Meet Emma
Emma Larkin, is the founder of “Emma Larkin Books”. She is the author of the unique Irish sporting-themed children’s books, the “Izzy’s Magical Adventures in Sport” series and the Gaelic Football themed series “Twin Power” published by O’Brien Press.
There are four Izzy books in the series, “Izzy’s Magical Football Adventure”, “Izzy’s Magical Camogie Adventure”, “Izzy’s Magical Christmas Adventure” and “Izzy’s Magical Soccer Adventure” which are written by Emma Larkin and illustrated by Paul Nugent. They are ideal for ages 6/7 plus starting to read independently but could equally be read to a younger child.
There are two Twin Power books, “Twin Power : Throw In” and “Twin Power: The Lost Cup”. They are suitable for children ages 8-12.
Author Visit – Contact Emma on [email protected] for details of availability.
Visits Preparation
The “Izzy” presentation is most suitable for children in First and Second Classes.
A different workshop around “Twin Power : Throw In” is more suitable for 4th and 5th classes.
I can visit schools in person or via Zoom.
If the visit is via Zoom, then it is live on Zoom, not pre-recorded. Students can see me on their smart board screen, and I can see them via a desktop computer/camera usually.
I do an introductory call with the teacher a few days before hand and explain how it all works.
I send a complimentary copy of each Izzy book to the class along with a bookmark for all the children. I also send on colouring pages from the Izzy books which the children can colour.
Introduction and Presentation
I start the visit by introducing myself, I try to be full of fun energy, and ask the children to cheer if they love reading! Then I ask for a cheer while I call out various activities/sports. I hold up some props like hurleys, footballs, basketball. This is all to relax everyone and create a friendly fun environment.
Then I explain to the children that I am going to show them some photos about my book and myself. I share the screen and go through some slides about me, how I work and a quick overview of my book. I sent this to the teacher in advance so that he/she knows what it is all about.
Q&A with the children around what they are reading and why they like reading. Also, what sports/ activities they like playing and why they like playing sport (If they are not into sport, what hobbies they have, what they like doing, etc). I always stress that sport does not have to be competitive, and that there is both a book and an activity for everyone.
A reading from “Izzy’s Magical Football Adventure”, “Izzy’s Magical Camogie Adventure” or “Izzy’s Magical Christmas Adventure” – with pauses for the children to ask questions or comment on the story.
I will have slides of all the illustrations while reading it which I share on the screen.
I have some slides also with book recommendations for the children and I chat a bit about how brilliant libraries are.
Finish up with 10-15 minutes of questions from the children.
Presentation usually takes around 45 minutes.
I also have developed a workshop around the “Twin Power” series. This is suitable for 4th – 6th classes.
In a fun interactive workshop, I link the various positions on a Gaelic pitch to story plotting and the children all get the chance to be part of a super team who write a story together!
O’Brien Press have created a teaching guide for the Twin Power books which are available here https://obrien.ie/schools/asset/24236/1/Twin_Power_TG.pdf
Presentation usually takes around 45 minutes.
I also have developed a workshop around the “Twin Power” series. This is suitable for 4th – 6th classes.
In a fun interactive workshop, I link the various positions on a Gaelic pitch to story plotting and the children all get the chance to be part of a super team who write a story together!
O’Brien Press have created a teaching guide for the Twin Power books which are available here https://obrien.ie/asset/24236/1/Twin_Power_TG.pdf
Activities
If can be nice if the children can wear a jersey for the visit or sports top of some sort, it can help them to talk about what sport they like. I wear a jersey and Izzy jacket as well to the talk.
Sometimes, the teacher will have asked the children to write a few lines in advance about their idea for an Izzy adventure or a drawing of Izzy on an adventure. Then the children can share their stories/drawings with me. Alternatively, I can do a quick creative writing piece with the children, where I show them how to structure a very easy story, and how to create their main character and plot. This is with the aim of getting them thinking of what they would like to see happen in their own story.
I would love to hear from you on [email protected]. We can discuss availability and fees.
Contact Emma on [email protected] for details of availability.
