by Gail | Dec 6, 2018
Two fabulous fun–filled, action–packed weeks in Hong Kong schools, November 19th to 30th. A different venue every day – some new, some return visits but all hugely successful. Friendly, helpful and very enthusiastic teachers and children everywhere I went, lots of fun and hilarity with Patrick and Friends and splendid organisation that kept time–tables running smoothly from first to last. Huge thanks to Renaissance College and Shirley Chan, CityKids and Marie Marchand, GSIS and Kris Cayrouse, DBIS and Jonny Haines, Kennedy and Susan Misfud, Bradbury and Jane Thompson & Zoe O’Reilly, American School Tai Po and Morgan Davies & Annie Yeung, Kowlooon Junior and Macy Lau and finally Victoria Shanghai Academy and Judi Taylor. All these amazing Teacher–Librarians and teachers worked so hard to arrange everything – I am immensely grateful to you all. BIG smiles all round. Thank you!
by Gail | Apr 17, 2018
He may only be nine months old but this little cutie (son of one of my former Year 6 students at GSIS) is already devouring my books!
Thank you, Helen for this delightful picture – definitely one of my all time favourites!
by Gail | Apr 17, 2018
A wonderful time was had by all at American School of Bangkok. Two action-packed, fun-filled days of stories, workshops, games and puppet fun. The kindergarten children made fabulous African Grey parrots and their Parrot Dance was brilliant! A huge thank you to Claire Connor for her exceptional organisation!
by Gail | Apr 17, 2018
Two days at one of my all time favourite schools, Bradbury. It’s always exciting to return to a school where you are known. I am delighted by greetings like, “I remember you Gailclarke (all one word) we can’t wait to hear another story!” and “Good morning, Mrs O’Reilly’s Mummy!” and “Did Patrick and Cosmos come with you?”
Thank you for having me again and special thanks to Jane Thompson (HK Admin Wonder, 2018)
by Gail | Apr 1, 2018
Melanie sharing ‘Mischief at the Waterhole’ with Ava and Leon.
This definitely brought the smiles I was hoping for! Thanks Uncle Cedric for sending this delightful picture!
by Gail | Mar 31, 2018
Blow Your Own Trumpet!
It really isn’t my thing but several head teachers, teachers and librarians around the world have actually said, “You really need to add some testimonials to your website.” So…here are a few for 2018:
“I’ve never heard my children laugh so much. Having Gail come to our school was a real treat. The session was interactive and the children completely engaged – thank you.”
“The children loved the story and found ‘Mischief at the Waterhole’ hilarious! Thank you from Year 1.”
“The children were completely transfixed and came away bubbling about the different characters and the puppets. They were so excited to buy the book afterwards. Such a treat! Year 2.”
“…the puppets and the different voices were particularly engaging and made the children laugh. Fantastic and a lot of fun.”
“… it is so important for children to see what it takes to write and illustrate a book and they loved the true story of the rescue of Ndotto the orphan baby elephant. Hopefully some of them will be inspired to write books in the future!”
“…I really liked that you discussed the ‘ingredients’ of a story with the children. They loved your presentation, illustrations and puppets. Thank you.”
“Such a special treat! Many of the children remembered you from previous visits. Very engaging for both students and teachers.”
“Everything was pitched at exactly the right level for the children to be able to engage with the story and be active participants. The pace kept them enthralled as did the illustrations and the puppets. Great use of questioning and excellent understanding and willingness to cater for individual needs within the group. Thank you and please come back soon!”
“I love that there are so many facts in your stories and at the back of the book. This really adds to the value of the stories and makes them a learning experience as well as fun – fabulous!”
“I’m full of admiration. You kept sixty children absolutely captivated for almost an hour. I sometimes have difficulty keeping the attention of twenty–five of them for twenty minutes! You’re amazing!”
Finally, from a teacher during Q and A time:
“Miss Gail, have you always been an author and illustrator or did you ever have another job?”
“Yes I did, I was a teacher for almost forty years.”
“HA! I just KNEW IT!” :–)
by Gail | Mar 31, 2018
SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
…I know I can get lost in a paper bag but this school is huge and very easy to find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings! Luckily there was always someone around to point me in the right direction. It was fabulous fun to share my stories and Book Journey sessions with Years 1, 3, 5 & 6 and some of Year 2. Thank you, Lisa, and also for inviting me back next year to do two days catching up with the classes I missed and returning to those I saw with new stories. See you again next year!
by Gail | Mar 31, 2018
Librarians are DEFINITELY some of my favourite people.
School librarians are almost always the people I communicate with to set up school visits.They deserve a special ‘Thank you’ as they are fabulous! They plan the visit, arrange a time–table, prepare the children and teachers, put posters up around the school, make fantastic display boards based on my books and follow up the visit with children’s letters, pictures and art work. They also deal with book orders and finances as well as making sure everything runs smoothly. I have water, coffee, snacks, lunch and technicians at hand in case there are any hiccoughs.
So… many, many thanks to you all for your hugely appreciated efforts and enthusiasm.
