Adam Wales
Deputy Headteacher
Messingham Primary School
Messingham, nr Scunthorpe

A really inspiring workshop led by a very enthusiastic and committed author. John really impressed me with his patient manner and his ability to convey his love of books to all the children he worked with. He really proved that passion and determination pays off, and also that writing books is a very achievable thing for ALL the children to aspire to.

We were all fascinated by the work that goes into producing a book and also how teamwork is an integral part of the book making process. I overheard one child say to their friend, "I'm going to make my own book tonight!".

All the children were amazed at the fact that non-fiction books are made from large sheets of paper. Their teacher certainly was! I am sure the children will long remember their day with John Malam. Many, many thanks.

Claire Weymouth
Headteacher
St Wilfrid's C of E Primary School
Lancaster

There was lots of excitement researching John's books before his visit since we had never invited a non-fiction author before. The visit was very successful, with the children learning a great deal about how non-fiction books are created.

The Non-Fiction Book-Making workshop was very effective and the children continued with this work after the visit to produce work for a super display.

I would thoroughly recommend John to other schools.

Steven Taylor
Director of Literacy
Accrington Academy
Accrington

The Non-Fiction Book-Making workshops John delivers are challenging and engaging. The carefully designed, differentiated tasks encourage team work, research skills and time management as well as improving children's literacy.

John works well with children of all abilities and encourages them to be creative and take pride in their final product.

We have used some of John's ideas in our English and ICT curriculum, and intend to continue working with him on similar projects.

I would recommend John to other schools.

Hilary McKenzie
Librarian
The Cardinal Wiseman School
Greenford, Middlesex

We were delighted with the workshop. It involved the students taking on different roles; those of author, editor, designer and illustrator. This gave a very interesting framework to the workshop and, as it was designed specifically for the production of an information book, it gave a good insight into the process.

The students had to make real decisions about the content, layout and design of their books and this resulted in lively discussion and the occasional tricky negotiation.

John was calm, assured, and kept the pace of the workshop moving. He related very well to the students and the feedback afterwards from them was most encouraging.

I have no hesitation in recommending him to other schools and/or librarians.

Leanne Cox
Literacy Leader
Shevington Community Primary School
Wigan

John motivated and challenged our children.

His Journey of a Non-Fiction Book talk was informative, well-resourced and of the highest quality. During the Non-Fiction Book-Making workshop the children were enthralled as they acted out the roles of the publishing process to create their own non-fiction books.

He provided a high interest, informative and inspiring day.

I would have no hesitation in recommending him to other schools. In fact, we have already booked him again for next year!

Selection of quotes from
staff at different schools

Myrfyn Davies
Class Teacher
Byley Primary School
Byley, Cheshire

John Malam visited Byley Primary School for a one day workshop to demonstrate the procedures involved in producing an information book. He worked with both Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils.

We were impressed by his professional approach and his ability to quickly relate to both children and adults during his presentations and practical workshops.

He was well organised and prepared. All activities and resources were very suitable for the pupils. The children were enthusiastic and during the workshop tasks used co-operation and teamwork skills throughout the session.

We feel that the children benefited greatly from the experience and are now more aware of the complexities of producing information books.

Josephine Stanley
Independent Learning Centre Manager
Bexhill High School
Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex

John worked with groups of our Year 8 students. It was an extremely exciting experience for them. The sessions were workshop based, giving each student responsibility whilst working as a team.

The sessions were lively, each was different and the students were excited with the book they had produced at the finish.

John was very adept at dealing with the mixture of students he was given. He could talk to them and get the response needed. His instructions and explanations were clear.

From the time I contacted him to the time he left us, he was always amenable, worked well with us at school as part of the team and he adapted his workshop to our time schedules.

I would recommend any school/colleague to have him work with them.

Nia Gruffydd
User Services Manager
Caernarfon, Gwynedd

A lovely mannered professional who gives positive praise for children's answers and contributions.

I thought the content [of the workshop] was excellent ... you have a fantastic way with children – very encouraging and courteous also.