“… what you put together was so beautiful! You’re a lovely story teller, created a really comfortable atmosphere, and the range of activities and discussions kept things fun. A great balance of reflection and learning more about dementia, and keeping things cheery and creative!”
Sophie, Bookseller
Coleridge Primary School, Crouch End Hill, London
World Book Day 2025
In-person session with illustrator, Rhian Wright, for EYFS and KS1 pupils based on Do Not Say These Words:
This was a thoroughly fun and interactive event that had all the children (and adults!) engaged from start to finish! A really entertaining story as well that really grabbed the children’s attention.
Frances visited us as part of World Book Week 2025. She kindly offered to speak to our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes as separate groups, and she delivered presentations about her life as an author where she spoke about what inspires her. She also read her lovely picture book The Library Mouse to pupils, and we had time for Q&A sessions. The children were engaged by her warmth and her enthusiasm about sharing stories. It was a pleasure to correspond with Frances ahead of her visit, and we enjoyed hosting her!
I have been meaning to get in touch to say a huge thank you for the wonderful workshop and Storytime that you led – we had such lovely feedback from all those who came (including our two staff members Michelle and Laura who absolutely loved it!).
The children absolutely loved their session. They not only enjoyed the story, but the interactive session afterwards really engaged them and inspired them to think about how to be authors themselves.
Sarah Norville, Headmistress
Derwent Primary School, Henlow
In-person sessions for EYFS and KS1 pupils based on The Library Mouse:
The children were so engaged and excited about the characters. They loved the story and the retelling. They asked to hear it again the next day! When they were told that the books were in the library for them to use, one child said ‘that is my next library book sorted – I want to show my mum!’
Teacher
St Francis’ College, Letchworth
In-person sessions for EYFS and KS1 pupils based on The Library Mouse:
We had such a joyful time with our guest author Frances Tosdevin and St Thomas More School!
Nursery and Reception children from both schools enthusiastically engaged with Frances about all things books – eagerly raising their hands to share inspiring places to write, learning about the importance of ‘daydreaming’ to think up your best creative ideas, and most importantly what the best snacks for writing were (Frances’s favourites were Percy Pigs and chocolate digestive biscuits!). The children watched an immersive telling of the story and were given gorgeous colouring sheets and little craft goody bags to make their own bookmarks. Year 1 and 2 from both schools enjoyed a longer Q&A session with the author after the story – there were some brilliant bookish questions from budding authors in the audience (watch out Frances!).
The session finished with the children flying their brilliantly decorated paper planes on our field in the sunshine feeling inspired by our wonderful guest author.
