Scholastic Schools Live: Virtual reading events for Scholastic schools

“Is That Your Mama?” Celebrating families with Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen

Monday 18th September, 11AM

Every family is different. Every family is special. Josie loves her family. Her mum, dad, brothers and sister – they’re all the best and they all look different. But people always seem to ask Josie “Is that YOUR mama?”, and soon she starts to wonder if her family are actually supposed to look the same. When Josie shares her worries with her family, they find a way to help her see what truly matters. Join Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen for this special storytelling session for their new picture book IS THAT YOUR MAMA?

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

The importance of making every second count with Simon James Green and Jennifer Jamieson

Tuesday 19th September, 11AM

Join author Simon James Green and illustrator Jennifer Jamieson as they discuss the importance of laughter, living life to the max, and the joy of tricky riddles in this session which reminds us all to grab opportunities and make every second count. Simon will read from his new book, FINN JONES WAS HERE , which gently explores the theme of grief, and Jennifer will showcase her illustration skills.

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

Can you beat the beasts of Knobbly Bottom? Discover Emily-Jane Clark’s beastly new book and learn top comedy writing tips

Wednesday 20th September, 11AM

Emily-Jane Clark has worked as a TV comedy writer for many years and in this session will be sharing her tips and tricks for creating funny stories. Inspired by her debut children’s book, THE BEASTS OF KNOBBLY BOTTOM: ATTACK OF THE VAMPIRE SHEEP, Emily-Jane will also guide you in creating your own wacky beast.

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

This Rock Is Mine – Storytime with Kaye Umansky

Thursday 21st September, 11AM

Celebrate friendship with a special storytime with Kaye Umansky, author of the bestselling Pongwiffy series.This brilliantly simple rhyming story shows how two grumpy frogs go from fighting…to friendship (with lots of laughter along the way).

Please note this event is 15 minutes long

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

My Brilliant Plan to Fix Everything with Ben Davis

Friday 22nd September, 2PM

Join Carnegie-nominated author Ben Davis to hear about how his real-life experience has influenced his latest hilarious and heartfelt book, My Brilliant Plan to Fix Everything.

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

SECONDARY SCHOOLS | Comedy and identity with Ruby Clyde, author of JAY’S GUIDE TO CRUSHING IT

Monday 25th September, 11AM

In this special pre-recorded event for ages 12+, you will meet Ruby Clyde, award-winning stand up comedian and author of YA debut JAY’S GUIDE TO CRUSHING IT. Ruby will be talking about the comedy world and introduce you to their rom-com exploring gender identity and the pressure of growing up.

Please note this event is around 20 minutes long

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

When Cookie Crumbled – story time and draw along

Tuesday 26th September, 11AM

Join author and illustrator duo Michelle Robinson and Tom Knight for a hilarious story time and draw along session inspired by their latest book, WHEN COOKIE CRUMBLED ! In this special pre-recorded session, celebrate the joy of being true to yourself and the power of friendship.

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

Discover the epic world of OH MAYA GODS! with Maz Evans

Wednesday 27th September, 2PM

Come and celebrate the next generation of WHO LET THE GODS OUT? adventures as Maz takes you on a journey through the Maya Underworld in OH MAYA GODS! Learn the mysteries and the magic of Mesoamerica, while being introduced to the ancient sport of Pok-a-Tok, with the usual dose of Maz’s mythological mayhem.

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

Join Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy to celebrate trees, nature and new book THE OAK TREE

Thursday 28th September, 11AM

Join favourite author Julia Donaldson and star illustrator Victoria Sandøy to launch their new picture book THE OAK TREE – together with an expert from the Woodland Trust.

“Way back in time, a thousand years ago, An acorn on the ground begins to grow…”

• Watch a thousand years unfold in the life of one magnificent tree as Julia reads her stunning new picture book.
• See Victoria bring drawings to life as she illustrates animals that feed and shelter in the oak.
• Hear amazing facts about ancient trees, how to spot them and how to protect them from an expert from the Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.
• Find out about THE OAK TREE activities and a competition that your school can enter.

More about THE OAK TREE : A tiny acorn grows… and GROWS… into a mighty oak tree. As centuries sweep by, children play games, families dance and a fleeing king even hides inside its trunk! The tree gives food and shelter to animals, birds and insects. After a thousand years, the tree falls in a storm – but a new acorn sprouts, and the cycle of life begins all over again.

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

Shine – story time and draw along with Sarah Asuquo and Nadia Fisher

Friday 29th September, 11AM

“Everyone is different. Everyone is special. Join author Sarah Asuquo and illustrator Nadia Fisher in this pre-recorded session to learn all about the special message behind their new picture book Shine. Shine is a heart-warming journey through a child’s worries and insecurities about being different and a perfect way to start the school year.

Password: BACKTOSCHOOL

Discover the stories of Britain’s Black Airmen with K.N. Chimbiri

Tuesday 10th October, 11AM

Explore the fascinating, rarely-heard stories of Black airmen during the First and Second World Wars with non-fiction author K.N. Chimbiri. This session will celebrate the inspiring legacy of people of African descent to the Allied war efforts; from pilots to ground crew, and with tales from across the globe, the story of Britain’s Black airmen is an important part of the history of flying.

Password: BLACKHISTORYMONTH

How Black British history can inspire epic fantasy with Patrice Lawrence

Wednesday 11th October, 11AM

How can Britain’s Black history inspire epic fantasy? In this session, you will meet award-winning author Patrice Lawrence and learn about the historical research behind her critically acclaimed series THE ELEMENTAL DETECTIVES.

Password: BLACKHISTORYMONTH

Mythology and Adventure with the team behind Future Hero

Friday 13th October, 11AM

Join us for a celebration of the latest book in the FUTURE HERO series, ESCAPE FROM CLAY CITY! In this special pre-recorded session, we will be joined by Jasmine Richards from Storymix, one of the team behind ‘Remi Blackwood’, and Deise Lino, the illustrator of ESCAPE FROM CLAY CITY.

Password: BLACKHISTORYMONTH

Join Geri Halliwell-Horner for an empowering adventure and competition!

Friday 20th October, 11AM

Join Geri Halliwell-Horner for an empowering adventure and competition

It’s time to find your power with iconic Spice Girl and gripping children’s author Geri Halliwell-Horner.

Join Geri to get inspired by Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen, her story filled with empowerment, adventure, history and a new kind of hero.

“A brilliant read, so inventive and exciting” Jacqueline Wilson

When Rosie Frost is sent to Bloodstone Island—home to a school for extraordinary children and a sanctuary for endangered species – she must navigate friendships, secrets, danger and the mysterious Falcon Queen Games…

Find out about The Falcon Queen Rules and enter our competition to create your own Rule for life!

Free cross-curricular teaching resources show how the themes of history, nature and adventure can be used in the classroom.

Password: ROSIEFROST

Join Liz Pichon for a FIVE STAR Tom Gates show

Thursday 5th October, 11AM

Amazing author-illustrator Liz Pichon presents a doodle-tastic event to celebrate brand-new book Tom Gates: Five Star Stories (Hooray) and tell you about the first ever Tom Gates story competition! Expect stories, doodling and tons of tips to get your class inspired.

Password: FIVESTARSTORIES