I am an illustrator and author based in the North of England and am able to offer in-person author visits to schools and libraries in Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Leicester and areas in between. For schools further afield it is sometimes possible to join you in person, alternatively I offer virtual author visits.
I am passionate about doing all I can to grow a buzz around reading for pleasure in schools and communities. With lots of intriguing props, dressing up, draw alongs and plenty of inspiration on how to tell your own story — my sessions are fun, hands on and very interactive.
I put visual literacy at the heart of my events and show children that from small doodles, BIG ideas can grow! (Drawing can help every child to spark ideas, grow in confidence and find their own way into stories.)
Sessions can be adapted to suit learners in KS1 and KS2. I’m very happy to work with large groups in an assembly style session or with individual classes.
Get in touch to find out more about visits themed around Fantastically Great Women or We Are All Astronauts/Inventors.
Testimonials
“We loved having Kate Pankhurst join us for Northern Childrens Book Festival, her preparation and communication in the run-up was great and she delivered brilliant sessions all over the North East. She kept every child locked in and engaged throughout her sessions, with huge laughs from the crowd, lots of interaction and play whilst perfectly complementing the curriculum. We would absolutely recommend working with Kate in any school or festival” NCBF Coordinator 2025
“We have been lucky enough to work with Kate for over 10 years, and in that time she has visited countless schools across Leeds, meeting thousands of children. She is as comfortable in a classroom with a small group as she is in a school hall talking to an audience of several hundred. Her sessions are a magical mix of information, inspiration, and interaction. Kate is a consummate professional and the queen of props – a day with her is always a joy!” Kirsty Fenn, Senior Librarian, Leeds School Library Service