TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT BOOKS

Chris Fairclough has worked for 35 years to create photographs that reflect life as we know it. Travelling on location in Africa, Asia, Australasia, North America, Europe and all over the British Isles, his photographs portray life as it really is.  He has worked with some of the most respected and well read children’s non-fiction authors in the world and has helped create over 900 educational book titles about   everyday people with everyday jobs and lives.  As well as quite a few about far away places and the lives of those we may never meet!  Whilst primarily a photographer, Chris has also written over 20 educational books.  

Drawing from his own very personal experiences and perspective, his talks engage directly with the children and are an ever changing mix of story, quest, question and answer about how books are made and created.   

Using a specific book title as an example, Chris takes his audience all around the world seeking out the materials and people that make reading a book possible  – discussing along the way subjects as varied as the formulation of the English language, the use of waste products in our environment and even the probable colour of cranes in a tiny province in the Far East!   

These talks are aimed at 7 – 12 yr olds and cover many topics that link to the National Curriculum, especially science, geography, maths, English language and PSE.  

FAQs

Does Chris have a CIB check?

Yes Full Enhanced Disclosure, a copy of which is available by e-mail prior to booking.

How long do the talks last?

Talks last a minimum of an hour but are best timed at about 75 mins. with time for questions and a story about his travels.  

How many pupils can participate at any one session?

Numbers of pupils are best kept to a maximum 60 or two classes for any one session.

Will we need to supply anything?

Chris will need a blackboard, whiteboard (for writing on!) or a large flip chart together with a means of writing.   A couple of large tables are always useful to display books.

How much will it cost?  

Chris charges £300 a day (3 full sessions), which is in line with the recommendations of the Society of Authors.  Occasionally he will talk for a morning (2 sessions) or afternoon (1 session)  if the school is within 20 miles of his studio or you can share the costs with another local school. Chris will issue you with an invoice that includes VAT at the current rate.

How far will Chris travel to talk with pupils?

Chris travels all over the UK and Eire

What about travel expenses?

Travel expenses are charged at the lowest return train fare from Haslemere in Surrey to the destination, although he usually travels by car. Occasionally he may fly if visiting the north of Scotland or Northern Ireland.  

What about overnight accommodation?

If overnight accommodation is required Chris is happy to stay in the humblest B&B to keep your costs low.

Does he leave us anything to remember him by?

On completion of the sessions Chris will leave a resume of his talk on CD as a PDF file;  with all the relevant subjects that were covered explained and explored.  This is a useful tool for follow up work and is inclusive in the cost.  Pupils often make book marks prior to the visit and Chris is happy to sign these at the end of each session if time allows.

Contact details:

Tel:01428 713090

Mob: 07768 735771