I absolutely love doing creative activities with children!
Whilst touring with Silly Samuel Square, I always combine the reading with a fun, colouring sheet of my main characters.
Recently I thought it would be educational for really young children to stick different shapes onto paper, talking about colours, pointy bits and shape names.
I used this activity during a creative morning the other week, with lots of two year olds who loved glue! Unfortunately hardly any went on the paper!
Children literally lick it, try and eat it, put it in their hair, on their clothes, up their nose etc.
I must have said, “Ooh, don’t do that sweetheart", at least a hundred times. The worst thing was they loved putting it on me too, apparently this was hilarious! One child patted my arm, I turned around – Bang! Straight on my nose with glue stick!
We did manage to stick some shapes on paper though and it was a great way of discussing colours.
Afterwards I went to Sainsbury’s to do my weekly shop, feeling satisfied that I’d had a very rewarding morning. Whilst choosing my Cornflakes I noticed a few shoppers smiling and tittering at me. Feeling curious, I went to the toilet and discovered in the mirror that I had a pink triangle and red circle stuck to my bum! Aren’t Kids just great!
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Blog
Hello everyone,
I’m currently touring Worcestershire with Silly Samuel Square but have
unfortunately picked up an unwanted friend, a throat tickling, nose running
cold!
It was bound to happen whilst visiting so many nurseries and schools. I’ve
been spending time with little ones whom are suffering themselves with
watery eyes and Rudolph noses.
I should change Silly Samuel Square from saying "Phttttttt" to "Tishooo", or in
my case "Wahooo".
It is particularly difficult doing a book signing when one is feeling under the
weather. Trying to find enthusiasm and energy to promote a book to complete
strangers can be exhausting and hard work. Loosing your voice and
constantly blowing your nose doubles the challenge!
In a bookshop last Saturday, people were whizzing past incase I sneezed on
them and those who spoke to me couldn’t understand the croak I was
producing instead of a conversation.
I didn’t win any brownie points with the shop either, as when I went to the
toilet I managed to set off all the alarms in the shop. I honestly pressed the
security button to release the door to return to my stand, but the bells rang
loud and clear on all two floors!
On a positive note, the people who did buy my book were really
complimentary and friendly, saying they’d read about me in the paper or that I
had visited their child’s nursery!
A lot also advised me to have a ‘Lemsip and honey’…I’m convinced that one
man brought a book just out of sympathy for me!
I’m having a week off now from promoting to catch up on some writing but
then I’ll be back, full of life and hopefully without my friend, Mr Sniffle!
Hello everyone,
I’m currently touring Worcestershire with Silly Samuel Square but have
unfortunately picked up an unwanted friend, a throat tickling, nose running
cold!
It was bound to happen whilst visiting so many nurseries and schools. I’ve
been spending time with little ones whom are suffering themselves with
watery eyes and Rudolph noses.
I should change Silly Samuel Square from saying "Phttttttt" to "Tishooo", or in
my case "Wahooo".
It is particularly difficult doing a book signing when one is feeling under the
weather. Trying to find enthusiasm and energy to promote a book to complete
strangers can be exhausting and hard work. Loosing your voice and
constantly blowing your nose doubles the challenge!
In a bookshop last Saturday, people were whizzing past incase I sneezed on
them and those who spoke to me couldn’t understand the croak I was
producing instead of a conversation.
I didn’t win any brownie points with the shop either, as when I went to the
toilet I managed to set off all the alarms in the shop. I honestly pressed the
security button to release the door to return to my stand, but the bells rang
loud and clear on all two floors!
On a positive note, the people who did buy my book were really
complimentary and friendly, saying they’d read about me in the paper or that I
had visited their child’s nursery!
A lot also advised me to have a ‘Lemsip and honey’…I’m convinced that one
man brought a book just out of sympathy for me!
I’m having a week off now from promoting to catch up on some writing but
then I’ll be back, full of life and hopefully without my friend, Mr Sniffle!
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
I’ve started a new author tour with Silly Samuel Square around nurseries,
libraries, schools and shops.
It’s very exciting and the reception I’ve had so far has been fantastic.
I visited one of my favourite libraries the other day; it’s very local to me with
friendly staff who are always keen to have authors in.
I had a group of eight children who were two-three years old, with their mums,
and we sat in the reading corner.
They listened beautifully during the story and joined in well with the songs.
Each child was really keen to count the shapes pointy bits, say what
colour they were and repeat the shapes names.
It was my first public reading of Silly Samuel Square and I was so chuffed that
the children were enjoying it and laughing when Samuel rolls his tongue
“phttttttt!”
However, I nearly always get something wrong! We began our colouring
activity and within two minutes I announced,
“I’ve got a lolly for each of you when you finish your colouring.”
Immediately a child said, “I’ve finished!” Then surprise, surprise they all got up
and said they’d finished their pictures. I’m not sure if a couple of them had
even started.
Nethertheless, I had a great time and looking forward to my next outing with
Silly Samuel Square.
libraries, schools and shops.
It’s very exciting and the reception I’ve had so far has been fantastic.
I visited one of my favourite libraries the other day; it’s very local to me with
friendly staff who are always keen to have authors in.
I had a group of eight children who were two-three years old, with their mums,
and we sat in the reading corner.
They listened beautifully during the story and joined in well with the songs.
Each child was really keen to count the shapes pointy bits, say what
colour they were and repeat the shapes names.
It was my first public reading of Silly Samuel Square and I was so chuffed that
the children were enjoying it and laughing when Samuel rolls his tongue
“phttttttt!”
However, I nearly always get something wrong! We began our colouring
activity and within two minutes I announced,
“I’ve got a lolly for each of you when you finish your colouring.”
Immediately a child said, “I’ve finished!” Then surprise, surprise they all got up
and said they’d finished their pictures. I’m not sure if a couple of them had
even started.
Nethertheless, I had a great time and looking forward to my next outing with
Silly Samuel Square.
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Summer Reading Challenge
Join in the largest ever reading challenge this summer! Over 94% of Libraries are taking part throughout the UK, encouraging children to borrow and read books.
For every book a child reads, a sticker will be given and at the end of the summer, awards and certificates will be handed out to those whom complete the challenge.
There is a special competition for the under fives at Kidderminster Library, still involving borrowing books, and I've been invited to hand out the awards at the beginning of October. I was really chuffed to be asked to attend and will be reading my new book SHAPE LAND Silly Samuel Square, offering a copy as one of the prizes.
So get children involved in the fun and whilst they are reading, parents can relax and enjoy the peace that a good story guarantees!
For every book a child reads, a sticker will be given and at the end of the summer, awards and certificates will be handed out to those whom complete the challenge.
There is a special competition for the under fives at Kidderminster Library, still involving borrowing books, and I've been invited to hand out the awards at the beginning of October. I was really chuffed to be asked to attend and will be reading my new book SHAPE LAND Silly Samuel Square, offering a copy as one of the prizes.
So get children involved in the fun and whilst they are reading, parents can relax and enjoy the peace that a good story guarantees!
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Next Shape Land book!!!
Yahoo! I've had the proof for my second book, 'SHAPE LAND Silly Samuel Square' and it's fantastic!
I'm so excited and can now start preparing a launch and release date for the 1st of September.
I've got to organise an author tour (around nurseries, libraries, schools etc), book signings, media packs, book reviews, magazine articles...OH MY GOD! I'm going to be busy, busy, busy...
It'll all be worth it and if you fancy a pre-view before I release it, my publisher has set me up a web page and you can buy it off them now!
Check out www.trafford.com/07-2597
I'm so excited and can now start preparing a launch and release date for the 1st of September.
I've got to organise an author tour (around nurseries, libraries, schools etc), book signings, media packs, book reviews, magazine articles...OH MY GOD! I'm going to be busy, busy, busy...
It'll all be worth it and if you fancy a pre-view before I release it, my publisher has set me up a web page and you can buy it off them now!
Check out www.trafford.com/07-2597
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Story Tellers
There are people in the world who tell stories for a living.
Within seconds, you can be gripped with interest and curiosity as their voices unravel a tale, which you'll remember for years to come.
I've been reading stories to children since I was fourteen years old and having trained as a Nursery Nurse, I'd like to think I'm fairly good at keeping their attention.
However, I've been shown up a couple of times by Librarians who have been fantastic Story Tellers, leaving my book as a lost memory to the children I'd just read too.
Some Story Tellers take matters extremely seriously, dressing up as characters, using props such as hats, swords, puppets etc. I usually love watching these performances, unless it's straight after my story session!
I remember a particularly frustrating morning in a library, where a regular Story Teller had a set time to read to children every week. I was given this slot to do a Shape Land workshop and this obviously upset the Story Teller.
Firstly, when I arrived he offered to read my book for me, which I politely declined causing him to actually huff and puff!
"Well, good luck with this bunch of kids," he stuttered at me and walked off. Completely shocked, I wondered if perhapes he had spent a little too much time with children already...
As it happened, I had a lovely group of children to read to. They listened to the story, joined in the Samuel Square tongue rolls ("Phtttttth!") and tried shouting out the shape's names.
I was chuffed at how well it was going and was about to burst into song, when I had a tap on my shoulder.
"Do you mind if I read the children a story now Helen?" It was the annoying Story Teller!
"Erm...yeah sure," I said, putting my colouring activity away. Librarians often read a short story after mine to fill a bit of time, what harm could it do?
Three stories, a few puppets, one hat and a lot of tired children later...the Story Teller finally decided to finish.
He turned and looked at me with a glance that said, 'That's the way to do it'.
Whilst attempting to give him a death stare, I noticed that all the mothers were leaving!
No colouring activity? No bookmarks? Not even a chance to sing 'Twinkle twinkle little star?' My workshop was over and I hadn't had the chance to do half of it. The mothers were leaving with their tired little ones, saying how wonderful the Story Teller had been.
Pants! Sulkily I began to tidy away my books and equipment, whilst listening to the Story Teller take praise and give 'Goodbyes.'
"Helen...That went well didn't it?" He beamed at me. He then explained that although I was above average at telling stories, I would get better with time.
I considered telling him where he could stick his stories, but all I managed was an intellengent grunt. (Pigs grunt and their mean't to be intellegent, right?)
Luckily this experience hadn't put me off doing workshops and I still have the greatest respect for Story Tellers. Libraries will always be one of my favorite venues for Shape Land!
Within seconds, you can be gripped with interest and curiosity as their voices unravel a tale, which you'll remember for years to come.
I've been reading stories to children since I was fourteen years old and having trained as a Nursery Nurse, I'd like to think I'm fairly good at keeping their attention.
However, I've been shown up a couple of times by Librarians who have been fantastic Story Tellers, leaving my book as a lost memory to the children I'd just read too.
Some Story Tellers take matters extremely seriously, dressing up as characters, using props such as hats, swords, puppets etc. I usually love watching these performances, unless it's straight after my story session!
I remember a particularly frustrating morning in a library, where a regular Story Teller had a set time to read to children every week. I was given this slot to do a Shape Land workshop and this obviously upset the Story Teller.
Firstly, when I arrived he offered to read my book for me, which I politely declined causing him to actually huff and puff!
"Well, good luck with this bunch of kids," he stuttered at me and walked off. Completely shocked, I wondered if perhapes he had spent a little too much time with children already...
As it happened, I had a lovely group of children to read to. They listened to the story, joined in the Samuel Square tongue rolls ("Phtttttth!") and tried shouting out the shape's names.
I was chuffed at how well it was going and was about to burst into song, when I had a tap on my shoulder.
"Do you mind if I read the children a story now Helen?" It was the annoying Story Teller!
"Erm...yeah sure," I said, putting my colouring activity away. Librarians often read a short story after mine to fill a bit of time, what harm could it do?
Three stories, a few puppets, one hat and a lot of tired children later...the Story Teller finally decided to finish.
He turned and looked at me with a glance that said, 'That's the way to do it'.
Whilst attempting to give him a death stare, I noticed that all the mothers were leaving!
No colouring activity? No bookmarks? Not even a chance to sing 'Twinkle twinkle little star?' My workshop was over and I hadn't had the chance to do half of it. The mothers were leaving with their tired little ones, saying how wonderful the Story Teller had been.
Pants! Sulkily I began to tidy away my books and equipment, whilst listening to the Story Teller take praise and give 'Goodbyes.'
"Helen...That went well didn't it?" He beamed at me. He then explained that although I was above average at telling stories, I would get better with time.
I considered telling him where he could stick his stories, but all I managed was an intellengent grunt. (Pigs grunt and their mean't to be intellegent, right?)
Luckily this experience hadn't put me off doing workshops and I still have the greatest respect for Story Tellers. Libraries will always be one of my favorite venues for Shape Land!
Thursday, 17 April 2008
MY NEW WEBSITE!!!
Check out my new website www.authorsites.co.uk/helenwendycooper which has got updated information, news and photographs - including one of my dog Wispa!
I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think! Email shape_land@hotmail.co.uk
I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think! Email shape_land@hotmail.co.uk
Thursday, 10 April 2008
The Touring Author- The Things Children Say!
For World Book Day I was invited to a couple of schools to give half hour presentations on writing children's books.
I felt really honoured to be asked and it was a great opportunity to promote my book at their book fayre's afterwards.
On the morning of the event, I was a nervous wreck! My stomach was filled with butterflies (which meant regular trips to the toilet) and I couldn't eat a thing.
The problem was that children can be the toughest audience in the world. Children need and deserve to be entertained. Their attention needs to be grabbed immediately and if you can make them laugh...all the better!
Another problem I have is actually finding the schools. I can get lost even with a map, AA route finder or sat nav in the car!
Luckily on World Book Day, I knew exactly where the school was, producing one less drop of sweat on my forehead.
My favorite schools are always the little ones, and this school was great. Set in a beautiful location, with only 50 children and a friendly, creative atmosphere.
The children were all dressed up as story book characters and I used this to begin my talk in the assembly hall. Immediately hands shot up into the air and eager faces were all staring at me.
"Do you who I am?" One shouted.
"I'm a wolf and I'm going to eat Little Miss Riding Hood," another child said (his teacher just happened to be dressed up as Miss Hood) and there were many princesses, witches, action hero's etc...They looked fabulous!
We talked about what factors make a good story, favorite authors, types of stories and I was really impressed with the responses.
I then asked 'What would help me be a good writer?'
A princess said 'You should eat breakfast!' A witch suggested 'Weetabix.'
A little soldier said, 'You should try having a wash!' Could they really smell me from a few feet away?
Then Superman suggested 'Watch telly' and a wizard shouted 'Read books,' Hooray... A truly magical answer!
The most entertaining part was when the children got to ask me questions. Their faces lit up and their eyes sparkled as they asked if I'd written the Mr Men (no), was I famous? (No) Was I rich?(Unfortunately not), why hadn't I written Harry Potter? (I ask myself this every day).
Luckily I don't think they were too disappointed that I was just 'Little Miss Normal' and not some super star author who'd sold billions of books...after all we all have to start somewhere and just in case you are wondering, yes I did have a wash in the morning!
I felt really honoured to be asked and it was a great opportunity to promote my book at their book fayre's afterwards.
On the morning of the event, I was a nervous wreck! My stomach was filled with butterflies (which meant regular trips to the toilet) and I couldn't eat a thing.
The problem was that children can be the toughest audience in the world. Children need and deserve to be entertained. Their attention needs to be grabbed immediately and if you can make them laugh...all the better!
Another problem I have is actually finding the schools. I can get lost even with a map, AA route finder or sat nav in the car!
Luckily on World Book Day, I knew exactly where the school was, producing one less drop of sweat on my forehead.
My favorite schools are always the little ones, and this school was great. Set in a beautiful location, with only 50 children and a friendly, creative atmosphere.
The children were all dressed up as story book characters and I used this to begin my talk in the assembly hall. Immediately hands shot up into the air and eager faces were all staring at me.
"Do you who I am?" One shouted.
"I'm a wolf and I'm going to eat Little Miss Riding Hood," another child said (his teacher just happened to be dressed up as Miss Hood) and there were many princesses, witches, action hero's etc...They looked fabulous!
We talked about what factors make a good story, favorite authors, types of stories and I was really impressed with the responses.
I then asked 'What would help me be a good writer?'
A princess said 'You should eat breakfast!' A witch suggested 'Weetabix.'
A little soldier said, 'You should try having a wash!' Could they really smell me from a few feet away?
Then Superman suggested 'Watch telly' and a wizard shouted 'Read books,' Hooray... A truly magical answer!
The most entertaining part was when the children got to ask me questions. Their faces lit up and their eyes sparkled as they asked if I'd written the Mr Men (no), was I famous? (No) Was I rich?(Unfortunately not), why hadn't I written Harry Potter? (I ask myself this every day).
Luckily I don't think they were too disappointed that I was just 'Little Miss Normal' and not some super star author who'd sold billions of books...after all we all have to start somewhere and just in case you are wondering, yes I did have a wash in the morning!
Saturday, 29 March 2008
The Touring Author - Mother & Toddler Groups
I absolutely love visiting mother and toddler groups.
There's a certain village hall which hosts a toddler group that invites me regularly. It provides a warm, friendly environment for children to play safely, do creative activities and a nice cup of tea for the mums.
I'd love to go to this particular mother and toddler group weekly, but unfortunately I am missing one vital element- a toddler!
Writing children's books is a fantastic excuse to attend these social mornings. I'll set up a display of my Shape Land books, do a fun colouring/creative activity with the kids (I am an ex-nursery nurse) and then read my book on some comfortable cushions-bliss!
However, not all m&t groups have welcomed me! One group saw me as a sales woman just trying to get their money in exchange for Trevor Triangle (my book), they couldn't be further from the truth!
On this particular occasion I soon realised the morning wasn't going brilliantly, when the first thing said to me was, "If you've come to clean the toilet, you're late!"
Hands up, I replied, "I'm afraid that's not me, I'm here with my book".
I hoped this would produce a smile (as I was giving up my GMTV time), however, all I got was a big tut and an unenthusiastic guide to a table in the far corner of the room.
As the toilet had already been mentioned, I decided to go before the session started. Unfortunately the lock on the 'one and only' toilet didn't work, and I met some of the mums in rather embarrassing circumstances! I bet JK Rowling has never been caught with her M&S spotty pants around her ankles!
Moving on, I tried to mingle and chat amongst the ladies, even resorting to comments on the weather (they were hard work). Unfortunately they had their little groups and made comments like, "We've no money, so there's no point talking to us".
Feeling rather embarrassed and unwanted, I moved onto the children and started organising the colouring activity. Thank goodness for children! You can always guarantee that at least one child will sit with you for ages, colouring, sticking, cutting etc, and it makes the time fly by.
The worst part of the morning had to be my own story time!
I usually have a group of willing, eager children in a reading corner but this m&t group insisted on putting out chairs for every child and forcing them to give up toys in order to sit and listen.
This can be normal practice in a nursery environment, but not m&t groups.
Not surprisingly a few began to cry, but I was encouraged to read my story anyway. With howling children, gossiping mothers and the odd musical toy going off, I attempted to shout out the story line with great difficulty.
Finally the morning ended and I was able to escape to my car. I drove home and delved into a large piece of chocolate cake to cheer myself up, works every time!
This experience hasn't put me off visiting m&t groups, and I'm looking forward to visiting my favorite one when my second book is released this summer.
I'll make sure I go to the toilet before I get there though!
There's a certain village hall which hosts a toddler group that invites me regularly. It provides a warm, friendly environment for children to play safely, do creative activities and a nice cup of tea for the mums.
I'd love to go to this particular mother and toddler group weekly, but unfortunately I am missing one vital element- a toddler!
Writing children's books is a fantastic excuse to attend these social mornings. I'll set up a display of my Shape Land books, do a fun colouring/creative activity with the kids (I am an ex-nursery nurse) and then read my book on some comfortable cushions-bliss!
However, not all m&t groups have welcomed me! One group saw me as a sales woman just trying to get their money in exchange for Trevor Triangle (my book), they couldn't be further from the truth!
On this particular occasion I soon realised the morning wasn't going brilliantly, when the first thing said to me was, "If you've come to clean the toilet, you're late!"
Hands up, I replied, "I'm afraid that's not me, I'm here with my book".
I hoped this would produce a smile (as I was giving up my GMTV time), however, all I got was a big tut and an unenthusiastic guide to a table in the far corner of the room.
As the toilet had already been mentioned, I decided to go before the session started. Unfortunately the lock on the 'one and only' toilet didn't work, and I met some of the mums in rather embarrassing circumstances! I bet JK Rowling has never been caught with her M&S spotty pants around her ankles!
Moving on, I tried to mingle and chat amongst the ladies, even resorting to comments on the weather (they were hard work). Unfortunately they had their little groups and made comments like, "We've no money, so there's no point talking to us".
Feeling rather embarrassed and unwanted, I moved onto the children and started organising the colouring activity. Thank goodness for children! You can always guarantee that at least one child will sit with you for ages, colouring, sticking, cutting etc, and it makes the time fly by.
The worst part of the morning had to be my own story time!
I usually have a group of willing, eager children in a reading corner but this m&t group insisted on putting out chairs for every child and forcing them to give up toys in order to sit and listen.
This can be normal practice in a nursery environment, but not m&t groups.
Not surprisingly a few began to cry, but I was encouraged to read my story anyway. With howling children, gossiping mothers and the odd musical toy going off, I attempted to shout out the story line with great difficulty.
Finally the morning ended and I was able to escape to my car. I drove home and delved into a large piece of chocolate cake to cheer myself up, works every time!
This experience hasn't put me off visiting m&t groups, and I'm looking forward to visiting my favorite one when my second book is released this summer.
I'll make sure I go to the toilet before I get there though!
Friday, 28 March 2008
The Touring Author
I've heard many wonderful things about blogs, so I've decided to start my own!
I didn't have a clue what to write about at first, a diary? Food recipes? Tips on writing for children? The list could go on and on, so I've decided to write about a few interesting, true events which have happened to me whilst promoting my first Shape Land book.
I'm calling my blog 'The Touring Author' and I hope you all enjoy reading it.
Take care,
Love Helen xxx
I didn't have a clue what to write about at first, a diary? Food recipes? Tips on writing for children? The list could go on and on, so I've decided to write about a few interesting, true events which have happened to me whilst promoting my first Shape Land book.
I'm calling my blog 'The Touring Author' and I hope you all enjoy reading it.
Take care,
Love Helen xxx
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