Click here for details of my in-person author events.
In the run-up to the holiday season, I’m offering a limited number of free festive virtual visits to schools in the UK and Ireland. Exploring the Ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia – the winter celebration that gave us many of our Christmas traditions – these virtual visits can be used to support the curriculum, but they also make a great festive treat for all KS2 year groups. In addition to learning all about Saturnalia through a fun quiz, there will be time for children to ask questions about being an author, writing, books, and reading for pleasure.
Slots are available throughout November and December and the visit will last for between 20 to thirty minutes. All I ask is you buy a minimum of four copies of any of my books to share with the children.
Find out more about my in person events and school visits here.
“I just wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU for your time today. The children and staff in our 4 schools absolutely loved it. You have such a wonderful manner with the children and you were so inclusive, making sure that everyone had a turn. We all feel incredibly inspired – especially me! I’ve always dreamed of writing my own picture book. Maybe now it’s time to put pen to paper!”
Hannah Harris, Lionheart Educational Trust
How it Works
You can request a time slot via the scheduler here. I will then confirm the booking, and ask you to send me a meeting link for your preferred platform. I’ll also offer you the opportunity to purchase signed and dedicated copies of my books through a local bookseller. There is no obligation to do this.
On the day of the visit , please have your class sitting comfortably in front of the screen and be ready to greet me at the agreed time. I’ll aim to arrive a few minutes early. The Q and A section works best if the children have thought up their questions in advance and you have a system for them to come up to the screen and speak to me. It also helps to get the children excited about the visit by sharing some information about me and my books – you can download sample chapters for free here or visit the about page on my website.
Terms and Conditions
“Hello Marie, just wanted to say a huge thank you for your time AND the extra time you gave us to meet the children yesterday. They got so much from it and it’s spurred on so many conversations about books, writing and now a possible visit to a local library to see if they’ll stock your books!”
Kiran Filby, Monkfrith Primary
- Occasionally I may need to rearrange sessions in which case I will offer you an alternative time slot.
- Available to schools in the UK and Ireland who have bought at least four copies of any of my books.
- A maximum of one visit per school in any academic year. There is no limit to the number of children attending.
- Schools are responsible for coordinating the virtual meeting platform and sending me a link in advance. If I don’t receive a link forty eight hours in advance, I will assume you no longer require the meeting.
Prefer a Longer Visit?
Click here for details of my discounted in-person Saturnalia events or general author events offer. All author visits and creative writing workshops include follow-up resources and you’ll also be provided with a teacher guide for each of the texts to support your creative writing and reading for pleasure. I frequently offer discounts to schools in Greater Manchester, Halton, the Wirral and Liverpool.
“Marie, Thank you so much for today’s virtual assembly. We LOVED it! The inspirational advice, breathtaking videos, fun quiz…the list goes on. We are all going to try and #BeMoreBMX“
Faye Cooper, Adlingnton Primary
Marie Basting - Children's Author, Manchester 