Events · Opinion · Teachers

Dress up as The Queen Engineer on World Book Day 2024

If you’re like most parents, and you have just thought: how can there be only 48 hours until World Book Day 2024 and what on earth are they going to dress up as?!?

Fear not! I’ve got you! The Queen Engineer is here!

Take a look at Princess Flo, she’s a maths and science loving princess, who doesn’t want to be the queen when she grows up. She wants to be a great engineer!

Flo’s outfit is pretty easy to replicate, especially if you have either an old Elsa dress-up or a Cinderella outfit in the back of the kids’ wardrobe! Because really, it’s just a long blue dress and a pair of red wellies!

You could add a construction hat if you have one of those in the dress up box too. Chances are you’ll have a yellow one, and Flo’s is white; but we won’t tell anyone!

And if you also have a cape, and a sceptre, well Bob’s your auntie’s live in lover!

World Book Day doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on a costume.

Any blue dress would work just as well, like this:

I haven’t put any links on there – this isn’t any kind of sponsored post! I just did a quick google and found a couple of of reasonably priced dresses. But you might even have something suitable in the kids’ wardrobe already. There might even be a long sleeved T Shirt of your own that would double as a dress!

As an author I LOVE World Book Day. As a parent, it’s more a case of GAH!!! Helping our tiny humans with a World Book Day outfit can feel stressful; but it doesn’t have to be!

I really hope these suggestions have helped and as always, I would LOVE to see your pictures! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theachopsbooks/ or email me your photos to suze@theachopsbooks.com

Happy World Book Day everyone! Have a good one. And keep reading!

Events · Teachers

World Book Day: Meet the Author

Ahead of World Book Day on 7th March, and a week when as an author, my favourite thing to do is to go into schools and read to children, I thought you might like to know a little more about this author!

Tell us about your writing career to date.  

I began writing in a blog when my daughter was little, as a way to get my thoughts about parenting out of my head – because as wonderful as parenting is, it can be tough right?! And it kind of progressed from there.

I’d written about the old fashioned nature of some classical fairy tales, and the out of date messages they send our children, and I had a go at rewriting one: I turned Cinderella into Ella and the iPhone, and at the end, when she’s reunited with her lost phone as the thumb print fits, she tells the prince that she just wants to be friends as she’s off to uni.

After that I began playing around with a few ideas, and Thea Chops Books was born.

What made equality & inclusivity so important to you? 

Because it’s really important for all of us: all human beings deserve to be treated equally, fairly, and with respect. Once I started to see injustices in the world, I couldn’t unsee them. I knew I wanted to do something that would help create change.

How do you incorporate these themes into your books? 

Hopefully with some humour! Mostly by choosing something, for example, the idea that what girls and boys like is determined by their gender, and challenging the ideas, in rhyme.

So, in my first book, ‘She’s Not Good for a Girl, She’s Just Good!’, the character of Frank tells Florence that girls are rubbish at sport, because that’s what his dad says. Florence challenges him and together they learn that you can be good at, and enjoy something, regardless of being a boy or a girl. Florence is good at some things, and Frank is good at others.

How can families introduce these themes into their children’s book collections? 

Well, buying our books would be a great start! But also, a quick google of say, ‘kids’ books about equality’ will bring up a whole list of fabulous options.

Parents might think these themes are too mature for children – what’s your response to that? 

Only if talked about in a non-age-appropriate way. How we discuss anything with a 2-year-old, is different to how we talk to an 8-year-old, or a 15-year-old. And kids are very literal, and accepting, so actually these conversations tend to be easier than we think.

When our old babysitter got married to her wife, my daughter commented that she looked like a princess in her dress. Then she asked me why her prince has long hair; and when I said she’s marrying another princess, because sometimes two women fall in love and choose to get married, my daughter, aged 2 1/2 replied, ‘okay’ and carried on watching the wedding. It was that simple a conversation.

Children are curious and bound to ask questions, how do you suggest parents and care givers respond? Do you have any good anecdotes? 

When I first talked to my daughter about periods, the minute I used the word ‘egg’ she said, “Like a chicken?! Am I a chicken?!” it made us both laugh out loud. Even though through the laughter I managed to say, you’re not a chicken, we then clucked at each other for a bit, and I got the sense she wasn’t quite ready for the conversation.

The best way to respond, though, is honesty. And to keep it simple. Also pause after you’ve said something; don’t feel like you have to go into huge detail and explain it all in one go. If in the pause your child has another question, answer that one, but you might find that first response was enough, and they move onto something else.

But this is another reason why seeking out books is a great way to start these conversations. Other people have written about this for us! Reading with our children will either spark some questions, or provide a moment for you to ask, what did you think about that?

Favourite author writing in the same genre as you.

I love everything that Andrea Beaty does. I met her once at a reading in a local bookshop and totally fangirl-ed her!

So that’s a little about me – an author who would love to come to your primary school and read! If you’re a parent and you’re reading this please email your child’s school and ask them to get in touch with me at suze@theachopsbooks.com If you’re a teacher, and you’re still looking for an author for World Book Day 2024 or any other week of the year, please also drop me a line!

This interview was first published on the East Green Childcare Services website ahead of World Book Day in March 2023.

Events · Teachers

Enhancing Literacy at KS1: The Impact of Author Visits

As World Book Day is fast approaching, let’s delve into the significance of reading at Key Stage 1, and talk about the benefits of author visits in schools. We know that the impact goes beyond the pages of a book, providing a valuable boost to encourage children to read.

The Importance of Book Reading at KS1

If you’re a primary school teacher reading this blog post, you already know that reading is a fundamental skill, that lays the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. At KS1, children are in a crucial stage of development, where literacy skills are rapidly evolving. Book reading plays a pivotal role in honing language proficiency, expanding vocabulary, and fostering comprehension skills. I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve heard teachers say, if you just do one thing, read!

The question is, how can we maximise the impact of reading in the early years? One effective strategy is to introduce students to real-life authors through school visits. And by authors, I mean me!

Author Visits: A Practical Approach

The presence of an author in the school setting adds a practical dimension to the learning experience. Instead of just encountering words on a page, pupils have the opportunity to engage with the creator of those words. This interaction can demystify the writing process and make literature more relatable for young minds. When I read in schools it’s such a joy to hear children tell me about the stories they write, or want to write, after a book reading!

Authors can bring a unique perspective to storytelling, offering insights into their creative process and the inspiration behind their works. This firsthand exposure can really enhance a child’s appreciation for literature. And provides them with the idea that writing can be a career choice.

Boosting Engagement on World Book Day

World Book Day presents an ideal occasion to organise author visits. It’s not just about dressing up as favourite characters (which is a lot of fun!), but it’s an opportunity to connect with the individuals behind the stories. An author’s visit on this day can serve as a catalyst for increased interest in reading, making the celebration more meaningful for students.

The impact of author visits on reading engagement at KS1 is definitely something to think about! These visits provide a practical and relatable dimension to the world of literature, fostering a deeper connection between students and the written word. A visit from an author can contribute significantly to the development of a generation of enthusiastic and lifelong readers.

So! Why not book a visit from an author today – preferably me! We’re talking about booking me here right?! Good we’re on the same page!

Just drop me an email at suze@theachopsbooks.com

See you in the classroom!

Suzanne Hemming children's author at a school book reading

Events · Teachers

How to Book an Author Reading for Primary Schools

Are you sitting comfortably?

Listening ears on?

Let me tell you about book readings. As a children’s author they are SO important. They allow me to actually talk to the tiny humans for whom I write.

And for the children, research (from the Society of Authors) has shown that 99.4% of schools who host an author visit said it was an invaluable experience that encouraged reading for pleasure, wider reading and creative writing.

So as a primary school teacher, how can you you book me for a school reading?

Very simply, please email me or fill in the contact form here

But if you’re wondering about how it all works, here’s a bit more info for you:

What will it cost?

For the majority of London postcodes the fee for a 2 hour visit (which allows for up to 3 readings, each lasting 30-40 minutes) is £175.

For schools which are further than 1 hour travel time from SE22, additional fees will apply.

Which school years would enjoy your books?

Reception and years 1 and 2 will enjoy all 3 rhyming story books.

Years 3 and 4 also, who will will enjoy discussions about equality and wellbeing. 

What are the books about?

The Queen Engineer has a strong STEM element, and a female lead character, which works well with science (e.g. engineering, problem solving), design and technology (e.g. discussing how levers and forces work), as well as PSHE discussions about for example, resilience and perseverance, or knowing right from wrong. 

How Frank Helped Hank can facilitate discussions about feelings during transition periods, or anxiety around benchmarking or SATs times, or for the All About Me topic.  It strongly promotes the importance of talking, for mental wellbeing during Children’s Mental Health Week and Mental Health Awareness Week. 

She’s Not Good for a Girl, She’s Just Good! supports personal development along with acceptance of one another’s talents and skills. It’s great for June and July  to discuss feelings around competition or the pressure associated with Sports Day. 

So calling all key stage 1 and 2 teachers, and nursery teachers, and well all primary school teachers! If you’d like to book in for an author reading of any of our current books, please do get in touch.

Suzanne Hemming children's author at a school book reading

“We can’t wait to have Suzanne back to read us her next book!”

The Gower School, London

You can buy books for your school via Peters

Events

The Boy Who Baked Cakes

Today, October 6th, is National Poetry Day. So I’m celebrating by posting a never seen before rhyme that I wrote way back, when I was just starting out on my writing journey. When I knew that I wanted to tackle the issues of inequality facing our children. Could I make a difference writing stories that taught kids they could do and be anything?

This one didn’t make it to a rewrite into an actual story book. I received some feedback on if, that it might be a little outdated; that television shows like The Great British Bakeoff had shown boys and men it was cool to be bakers. So I rather lost my nerve and didn’t pursue this one…

It’s been sat in a Dropbox folder for 6 years! But I think the message is still relevant. There will still be many young boys who are told they can’t do something because it’s traditionally seen as ‘for girls’. I hear it in toy shops, still to this day: put that back it’s for girls. So it felt like it was worth dragging it out the Dropbox, and sharing with you all today. Let me know what you think of The Boy Who Baked Cakes in the comments below.

The Boy Who Baked Cakes

There once was a boy, who was lacking in joy,

as he did not know what to do.

See though he liked planes and riding on trains,

he rather liked baking cakes too.

There was naught he loved more, in fact he adored,

creating a scrumptious sweet. 

He could spend half an hour, just sifting the flour,

to create the perfect treat.

Now there’s someone at school, a bit of a fool,

Who said, “boys shouldn’t be baking!”

“Why not?” the boy cried, “shouldn’t I bake with pride?

It’s an art form, make no mistaking!”

Then that someone from school, urgh what a fool,

simply just wouldn’t back down.

To the sports pitch he ran, oh what was his plan?

He was jumping around like a clown.

“Listen to me!” the fool cried with glee,

“There’s a chap here who says he can bake.

He says he likes planes, and riding on trains,

But baking? That’s a mistake!”

The boy hung his head, his face turned bright red,

the fool was being quite cruel.

What was so wrong? He’d thought all life long,

that baking cakes was quite cool.

The boy turned to leave, feeling aggrieved,

but was suddenly stopped in his tracks,

when cried out a girl, with a head full of curls,

“Ignore him and just face the facts!”

“So you like to bake, that’s not a mistake,

it’s something that makes your heart sing.

I spoke to my mum, ‘bout what to become,

She said ‘you can do anything!’

What makes you smile, just think for a while,

if this is what you enjoy:

you bake with great ease; you should do as you please,

so what if you are a boy?”

The boy stopped and smiled, and he thought for a while,

the girl with the curls was quite wise.

Yes he liked planes, and riding on trains,

but he also loved baking sweet pies.

And so he would bake, and make no mistake,

he would do it with joy and with pride.

And what will you do? What job’s right for you?

Well that’s just for you to decide!

Company News · Events

Raising Humans Over Supper – Event

In December 2017 we hosted a panel event called Raising Humans.  We talked to two guest speakers (from Let Toys Be Toys and These Two Dudes) about why they believe gender equality is important for our children and why it starts when kids are young.  It was a really great morning of fascinating information and interesting discussion.

So we decided to do it again!

On Tuesday 5th June we’re holding Raising Humans Over Supper, an opportunity to hear and discuss equality in childhood with Olivia Dickinson from Let Toys be Toys and Alex Mees from These Two Dudes, while enjoying the wonderful home cooked food from Salvation Suppers Chef, Susan Foynes.  It will take place at Space @ 61 in SE15, and start at 7:30pm.  So it’s an opportunity to leave the kids at home, forget about your day and feed both your brain and stomach all while meeting some wonderful people.

The format for the event is:

19:30 welcome drinks and canapés

20:15 sit down and a brief intro to the night

20:30 our delicious main course will served

21:30 pudding and panel discussion, followed by mint tea and questions

23:00 carriages / uber / shank’s pony / the number 343 to Peckham Rye station

We’d love to have you join us for what we know will be a wonderfully delicious and interesting evening.  All you have to do is BYOB, and click on the image below to buy your ticket!  Seats are limited so do grab one before they all go!

See you there!

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