Based in St Helens, Merseyside, Rachel is a well-known author of rhyming picture books and early readers whose work has featured in the Summer Reading Challenge and as a Bedtime Story on CBeebies. Prior to becoming published in 2013 Rachel worked as a Freelance Copywriter, but her rapport with children makes her a natural with young audiences. Rachel visits schools, libraries, museums and other public events across the North West and North Wales delivering interactive sessions to engage imaginations and inspire a love of creativity, writing, reading and storytelling. Rachel is an official Patron of Reading

www.rachellyon.co.uk

Rhyming picture books

The Cautionary Tale of The Childe of Hale (2013) I Wish I’d Been Born A Unicorn (2015, New Edition 2018) (And Early Reader edition 2016) Not Enough for Queen Fluff (2016) A Right Royal Mess Early Reader (2017) Rachel’s most famous story, I Wish I’d Been Born A Unicorn, was listed in the Top Ten bedtime books ever by The Great British Bookshop (alongside classics such as The Tiger The Came to Tea), selected in the Best Books of 2014, (Books for Keeps) featured in The Summer Reading Challenge 2015, and is an oft-repeated Bedtime Story on CBeebies. Her first book, The Cautionary Tale of The Childe of Hale, was short-listed for Best Picture Book 2014 at The Heart of Hawick Children’s Book Awards. In 2015 The National Trust installed a woodland Trail based on the book (with a rhyming guide written by Rachel) at its Speke Hall property in Merseyside. Rachel is regularly invited to perform storytelling sessions at Speke Hall

As well as regular visits in both Primary and Secondary schools, Rachel delivers library sessions including Read and Rhyme Time for pre-schoolers, or interactive workshops for visiting school groups. She can also deliver talks for adults on subjects including Creative Writing or The History of The Childe of Hale. Rachel delivers appearances/ storytelling sessions / guest speaking slots at Community Groups (such as Brownies / WI groups) Bookshops, National Trust properties, Village Fetes, Museums etc.

What Rachel says: “The chance to inspire children to love learning, reading and writing is a privilege. I’ve been running my school and library visits for 5 years so I know how to get the most out of the time I have with the children, and to achieve a lasting positive impact.”

What teachers say:

“Rachel was an inspirational visitor to our school. The children were fascinated. She addressed them at just the right level to spark imaginations and prompt lots of questioning and excellent written work. A wonderful day was had by all.” Kate Holden, Lower School English Co-ordinator,Tower College School

“Rachel’s unique style engages children very well. She comes very highly recommended from St Helens Libraries!” Kathryn Boothroyd, Service Development Manager, St Helens Libraries

“Our children had a fabulous time listening to a real life author read her amazing books… Thank you for sharing your lovely stories Rachel”  Jayne Wrangles, Early Years Leader, Great Sankey Primary School, Warrington.

To arrange a booking: Rachel is available for school visits 5 days a week and can be contacted direct via email or telephone using the details given below

“Rachel’s unique style engages children very well. She comes very highly recommended from St Helens Libraries!? Service Development Manager, St Helens Libraries “I’d highly recommend Rachel Lyon. She visited our school earlier in the year and was fantastic!” Headteacher, St. Ambrose Barlow Primary School, Astley ?Rachel was an inspirational visitor to our school. The children were fascinated. She addressed them at just the right level to spark imaginations and prompt lots of questioning and excellent written work. A wonderful day was had by all!” Lower School English Co-ordinator, Tower College School

As well as smaller interactive sessions Rachel can deliver larger group sessions and talks/assemblies, so very flexible.

Any age

English

Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester, Cumbria, and North Wales.

Rachel is happy to sell/sign books during a visit and use any income to off-set costs, giving the possibility of a free visit. If enough book sales are not expected then the fee is negotiable.