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alt-text This month sees the launch, in paperback, of Neil's popular title Florence was no ordinary Fairy, illustrated by Doug Nash. Florence, was a fairy who hated doing anything fairy-like. She wouldn't leave 50 pence under pillows if you'd lost a tooth, was allergic to fairy dust and positively refused to sit on top of a christmas tree! But she did have one weakness - fairy cakes; she adored them! And that was her downfall in more ways than one. Read how this fairy with attitude overcomes her fears and gains new found confidence!
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alt-text Neil will be visiting 3 book stores before Xmas to promote his Xmas book Sam's Sack from Santa. Be sure to come along and join in the fun and get your copy signed by the great man himself! The perfect gift for young readers this christmas. He will be at:
Borders, Swansea, 28th November, 2pm-3pm
Borders, Swindon, 1st December, 11am-1pm
Waterstones, Wrexham, 8th December, 11am-noon
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alt-text Available this month, just in time for Christmas, are a set of fabulous Did you see them too? finger puppets. These high quality and detailed puppets will help to bring the story to life and make a great gift!
The set of 8 costs �15, but hurry as stock is limited.
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alt-text Neil went along to the opening weekend of the new Borders store in Cardiff and treated the waiting audience to a messy cake making rendition of his latest story book Tallula's Atishoo!
Winnie paperback
Winnie in paperback Neil's popular title Winnie Wagtail, illustrated by Eileen Browne is now available in paperback at £5.99. When Winnie's tail won't wag, her mum tells her to stop trying so hard. But Winnie doesn't want to wait and wanders off to watch how the other animals move their tails. This enchanting story will show how mum always knows best. A wonderfully waggy tail!
New Sand and Water Resource Book
New Sand and Water Resource Book Available this October is a fabulous new Sand and Water Play resource book written by Anne Pratt. Following in the same series style as the Outdoor Classroom, this is packed with creative ideas and starting points for sand and water play. It details practical advice on how to initiate, create, develop and use sand and water to support the early years curriculum. At £12.00 it will make an excellent addition to your classroom resources.
New Xmas picture book
New Xmas picture book This October will see the official launch of Neil's first Christmas picture book - Sam's Sack from Santa, illustrated by Gabriella Buckingham. The story tells of Sam, who was hoping for a kite for Christmas. He can't believe his luck when he opens a stray sack that has landed in his garden to find the perfect box kite. But the sack is not meant for him! It's an intriguing story about right and wrong and the true spirit of Christmas.

Neil will be out and about during November and December promoting the book so look out for a venue near you and go along and get a signed copy. The following are confirmed dates, but keep checking back as others will be added:
Borders, Birmingham - 23rd November
Borders, Swansea - 28th November
Waterstones, Wrexham - 8th December
Borders, Swindon - 1st December
New Book
Tallula's Atishoo The latest picture book from Neil Griffiths has arrived and it's a great one to get stuck into! Tallula's Atishoo, illustrated by Peggy Collins, tells the story of Tallula the Hippo, who was doing what she liked to do most of all - wallowing in mud! She loved the stuff. The stickier the better. But, she soon discovers that you can have too much of a good thing, when she overstays her welcome in the muddy depths. A marvellously mucky adventure! Order a copy now.
Islington Show
Did you see them too - sack Neil will be attending the The TES Eductaion Show on Friday September 28th at Olympia, London. Why not call by and see him where he will be signing books on the Storysack stand (H7). You will also get a chance to check out all the new products from Storysacks, including a new sack based around Neil's title "Did you see them too?" illustrated by Janette Louden.
New Role Play Packs
play ona shoestring Just in time for the new autumn term comes two new Play on a Shoestring role play packs. Packed with everything you need to inspire a brilliant role play area in the classroom, including 40 photocopiable teacher guidance sheets, 20 photocopiable children's resources, a CD-ROM for duplicating and an audio CD of new songs. At just £24.00 these are exceptional value for money and a great resource for any school. The new packs are, The Post Office and Three Bears. Other packs available are, Air Travel, Cafe, Garden Centre and Pet Shop.
Neil first to appear at Cardiff Borders
Neil will be the first children's author to appear at the new Borders flagship store in Cardiff, during it's inaugural weekend. The store is to have the largest children's department in Europe and Neil will be taking the first storytime at the store on Saturday 29th at 1.30pm. So come along and join in the fun! You can even get 15% of all books!
Special Offer on Sandscapes
Sandscapes Special The award winning Sandscape scenery is on special offer for a limited period. At only £11.75 a set, it's a saving of nearly 50% off the normal price of £19.99. Each of the four sets contain three highly durable plastic scenescapes and twelve activity cards. Sets available:
Set 1: Jungle, Mountain, Under the Sea
Set 2: High Street, Building Site, Garden
Set 3: Farmyard, Zoo, Seaside
Set 4: Airport, Garage, Harbour
Neil to appear at Bath Children's Festival
The Bath Festival of Children's literature takes place between 21 and 30 of September. Neil will be presenting a session on storytelling at the Guildhall on Thursday 27 September, at 4.30. He will share some of his read aloud techniques and strategies for presenting books to children. Both informative and entertaining, come along and join the session and you will never share a story the same way again! A must for all adults who want to instil in young people the importance and fun of reading. For booking information please go to www.bathkidslitfest.co.uk
Victoria Park to get a second visit!
After a hugely successful visit to Victoria Park book shop in hackney, Neil will be visiting them for a second time on 21 September. Neil will be performing his usual magic, which will include fun games and activities for children and adults! As always there'll be an opportunity to purchase Neil's latest books and get a personally signed message. The event is free so please just turn up on the day.
Neil to visit South Wales
Neil will be visiting two Borders bookshops in South Wales on 18 August. He will be doing storytime sessions between 11am and 1pm at the Llantrisant store and then more fab sessions at the Swansea store from 2pm. Why not take the opportunity to purchase one of Neil's latest books and get a personally signed message. So go along and join in the fun! It's all free, just turn up on the day.
Neil becomes a Doctor!
Neil Doctor No, Neil isn't to become the next Doctor Who, but we are very proud to announce that on the 17 July, Neil was made an honorary Doctor of Letters by Bishop Grosseteste University College, Lincoln. The ceremony took place at Lincoln Cathedral and he was honoured for creating the Storysack phenomenon and services to Education. Congratulations Neil!
Doesn't he look dapper!



Tne Journey performed at Tate Britain
journey at tate On 14 July, Neil, accompanied by musicians and friends performed a musical version of his story, The Journey, at the Tate Britain. The music, specially composed by David Posnett, has allowed Neil to introduce new techniques for storytelling involving fabric as props. It is also a perfect opportunity to allow young children to experience the wonders of musical instruments. Our thanks to everyone that helped out on the day!

Neil Goes Quackers
duck race Back in May Neil was kindly asked if he would start the annual Calne Lions Duck race along the River Marden. He also took time out to do some storytime sessions in the local library and awarded prizes, including one for the best decorated corporate duck!

Photo courtesy of Michael Connor.



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Neil will be taking the regular Storytime session at Waterstones Bookshop in Clapham on Friday 3rd August, from 11am. Neil will be taking you into his usual magical world of story which will include fun games and activities for children and adults! There'll be oportunity to purchase Neil's latest books and get a personally signed message. The event is free so please just turn up on the day.
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alt-text The Anytime, Any Place and Anyone festival also marked the 10th anniversary of the Storysack concept, invented by Neil when he was head teacher at Westlea Primary School. 200 people gathered to celebrate, at The University of Bath campus in Swindon on Tuesday 19 June. Messages from storysack fans around the world were conveyed on video during the event, which was attended by Swindon Mayor Michael Barnes. A special cake in the shape of a sack was made for the occasion, which was later presented to the childrens ward at The Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
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alt-text The Any Time, Any Place, Anyone, Swindon, Storytelling Festival, drew to a close last Friday, 29 June, with a "Dawn to Dusk" marathon of stories being told in extraordinary places. These include a live performance on the BBC Radio Wiltshire, breakfast show, a session in the Mayor's Parlour, half way up the climbing wall at the Link Centre and stories in Lydiard Park. The fortnight-long festival involved 25 local schools and aimed to encourage them to read, as part of Swindon Libraries Summer Reading Challenge. Several thousand children listened to stories, whilst being taken on imaginary journeys in various settings, including Coate Water, Roves Farm, the STEAM Museum, Sainsburys, Cricklade Railway and Borders bookshop.
Click here to view full pictorial report featuring all the events!
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alt-text As part of the two week story telling festival in and around Swindon, Neil visited Borders Bookshop on Saturday 23 June. A large crowd listened intensely as Neil performed several of his world famous story telling sessions. Children and adults alike took part in role play sessions and much amusement was had by all. Our thanks to Matt Burt and Borders for their hospitality and we look forward to doing it all again soon!
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alt-text Any Time, Any Place, Anyone, Storytelling Festival, days away! As part of the 2 week Any Time, Any Place, Anyone, festival of extraordinary storytelling, starting on 19th June, in and around the Swindon area, Neil Griffiths will be appearing at Borders bookshop, Swindon, on Saturday 23rd June between 10am and noon. Neil will be telling stories and available to sign books and answer questions. On the last day of the festival, Friday 29th June, Neil will be available to tell a short story in the most extraordinary locations possible! If you would like Neil to tell you a story, in your very own extraordinary location, then call the Extraordinary Story Hotline now, on 01793 421168.
Book tour continues!
After a highly successful storytelling session at the Victoria Park Book shop in Hackney, Neil will continue to appear at bookshops around the country. Keep checking back for details or if you would like Neil to appear at your local book shop get them to contact us at the office.
Jo De Guia of Victoria Park Books was impressed: "Neil had 60 awe-struck Reception Class Hackney school children in the palm of his hand for 50 minutes. They quacked, moo-ed and bleated on cue; shook things, jingled things and clapped as instructed. And through it all they listened - avidly and attentively." It was magic!! Jo De Guia, Victoria Park Books.
Storysack 10th Anniversary!
It's hard to believe, but yes Storysack will be ten years old in June! Originally the brainchild of Neil, whilst a headteacher in Swindon, this phenomenon has now spread worldwide. Delighting children everywhere, these simple resources have proved to be effective both at home and in school. They are enjoyed in settings as diverse as prisons, libraries, universities and hospitals.
In recognition of their success and in honour of those original group of parents who hand-made the first sacks, a 10th Anniversary celebration will be held on June 19th at the University of Bath in Swindon. It promises to be a day to remember!
Any Time Any Place Anyone
Neil, in collaboration with the Swindon Libraries is planning an exciting event to celebrate the importance of story and storytelling, between 18th and 30th June. The fortnight will promote the Summer Reading Challenge, this year entitled the Big Wild Read, a collaboration with the BBC's Breathing Places Campaign.
Children and parents will have the chance to experience stories told by highly skilled story tellers in amazing places. Sessions will be highly original and packed with interactive fun, craft activities, competitions and stories told as never before!
The unique nature of this event, the first of a kind, is certain to attract local and national attention from the media and some sponsorship has already been secured from publishers and businesses. It is hoped that as many events as possible will be entirely free with the exception of transport costs to the venues.
This is an opportunity to put Swindon on the map nationally and promote the town as a place that leads the way in the field of children's literature.
Local schools, and pre-schools and parent groups will receive invitations and participants can expect an experience never to be forgotten.
So please support this amazing opportunity for Swindon and help create the inspired readers of the future. For further details or the opportunity to sponsor one of the events, please contact the office or Emma McElwee at West Swindon Library, emcelwee@swindon.gov.uk
Music Extravanganza at Newbury Festival
May 22nd sees the premier performance of "The Star". This musical story for children, narrated by Neil, will be held at the wonderful Kindersley Centre near Lambourn. The three performances will be accompanied by Russian pianist Mikhail Kazakevich. This promises to be a magical journey of music, mime and story.
For further details and bookings contact the Newbury Music Festival office or visit: www.newburyspringfestival.org.uk/education_sound.htm
Storytelling at Tate Britain
On April 30th at 4pm, Neil will be offering a new dimension to his in-service training, by providing a workshop on using paintings as a stimulus and starting point for stories.
Sponsored by Sure-start, within the Tate Britain Gallery, this unique opportunity will be a fun packed hour and a half full of practical ideas and the usual "make-it-happen" tips from Neil.
For further details and bookings contact Matilda Pye or the Sure-start office within Tate Britain (020 7887 8888).
This workshop follows a highly successful storytelling day for children in February. So successful in fact, that another session for "Tiny Tots" will be held on July 14th. That day also sees the launch of a musical version of Neil's now world famous story - The Journey. For further details of premier live performance please contact our office.
New Book
Stories can be counted on! This new resource book is a must, if you are looking for ideas to use stories and rhymes as a starting point for mathematical learning. 72 pages packed with lesson plans, practical advice, photocopiable patterns, useful booklists and much, much more. Maths lessons may never be the same again!
New Book
Grandma and Grandpa's Garden In hardback with stunning colour illustrations, Neil's latest picture book explores the beauty of an english country garden, whilst dealing, sensitively with the difficult issue of death.
This is certain to become one of our most popular books.
Bookshop Tour
Coming to a bookshop near you!! Neil is now available to visit bookshops and will begin a tour this year! But don't expect the usual author visit!!! Neil will be offering storytelling with a difference! His sessions will be packed with role play, dressing up and craft activities. It will be a time that children will never forget with prizes, goodies to take home and an opportunity to get a book signed!!
Education Show at the NEC
Neil with Children Neil will be at the N.E.C. in Birmingham at the Education Show March 22nd - 24th, meet Neil and get your book signed on the Storysack stand! March also sees the publication of a new book entitled "Stories can be counted on!", based on Neil's highly successful workshop "Maths through Story and Rhyme", it offers hundreds of ideas for enyoying maths through well known stories and nursery rhymes. Packed with starting points, booklists, patterns, lesson ideas, resources and classroom activities, this publication offers a whole new approach to enjoying mathematics!
Tate Study Workshops
Neil will be collaborating with the Tate Britain Gallery in London! On February 23rd Neil will be leading storytelling workshops for children, parents and practitioners which will lead you into the world of some of the magnificent masterpieces in the gallery. Hear his new story "The Pearl" and experience an interactive storytime to remember!!!
Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Sitting Comfortably This month sees the publication of a fabulous new book on storytelling: "Are You Sitting Comfortably? Then I'll begin!" This highly practical and informative book explores the important role of storytelling and offers wonderful ideas for providing excellent storytimes to remember. No-one who enjoys hearing and telling stories should be without one!
New Publishing Venture
Take a look at news from other times:
Latest News
News Archive 2008
News Archive 2007
News Archive 2006