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AUTHOR, ILLUSTRATOR, SCHOOL WORKSHOPS AND FESTIVALS
Endorsements and Reviews
GIGHA PRIMARY SCHOOL
"I don't think we could have asked for a better person to be with us. You have been so kind and patient with the children and your guidance has been utterly inspiring. Extremely happy about everything that has made this project so special, and I simply cannot thank you enough for the gift of yourself that you have shared so generously with us."
GLAITNESS SCHOOL, ORKNEY
“John’s residency in our school has been immensely valuable and has shifted the both perspective of our learners and the staff who work with them, about engaging children with literacy. The value lay not only in his track record as a published author, but in his pure unadulterated joy in stories and imagination. Many of the learners were very reluctant writers. One, who we had not selected to be part of the project because of his refusal to write anything at all, happened to be in the room during the first session and was so engaged and excited by the input that he became one of the stars of the project.”
SOUTH LODGE PRIMARY SCHOOL, INVERGORDON
"John was amazing to work with and so inspirational. The pupils were incredibly engaged, excited and motivated and are already planning their next books. Genuinely, a life-changing experience."
CRAIGROYSTON HIGH SCHOOL
EDINBURGH
"John has an infectious enthusiasm for books and our pupils were inspired by working with him. He helped reinforce lessons already undertaken and fired the students' imagination. One 13 year-old told us 'John was brilliant! He gave us lots of tips and ideas and was also very funny. I've tried to write before, but this is the first time I've really succeeded.' We really hope John can visit again!"
DRUMCHAPEL HIGH SCHOOL GLASGOW
"Exposure to writers and demystfying the process behind creating texts, is something we're passionate about and you provided brilliantly for this in your session. It was great that so many pupils were asking questions, taking part and discussing what they were seeing. You managed to engage a lot of young people who can be enthusiastic, but also face significant barriers to their literacy. We really appreciate you taking the time to come to us!"
PRIORSFORD PRIMARY
PEEBLES
"Thanks once again for coming to our book festival. The pupils really enjoyed your session and we felt it added tremendously to our aim of promoting enjoyment, enthusiasm and a lifelong love of reading."
GREENFAULDS HIGH SCHOOL CUMBERNAULD
"A very BIG thank you from the teachers and the children. Your visit was a huge success and the pupils were totally captured by you."
DORNOCH ACADEMY, DORNOCH
"The teachers loved it too and we are now feeling inspired! The feedback from the pupils was 100% positive and included comments like:
'It gave me lots of ideas and it was fun'
'I thought it was terrific and it made me want to do it!'
'Crazily exciting'
'He let us draw with him which was amazing.'
'I loved making up the stories with him.'
Thank you, we hope to have you back!"
Feedback from schools
MANFRED THE BADDIE
The Telegraph Children's Books of the Year
"John Fardell is one of our cleverest writer-illustrators."
THE FLIGHT OF THE SILVER TURTLE
The Guardian
"Sam, Marcia and co with Professor Ampersand, again embark on a hair-raising aerial escapade on the trail of a secret invention that will change the world. Nicely inventive."
THE DAY LOUIS GOT EATEN
The New York Times: Notable Children's Books
"Delicious! I love this book so much I want to eat it up."
THE SEVEN PROFESSORS OF THE FAR NORTH
Publishers Weekly
"A lightning-paced, skillfully streamlined caper."
PRESS REVIEWS
MANFRED THE BADDIE
Scotland on Sunday
"A gloriously colourful adventure."
THE SECRET OF THE BLACK MOON MOTH
The List
"The action is peppered with surprises and amazing images of exotic animals, underground cities and incredible boat planes. As much fun for parents as children, this is hopefully just the latest, not the last, in this exciting series."
THE DAY LOUIS GOT EATEN
Books for Keeps
"Fardell is an expert at adapting comic book techniques to the picture book. This will appeal from infants to teens."
THE DAY LOUIS GOT EATEN
The Guardian
"The drawings are detailed and good in that they are in sections and you can follow the story through them even without the words. I liked the fact that the resourceful sister saved the day!"
JEREMIAH JELLYFISH FLIES HIGH
The Bookbag
"A great plot, punchy writing, and engaging illustrations make it a joy from start to finish. Highly recommended."
JEREMIAH JELLYFISH FLIES HIGH
The School Librarian
"This delightful and original picture story book will enthrall young readers and parents alike. Children will love the captivating and charming illustrations and rejoice in the celebration of individuality."
Reader Reviews
I first starting reading Manfred the Baddie to my grandson when he was only three. Three years on it remains his favourite bedtime reading. The lovely illustrations are so profuse and diligently executed that even now we spot previously unnoticed material. And The Day Louis Got Eaten had us both in fits of laughter from the word go. It is another example of this fine author and illustrator's supremacy in writing for both children and the adults who love to read to them.
Mrs S Evans
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