

Thanks so much for delivering two outstanding sessions at St Simon's and Linden Grove Primary Schools today. I enjoyed them just as much as the children - and they were having a fantastic time! I shall spread the word about your brilliant books and school visits and hope that you'll be able to enthuse and inspire more youngsters in and around Ashford very soon.'

Sally, (coordinator ‘Boys into Books’), Kent Libraries.

"Robin, thank you so much for visiting schools here in Bristol on Tuesday. The children and teachers all thought it was brilliant and I know they will have got a lot out of it."  

Margaret Pemberton, Schools Library Service.

'Robin - the kids loved your visit and were talking about Spartapuss for the rest of the day!" 

Chris, Peacehaven School

"Dear Robin, It was great to have you. The session was excellent, and the quiz went down a bomb. Thank you so much for taking time to talk to the chatterbox." 

 Ferelith Hordon, Senior Librarian.

'Romans and cats? That's random - but good!'  

KS3 pupil.

'Thank you very much for coming and doing such hard work for us! I think it was really successful and a good ending to the topic.'

SHEYENNE, REDLANDS PRIMARY, TOWER HAMLETS.

 

Publications

I Am Spartapuss (isbn:9780954657604)

First in series - will Spartapuss survive gladiator training school? 

Catligula (isbn:9780954657611)

Rome's new Emperor is mad, bad and dangerous to stroke! 

Die Clawdius (isbn:0954657683)

Book three in the series. Spartapuss has always wanted to see his homeland - but not necessarily as part of an invasion! 

Boudicat (isbn:9781906132002)

Boudicat is the fourth title in the Spartapuss series. It’s a ‘must read’ for kids aged 8 + and cat lovers of all ages. 

 

Count Milkula (isbn:9780954657659)

A milk drinking monster from the Monotonous Mountains of Mamsylvania 

 

 

Booking Information

Home:	London
Travels to:	Anywhere
Prices:	£290 + expenses + VAT

Publications by the Author