Lynne Chapman has been a freelance illustrator for 25 years, specialising in children’s books since 1998.  She has illustrated over 30 books, and written & illustrated ‘When You’re Not Looking!’ (pub: Gullane). Having lectured for several years in Illustration at the Sheffield College, she now travels to schools and libraries all over the country, delivering events for children and adults. She appears at several literary festivals each year and is a regular guest on BBC Radio Sheffield.

Workshops
1: Storytelling 1 - 1 ½ hrs
Suitable for Rec - Y4
(maximum: 1 class if in a classroom, 2 in a hall / library)

I read 2 different stories with interactive activities, such as singing, dancing, puppetry etc, depending on the books chosen. Between stories, we can break for a short drawing activity. I finish off with a competition where I draw different animals for the children to identify and keep. With the longer sessions, I answer any questions they have about my work.

2: Illustration Workshop 1 ½ - 2 hrs
Suitable for Y4 - Y10
(maximum: 1 class)

I begin by talking about being an illustrator and explain how a picture book comes about, showing original artwork and drawings in progress. We read a story and the children get to ask questions. This is followed by group brainstorming to generate illustration ideas and to get the children thinking about how to interpret them visually. The children then create illustrations of their own on a theme chosen to link in with the story we have read, and I do drawings to demonstrate handy tips to help.

3: Creative Writing Workshop 1 ½ - 2 hrs
Suitable for Y4 - Y6
(maximum: 1 class)

I begin by talking about being an illustrator and explain how a picture book comes about, showing original artwork and drawings in progress. We read a story and the children get to ask questions. This is followed by a series of exercises using the children’s imagination to create a character and setting for their own story. Each child then writes at least the beginning of a story, and we use various fun methods to move the narrative on in unusual ways.

4: Talk About Children’s Book Writing & Illustration 50mins - 1 hr Suitable for Y4 up
(any number)
An informative but light-hearted talk, illustrated with PowerPoint. I talk about my work as author / illustrator, with examples of illustrations at various stages, and explain the process of production of a picture book, showing how characters are created and evolve. I discuss the roles of the writer, illustrator, designer and publisher, and how the illustrations in picture books are affected by foreign markets. (NB decent black-out required, as the talk is very visual)

Feedback
Jan Jay & Sue Brind (Stafford SpLD Centre) KS2 illustration workshop, Nov 2008
“Our thanks go to Lynne for such a fun and inspiring day: she proved to be a real inspiration. She earned immediate respect when she showed us the books she had illustrated and the children were fascinated to hear how she went about the task. They took to her bright, warm approach and responded as if she were an old friend!
Lynne showed the children how to create basic animal shapes and gave lots of simple tips to personalise it. Lynne was able to tell them in a supportive way if there was something in their drawing that would not work artistically and helped them to change it. She was full of genuine praise for their efforts and they felt a mile high. They produced some stunning efforts and were highly creative
One girl went home ‘raving’ (to quote mum) about what she had done. One little lad got home, announced he could draw dinosaurs and promptly set about making a picture book of them, his mum told us. Lynne clearly lit some sparks that day! It will go down as one of our Very Special days at the SpLD Centre.”

Louise Comfort (Grantham Children’s Book Group) KS1 Storytellings Nov 2008
“It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with Lynne. Her enthusiasm, energy and humour completely engaged the children the minute the session began. By encouraging the children to do some drawing, they all felt involved and part of the session.”

Joanna Munro, (organiser, Beverley Literary Festival) storytellings & workshops Oct 2007
“A fantastic day! The children enjoyed it very much and the feedback has been incredible. Your sessions were by far the most popular.”

Awards
Stockport Schools Book Award: winner Class Two at the Zoo 2008
Coventry Inspiration Book award: shortlisted Class Two at the Zoo 2008
Red House Children’s Book Award: shortlisted Mr Strongmouse and the baby 2006
Red House Children’s Book Award: shortlisted Open Wide! 2005
Nottingham Children’s Book Award: shortlisted Giddy Goat 2005

Book list

Gnash, Gnaw, Dinosaur! by Tony Mitton Kingfisher, 2009 (Publication due in February 2009)
Dragon’s Dinner by Susannah Corbett Hodder, 2009 (Publication due in August 2009)
An ABC of Nursery Rhymes by Lynne Chapman Chicken House, 2008 (no hardback available) ISBN: 978-1905294800 (paperback)
Class Three All At Sea by Julia Jarman Hodder, 2008 (hardback sold out of print) (paperback due June 2009)
A Lark in the Ark by Peter Bently Egmont, 2008 (no hardback available) ISBN: 978 14052 2550 2 (paperback)
Mule School by Julia Rawlinson Gullane, 2007 ISBN: 978 186233 645 2 (hardback) ISBN: 978 18623 3729 9 (paperback)
Class 2 at the Zoo by Julia Jarman Hodder, 2007 (hardback sold out of print) ISBN: 978 0340 91161 7 (paperback)
Rocky and the Lamb by Greg Gormley Gullane, 2006 ISBN: 1 86233 598 2 (hardback) ISBN: 987 186233 675 9 (paperback)
An Itch to Scratch by Damian Harvey Gullane, 2005 ISBN: 1 86233 454 4 (hardback) ISBN: 1 86233 589 3 (paperback)
Mr Strongmouse and the Baby by Hiawyn Oram Orchard, 2005 (hardback sold out of print) ISBN: 1 84362 588 1 (paperback)
Open Wide! by Tom Barber Chrysalis, 2004 (hardback sold out of print) ISBN: 1 84458 053 9 (paperback)
When You’re Not Looking! by Lynne Chapman Gullane, 2004 ISBN: 1 86233 383 1 (hardback) ISBN: 1 86233 480 3 (paperback)
Kangaroo’s Cancan Café by Julia Jarman Orchard, 2004 (hardback sold out of print) ISBN: 1 84362 600 4 (paperback)
Giddy Goat by Jamie Rix Orchard, 2003 (hardback sold out of print) ISBN: 1 84362 283 1 (paperback)
Bad Hare Day by Miriam Moss Bloomsbury, 2003 ISBN: 0 7475 5858 2 (hardback) ISBN: 0 7475 6482 5 (paperback)
Big Bad Wolf is Good by Simon Puttock Gullane, 2001 ISBN: 1 86233 320 3 (hardback) ISBN: 1 86233 632 6 (paperback)
A New House for Smudge by Miriam Moss Gullane, 2001 ISBN: 1 86233 202 9 (hardback) ISBN: 1 86233 354 8 (paperback)
I’ll Be Your Friend Smudge by Miriam Moss Gullane, 2001 ISBN: 1 86233 207 X (hardback) ISBN: 1 86233 359 9 (paperback)
It’s My Turn Smudge! by Miriam Moss Gullane, 2001 ISBN: 1 86233 287 8 (hardback) ISBN: 1 86233 369 6 (paperback)
Smudge’s Grumpy Day by Miriam Moss Gullane, 2001 ISBN: 1 86233 282 7 (hardback) ISBN: 1 86233 364 5 (paperback)
The Show at Rickety Barn by Jemma Beeke David & Charles, 2000 ISBN: 1 86233 142 1 (hardback) ISBN: 1 86233 633 4 (paperback)