Teacher & librarian testimonials...

"Thank you so much for your back-to-back virtual talks! Amazing – your warmth, energy and enthusiasm really shone through..."
Dr Rebecca Jones, Head of Library and Learning Enrichment, Malvern St James School, Worcestershire

"We were so fortunate to be the recipient of a virtual author visit from the charismatic Karen McCombie in celebration of our World Book Day event. Karen’s presentation to the girls was engaging, inspiring and entertaining and many of the girls commented on how much they enjoyed listening to her anecdotes and, furthermore, how her presentation has not only encouraged them to read but also to write.  On behalf of all of the girls at Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School, thank you, Karen, for your sage words of advice and your warmth, wit and wealth of advice."
Susie Leech, Sacred Heart of Mary School, Upminster

"A huge thank you for your wonderful virtual talk. I have received so many comments from staff, girls and parents about how brilliant you were. You were inspirational but in a very human, genuine and attainable way. I am actually in awe of your ability to turn life experiences into books – a true talent."
Jenny Hill, Learning Resources Manager, Downe House School, Berkshire

"Fantastic day with Karen. The children were very inspired by her Author Talks and the workshop had a real buzz about it. I have had a constant flood of children asking to borrow her books from the library... so lovely to see so much renewed enthusiasm for reading. Thanks so much, Karen!"
Claire Bavister, Librarian, Woodland Middle School Academy, Flitwick, Bedfordshire

"Karen is full of enthusiasm for getting children reading and is highly engaging. During her sessions at the school, she has read excerpts from her (and other authors') books, run very well received writing workshops, held book-breaks to encourage small groups of children to consider a variety of books to read and offered great support through whole-school assemblies. She has been a beacon of support for reading for pleasure, helping to champion the school's initiatives and suggesting more of her own. The children are always enthusiastic when she visits and describe her as 'fun', 'friendly' and 'encouraging'."
Tanya Efthymiou, Librarian, Chestnuts Primary School, London

"The girls loved Karen’s visit! She was so popular, I had so many positive comments afterwards and the books flew off the shelves! Karen was an engaging and enthusiastic speaker – the girls really warmed to her sense of fun and passion. Would highly recommend."
Eleanor Parker, Librarian, St James Senior Girls' School, London

“Karen's books are very popular at our school – she has a big fan-base amongst our students! The Year 7 girls thought Karen was warm, funny and inspirational. After her talk, the McC shelf of the library was bare, as ALL her books had been borrowed! Thank you, Karen, for coming, and we hope to see you next year at Loreto!”
Ramona Sandbrook, Librarian, Loreto College, St Albans

“Since your visit, it’s been amazing to have the boys and girls stopping me in the corridors to talk about your visit or about the work they've done or the books they're reading, usually independent of adult interference – it really tugs at my heart-strings. A kind of miracle has occurred and you played a major role in making it happen. May you continue to do that forever!”
Karima Davis, Secretary, Friends Of Calverton Primary School, Newham, South London

“The Year 3/4s of Upminster Juniors thoroughly enjoyed your talk and their teachers remarked on your ability to connect with the children. And here at the library we’ve been so inspired by your talk that we’re developing a short story competition - based on your book - as part of our 75th anniversary celebrations.”
Marian Marston, Upminster Library, Essex

“Just e-mailing to say a HUGE thanks for your visit. We were delighted today when one of our reluctant Year 8 readers told us she had read three of your books since then! She is now converted to Karen McCombie novels, and reading her way through the rest!”
Lesley, Librarian, Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, Brentwood

“Karen provided a fascinating insight into how authors get ideas, which the children found highly entertaining. The children left the talk inspired, amused and with the tools to become budding authors themselves.”
Penny Casey, Librarian, Highgate Junior School

“Karen McCombie brought her world of writing alive to the Year 7 and 8 girls during her author visits as part of the Swindon Youth Festival of Literature. The girls immediately connected with her warm and humorous presentation. Her visit had such an impact that the girls have inundated their school libraries with requests for her books. Success!”
Fiona Hardcastle, Learning Centre Manager and Festival Co-ordinator, Dorcan Technology College