Susea’s author visits take you on a sailing and writing adventure through the art of storytelling.
I love doing author visits and provide an interactive experience that brings the A Big Blue Boat stories to life for all ages.
My interactive sessions for preschool to Year 6 run between 45 and 90 minutes (I generally recommend at least an hour so we can really dive in).
For the younger cohort, sessions are packed with lively storytelling, imagination, songs and a hands-on activity to finish, whilst the older groups plunge into exploring picture books, writing, dreams – plans for the future, and the ocean. All are designed to spark a lifelong love of reading, writing, and creative thinking. Even the teachers and librarians don’t missed out! They receive some follow up ideas and activities.
Susea’s visit to Yarrawonga College was a highlight for all the Prep to Year 2 students. Every student was thoroughly engaged in the sessions, joining in with the actions when Susea read ‘A Big Blue Boat’ and asking many thoughtful questions when she explained her sailing journey. It was such an integrated hour, which covered aspects of History, Geography, Art as well as English. Susea also provided a multitude of follow up activities in all curriculum areas.
Rebecca, Curriculum and Pedagogy Leading Teacher P – 6
A Mother’s Words
Thank you for coming to our school and giving children like my son inspiration. He came home and told me all about the visit and both my son and daughter read the books to us in the evening using amazing intonation.
He was so chuffed to meet you and your books are now in our “special” cabinet next to awards and trophies.
Martha
Today was simply unbelievable!! Teachers and students both loved your highly engaging visit. The kids talked about it for ages and went home proudly holding their boats. The staffroom was a hive of feel good, positive feedback. Thank you so much for showing us the art of storytelling.
Leanne, Teacher Librarian
Want to know more? You can download Susea’s Author Visit Information Booklet
‘Susea Spray’s story “A Big Blue Boat” takes children on a wonderful adventure. It’s clever use of rhythm, and words that roll off your tongue make it fun to read and listen to. I found that even for children who live a long way from the ocean, that aren’t really familiar with boats, were provided with beautiful imagery to trigger their interest and make them want to read more and to go sailing.
Having Susea Spray visit our regional library branch, to read the book, talk about her inspiration and do some sail boat craft with the children, was a great treat. Local families were delighted to welcome the author, and the children engaged well with her as she passionately read her book. Children from infants to primary school students were entertained by this reading, and delighted to ask her questions – she certainly spurred some interest in sailing.’
Cassie McKenna, Library Services Coordinator & Youth Worker at Walcha Council Library
