All About Picture Books

Encouraging imagination, creative writing, creative drawing and picture book design.

Author & Illustrator School Visits: “All About Picture Books”

Bring the magic of picture books to life with an inspiring, hands-on visit from a practising author, illustrator and publisher at

Rockpool Children’s Books.

In this lively and interactive session, I guide children through the complete journey of a picture book — from first idea to finished publication. Using original sketches, artworks and printed books, I reveal how stories are written, illustrated and brought to life.
Children are always fascinated to learn about my work with iconic characters such as Rupert Bear, as well as favourites including Postman Pat, Wallace and Gromit, Kipper, Noddy and Winnie-the-Pooh. I share behind-the-scenes insights, original artwork, and the unique process behind creating these much-loved books.
We then explore picture books in all their forms — from board books to pop-ups — and uncover what makes them so engaging. Through storytelling, I demonstrate key techniques such as rhyme, repetition and sound effects, helping children understand

how language brings stories alive.
The session quickly becomes hands-on.

Pupils take part in a guided workshop where they:

• Generate their own story ideas through fun group brainstorming
• Develop characters and plots using a storyboard
• Begin creating their own illustrated picture book (materials provided)
Workshops can be tailored to your current topic or theme, making the experience even more relevant and engaging.
I also spend time supporting children individually, encouraging creativity, building confidence, and helping

even reluctant writers and illustrators find their voice.

What schools love about these visits:

• Fully interactive and curriculum-friendly
• Encourages creativity, storytelling and artistic skills
• Engages all abilities, including reluctant readers and writers
• Leaves pupils motivated to continue their books beyond the session
Sessions typically run for 45–60 minutes per class. While this allows children to begin their books, many schools enjoy continuing the process afterwards — often with fantastic results.
Perfect for World Book Day, Book Week, The Big Draw, or simply as a memorable creative experience at any time of year.

Your location:

I’m delighted to visit schools and venues across the country. My daily fee remains the same wherever you are, with travel expenses added as needed. This may include fuel, travel time, and overnight accommodation for longer journeys.

Stuart - Publisher and Creative Director

All about picture books

Open this PDF to see all about the talk

and workshop.

Over the years I've had the privilege of illustrating many character lead picture books that are household names such as 'Postman Pat', Mick Inkpen's 'Kipper', 'Winnie the Pooh' and currently 'Rupert Bear' for Egmont's Rupert Bear Annual.

I didn't create these wonderful characters,

I was just blessed with a skill that enabled me to illustrate them.

As part of the talk I show a selection of original character illustrations.

The talk and workshop can be booked direct through
this Contact an Author link, by email or call for a chat.

Through Authors Abroad I was booked by The International School of Moscow

for World Book Week in February/March 2018. A wonderful school, a wonderful experience.

'Stuart was very enthusiastic about being in Moscow, and as this was his first international post,

he had a very open mind about how to approach everything. We kept him very busy with the schedule we gave him, and Stuart was more than happy to go along with what ever we asked him to do.

He was very positive and upbeat and a joy to work with this week!'

Tarryn Hin - Year 1 Teacher

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MOSCOW

‘Children were encouraged to produce their own little books which had been previously made for them.
For this they had to write a story and illustrate it.
The children’s results were super and their enthusiasm to complete their books was very evident.’

Mrs R Drake - Headteacher

ST PAULINUS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL - Dewsbury

‘Thank you for helping us officially ‘open’ our new Infant library. The boys loved working with a ‘real’ author and were enthused by making picture books with you. The youngest boys were thrilled to hear your stories and we can’t wait to work with you again.’

Sian Woosnam - Head of Infants

NEWCASTLE SCHOOL FOR BOYS

‘We invited Stuart Trotter into our school during our Read,

Draw and Explore week, during the week he
engaged our children and encouraged them to be both readers

and writers. The pupils listened to his fascinating back ground

on how he became an author and illustrator. He inspired pupils
from Y1 to Y6 to write and illustrate their own books.’

Karen Bennett - Headteacher

ETHERLEY LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL - Bishop Auckland

Orford CEVA Primary School, Orford, Suffolk

Ferryhill Station Primary School - Co. Durham