MY PASSION, THEIR FUTURE
BOOK REVIEWS
See what they are saying about 'Mincemeat and the Incredible Train Ride'
“I LOVED the descriptors: the ‘chugga chugga’ of the engine, running with the flowers, the buttery caramel smell of the sweet chestnut cake. (That one really got me…maybe because I need some breakfast.)
“You’ve got that amazing ability to describe things just enough to suck me in, but not overdo it. I like to have space when I read…I mean I need room for my imagination to play. You’ve got that balance down incredibly well.” – Charlie P. of Seattle
“I downloaded your story last night and it’s great. It’s full of lovely inventive names. I bet you had such fun with that. Mincemeat and Great-Grandma are wonderful characters. I’m glad there is a series of adventures.” – Jude Lennon – EYFS
“The train ride is indeed an adventure, full of fun and laughter that a young reader will certainly enjoy.” – Read the full review at Readers’ Favorite here.
“The train ride is indeed an adventure, full of fun and laughter that a young reader will certainly enjoy.” – Romy
“I just finished reading “Mincemeat and The Incredible Train Ride”. I absolutely loved it. You are very talented. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I really love all the quirky names. Thank you for sharing it with me. It left me with a big smile on my face.”
FEEDBACK
Reviews for Online Workshops
“Thanks for a brilliant creative writing lesson today! Kids loved it, and wonderful for them to learn together. Thank you.”
– D.W. of London, and mum of three
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“It was the highlight of the day, especially the hat!! 
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– M.W. of London, dad of three
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“Thanks, they loved it!!”
– Nick D. of London, dad to Luisa and Rafael
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“They loved it! They really liked it and came excitedly to show me the plot and what the others said.”
– Mimi D. of London, mum to Luisa and Rafael
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“Thank you so much for doing that. Darcey had a brilliant time!!”
– Simone H. of Dorset, mum to Darcey of Dorset.
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“Thank you so much for this detailed feedback and overview. The children really benefited so much for your workshops.”
– MD London
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“Thank you for allowing Kassie to attend your ‘Build a Story Workshop’. She really enjoyed it. Kassie is a reluctant reader and an even more reluctant writer. By breaking down the elements of the story this did make constructing a story more manageable for her.”
– Emma D. Mum to Kassie, aged 8.
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“Thank you very much Lois for the time you took to teach Asher and Annabelle how to develop their creative writing skills. They absolutely loved it and looked forward to it every week. It was wonderful to see them discussing the different story characters they were trying to create and interactions between the characters and their stories. Annabelle who already loves to write and tell stories was in her element and you encouraged her to let her imagination run free whilst you drew Asher out of her shell and made her feel comfortable. I hope they will continue to make up stories and write their thoughts down as you taught them and also utilise this skill at school.
Thanks again.”
– Valerie, Asher and Annabelle’s mum
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“Lois’s course was terrific for my two boys age 6 and 8. Lois immediately made them feel at ease, wearing a silly hat and playing fun music before the course began. Teaching kids via Zoom is not easy but Lois succeeded and kept them engaged. My boys struggled to write more than one sentence with me home schooling them and stories had been the most challenging. Lois explained story building perfectly, by breaking it down step by step. Lois went further by kindly emailing each participant a useful ‘How to Build a Story Overview’ at the end of the course which I have found very useful to keep.
Thank you so much for providing this course to us, especially your time and enthusiasm in the Covid-19 times, when parents needed a break too!
We loved hearing your stories (your character names made me chuckle!) We look forward to more.”
– Danielle (mum of two wildings!)
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“My daughter Anna joined Lois’s story workshop in May/June, a friend recommended her to me.
As soon as we saw Lois for the first workshop, we were struck by her colourful outfit and personality! Anna particularly loved her hat!
Instantly we knew we were going to have fun!
One thing I can say is, however simple or elaborate each child’s idea was whilst putting together their story, Lois always responded to their ideas with enthusiasm, encouraging the children to talk about their story idea and also it helped Anna with her writing practise and thought process.
Lois read to us snippets from her own stories she was writing/had written, and gave examples, that helped the children think about how to write their story.
My daughter looked forward each week to creating her story, you can be sure to have fun and we didn’t want them to end!”
– Rosa
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“Lois was brilliant with the children, from the minute the session started you can tell she had really captured the children’s imagination. The online workshops with Lois, have been sessions that our son has really looked forward too. Taking place as small and friendly groups, Lois instantly put everyone at ease as we joined the call. Our son gained so much confidence from having the opportunity to explore storytelling with Lois on these sessions. It really taught him about how to think about writing a story and then how to go about constructing one. Lois is encouraging, helpful, imaginative and helps the children to really work through their ideas into something wonderful! So lucky to be invited to join the course, thank you Lois we are really grateful for the opportunity.”
– Jane Madeira
“My eight-year-old son Lucas really liked the Zoom workshop and I enjoyed sitting it on it too. Lois was very natural with the kids and held their attention throughout. It was very interactive as each kid was encouraged to come up with various elements of a story, and by the end of the third workshop they had some pretty zany and imaginative stories between them! A memorable and creative experience for kids, for sure. Keep up the good work, Lois!”
– Nick Jones
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My son, who is 8, really enjoyed Lois’s online workshops. English and writing aren’t his favourite topics, but Lois kept him fully engaged during the sessions and he looked forward to participating in them.”
– Emily
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“Thank you so much Lois for your amazing ‘How to Build a Story’ workshop. Alyssia was so nervous joining the Zoom call on the first session. You made her feel at ease within the first 5 minutes, I could hear her chatting away and getting involved. It has made her feel more confident in writing stories, and engaged her imagination throughout the sessions with you.
Will recommend to friends and family that’s for sure.”
Love Victoria and Alyssia (Aged 8) Hertfordshire
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A few weeks later…
And this, folks, is what it’s all about:
“…thank you very much. Asher and Annabelle have already seen the story on your website. They have been checking regularly to see if you had put it up yet. Caused untold excitement in my house.
Annabelle was so happy about seeing her story up on your web page and with all the congratulations and well wishes from our family that she woke up to this morning, fired up the laptop and started trying to write part 2…
…Annabelle has written a page and a half already of her part 2. She is so fired up to write now since you published her story.
Thanks again for encouraging and inspiring her to write.”
– Valerie, Asher and Annabelle’s mum
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“My children really enjoyed the workshop. You were very patient and clear with them. You worked with them to tease out their ideas and your praise helped to encourage them. Thank you for a great workshop.”
– Leena Majevadia
Reviews for In-Person Workshops
From Year 5 teacher at Archbishop Wake:
“We thoroughly enjoyed Lois’ visit to our school. Each group had an age appropriate session which was really interesting and engaging. Lois read some of her latest story and we found out what inspired her to write. It was especially great that the overall theme of her writing is based around one of our school values (kindness). The children were able to ask any questions and we all felt extremely inspired.
“We would definitely recommend Lois to come and visit your school too!
“Thank you Lois, from the children and staff at Archbishop Wake.”
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From Archbishop Wake Primary School Blandford:
“Last Friday, so many parents and children came to say how much they enjoyed your workshop, so thank you for doing such a fantastic job that will have inspired many of our children here.
“Good luck with your future publications, we will keep an eye on your website and let children know when your next book is available to purchase.”
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From Esme, at another Dorset Primary School:
“I am so happy that you could come to my school today. You have inspired me to write a book of my own. I loved the opportunity that you could come to my school and give me and my friends such a lovely assembly. I’m wondering if I am going to be an author or not when I am older. I probably am. You’re so lucky to have a job that is writing children’s books. I hope you enjoyed coming to our school today.”
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From Loders C E Primary Academy:
“We loved having Lois visit our class! Lois was enthusiastic and engaging and the children found her workshop inspiring! She brought in lots of exciting props linked to her story. Mincemeat and a Train Called Zayn, which, along with her engaging manner, helped bring it all to life. The children felt confident to ask questions and Lois had a lovely, patient manner with the children. Thank you Lois from all of Chesil class!”
– Mrs Legge, EYFS/KS1 teacher
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