Children's Book Council of Australia Children's Book Council of Australia
 
Locate Author/Illustrator
 
Mrs Helen Ross
I'm an Australian children's author and writer/poet, based in sunny Brisbane. I write humourous childrens' poems and stories. I'm a former primary and kindergarten teacher, and am an experienced ESL teacher (children and adults). Also experienced in conducting fun poetry workshops in libraries and schools, as well as general author visits.

My latest releases are: 10 Yellow Bananas (2010) and Bubble Gum Trouble and other giggle poems (2009) Published by Little Steps Publishing, Division of New Frontier. Bubbly illustrations by Dee Texidor.

My bags are always packed, so I am happy to travel anywhere in Australia.

To find out more about me and my books please visit my website (you will see some of Dee's lovely illos, and read some of my giggle poetry) at:
http://www.misshelenbooks.com
Email: helen@helenross.com.au
 
Contact Details
Email address: helen@helenross.com.au
Work Phone: 0414889107
Fax: 0733416390
Mobile: 0414889107
 
TAFE Queensland, Mt Gravatt campus
P O Box 1701
SPRINGWOOD QLD 4127 Australia 
   
 
Presentation Details
 
Author Illustrator Author & Illustrator
 
Presentation Genre/s
Poetry Fiction Fantasy Science Fiction Non-Fiction Picture books
 
Presentation Age groups
Lower
Primary
Middle
Primary
Upper
Primary
Lower
Secondary
Upper
Secondary
Tertiary Adult
 
Talks Yes No
Preferred Session Length: 20-40 mins
Preferred Group Size: 30
Session structure
General author visits - readings and chat
TOPICS: WRITING FUN POETRY OR WRITING CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS
1. General chat to gain students' interests.
2. About me (also known as Miss Helen)
What I was like at school - my interests
How/why I started writing.
Where do my ideas come from?
2. Book excerpt readings
3. Question and Answer time
4. Fun poetry/writing exercise on whiteboard to finish
 
Workshops Yes No
Preferred Session Length: 45 mins - 2 hrs depending on grade level
Preferred Group Size: max 30
Session structure
GIGGLE POETRY WORKSHOPS OR WRITING A CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK STORY
Workshop 1 - Writing giggle poetry
1. General chit chat to get to know students' interests
2. A little about me (AKA Miss Helen)
What I was like in school.
How I started writing.
Where my ideas come from.
3.Book excerpt readings
4. Different Styles of poetry
5. Getting started
- Word Banks - Brainstorming exercises
6. Fun poetry exercises - 2-3 different styles (depending on time factor)
6. Fun Poetry to music and/or with actions
7. Student readings or performances

Workshop 2: Writing a picture book story
1. General chit chat to get to know students' interests
2. A little about me (AKA Miss Helen)
What I was like in school.
How I started writing.
Where my ideas come from.
3. Book readings
4. Planning your story
- Developing a working title
- Where ideas come from
- Use of 'What if?' to get started
- Brainstorming
- The Narrative plan
- Your audience
- Genre
- The characters in your story
- Where is the story set?
- Structure of story
- Beginning your story
- Problem/s to overcome
- Climax of the story
- Resolution
5. Story boards
6. Shaping your story Editing/rewriting
7. Class exercise/s
 
Recent Publications
10 Yellow Bananas
Released 2010.
Published by Little Steps Publishing, Division of New Frontier. Illustrations by Dee Texidor

Bubble Gum Troulbe and other giggle poems
(for children of all ages)
Published by Little Steps Publishing, Division of New Frontier 2009. Illustrations by Dee Texidor
 
How to make a booking
N
 
 
 
My Resources

Links to web sites
Author's website and books
View Helen Ross's website to find out more about Helen, and her books. Can also order through this website.

 
Available dates
 
February
  5/02/2010
  6/02/2010
  12/02/2010
  13/02/2010
  19/02/2010
  20/02/2010
  26/02/2010
  27/02/2010
March
  5/03/2010
  6/03/2010
  12/03/2010
  13/03/2010
  19/03/2010
  20/03/2010
  26/03/2010
  27/03/2010
April
  2/04/2010
  3/04/2010
  9/04/2010
  10/04/2010
  16/04/2010
  17/04/2010
  23/04/2010
  24/04/2010
  30/04/2010
May
  1/05/2010
  7/05/2010
  8/05/2010
  14/05/2010
  15/05/2010
  21/05/2010
  22/05/2010
  28/05/2010
  29/05/2010
 

Australian Author & Illustrators Visits Children's Book Council of Australia
P.O. Box 3203 Norwood SA 5067
Contact: Jenny Stubbs
Tel: 08 8332 2845 Fax: 08 8333 0394
URL: http://www.pa.ash.org.au/authorvisits