Author Visits & Workshops

I’m Arden Jones, a children’s author published by Puffin, Penguin Random House, and I’d love to visit your school.

My debut illustrated series, Witchy Boo, launches in September 2026 and is perfect for readers who enjoy the magical worlds of Isadora Moon and Kitty. My visits are fun, inclusive, and designed to spark a love of stories and reading.

I’m available for school visits, World Book Day events, assemblies, workshops and career talks across the UK.

What to Expect

My sessions are lively, interactive, and tailored to your pupils. Depending on age group and format, visits can include:

• A fun introduction to Witchy Boo and its characters

• How stories are made – from first idea to finished book

• Drawing, doodling, and creating characters

• Interactive storytelling and audience participation

• Encouraging reading for pleasure and creative confidence

• A gentle look at what it’s like to be an author

Sessions are suitable for EYFS, KS1, and lower KS2, and can be adapted for assemblies or smaller group workshops.

World Book Day & Special Events

I’m available for World Book Day, literacy events, and special reading celebrations. Sessions can be themed around imagination, magic, kindness, and building a reading habit, all with plenty of humour and energy.

Supporting Reading for Pleasure

As part of the National Year of Reading and the GO ALL IN campaign, I’m passionate about helping schools inspire children to see reading as joyful, exciting, and for everyone.

I’m also involved in Puffin Schools Storymakers, a streamed event celebrating creativity and storytelling. You can register for the event here.

Career Talks: Becoming an Author

I also offer career-focused talks for primary and secondary schools, exploring what it’s really like to become an author.

These sessions are designed to demystify creative careers and show students that writing and storytelling can be real, achievable professions. I speak honestly about my own journey as a child from a working-class background, loving stories and books, through developing ideas and handling rejection, to becoming a published author with Puffin, Penguin Random House.

Career talks can include:

• What authors actually do day to day

• How books are created (writing, editing, illustration, publishing)

• Different career pathways within the book industry

• Perseverance, creativity, and resilience

• How reading, writing, and communication skills translate into real-world careers

Sessions are engaging, practical, and age-appropriate, and can be tailored for:

• Upper KS2

• KS3

• KS4

• Careers events, PSHE, or enrichment days

Practical Details

• Location: UK-wide (travel dependent)

• Format: Assemblies, workshops, career talk, or a mix

• Group size: Flexible

• Cost: £150 - £450 (dependent on visit format)

Details can always be shaped to suit your school’s needs.

Bookings & Enquiries

If you’d like to book a visit, discuss World Book Day, or register your interest for future dates, please get in touch:

I’d love to work with you to inspire young readers and storytellers.