Arrange a school visit
Andrew McDonald is an energetic presenter who has been visiting schools for over ten years, doing author talks and running writing workshops.
Andrew uses images and storytelling to explain what sparked his love for books when he was a boy, what his writing process is like now and inspire children to read, write and be creative. Because books are cool and everyone should know it!
Topics covered include:
- Idea generation
- Story design and planning
- Turning real life experiences into fiction
- Creating characters
- Writing humour
- Using evocative language
- Writing sentences that jump off the page
Bookings
For bookings and enquiries please contact Booked Out Speakers’ Agency.
Testimonials
“Andrew had a fantastic rapport with the kids, and a really great gift for communicating important ideas about writing, while keeping them thoroughly entertained.”
—Jacqueline Griffeth, Librarian , Mt Waverley Primary School
“The students were very engaged and loved the story and process about how the normal pigeons were turned into interesting characters, and then they got to do some of their own creations at the end.”
—Jenny Corbin, Whitefriars College
“We have had some great feedback from the kids – they really loved your visit! Your books are all the craze and many are waiting to borrow them.”
—Kate Shiels, Discovery Centre Teacher, Rivercrest Christian College
Book my author backpack
The Backpack Project is specifically designed to support teacher librarians and schools with practical resources that help students engage with literature in a fun and meaningful way.
Here’s how it works.
There’s one backpack for each author or illustrator. The backpacks contain books, activities, toys, reading prompts and other resources to help students explore an author’s or illustrator’s books. My backpack contains copies of Real Pigeons, Hello Twigs, creative activities and a little Homey Pigeon toy – among other things.
The backpacks are borrowed for a whole term and can be booked by any school in Australia. There’s no cost – the school just has to pay to send the backpack onto the next school.
This very cool project is run by the PLCC (Primary Libraries Creative Collaboration). A special shout out to Gina Krohn for all the hard work that has gone into running this incredible initiative.
If you’re a teacher librarian or an Australian school interested in booking my backpack visit the Backpack Project webpage.