There really is more to books than reading with this next blog. While speaking at the Childcare Expo in Coventry last month, I met so many wonderful people. Chico is a cheeky dog who goes on adventures on a narrow boat and his owner, Janet Roberts has shared them all in her books.

I “interviewed” the author all about how her books came about and why she thinks children love Chico so much!

A brief background
I started my teaching career as a qualified NNEB and went on, years later, to become Deputy of a primary school.

I retired early to embark on a new career of writing. It was something I’d always wanted to do but teaching full time had never allowed me the headspace, or time to try.

Using all my experiences of over 25 years reading stories to children and helping them learn how to write, I wrote my first book about a little dog who went to live with his family on a narrow boat.

Which is exactly what my husband and I did. They always say write about what you know!

8 years later I now have 4 books in print and two live action TV series, based on the books.

I met a producer from the BBC who wanted to start her own TV production company, so now I’m constantly writing and pitching ideas for new TV series as well as writing new books.

I’ve always toured the country delivering workshops and assemblies to schools, putting my teacher hat back on, inspiring children with story telling and reading.

Recently I joined a company called Authors Abroad, who now book and organise all my school visits.

CHICO CHUGG

I think children love Chico Chugg’s character because they can relate to him. Not only can they see their own pet dogs in his personality and antics but also recognise themselves. Chico has a very childlike way, often getting into trouble without realising quite how it happens.

There’s a moral in every chapter and lots about friendships, canine and human, family situations, getting on with siblings and relatives, as well as learning how working together is fun.

The songs in the TV series reflect the story lines and children love learning the tunes and words so they can singalong.

Back to me:

Catch up on all Chico is doing here www.chicochugg.com

Bookings

In my own book “There’s more to books than reading- how to help your child bring stories to life” I talk about the ‘hook’ being really important to getting children excited or motivated about any topic through books. The most memorable things for children are trips or visits as it’s out of the ordinary. I really recommend children meeting authors to be inspired. I look out for author book signings in local book shops to take my children to.

But if you are a school, nursery or club and you’d like to book Janet Roberts for school assemblies or workshops follow the link here:

https://www.authorsabroad.com/search-authors/janet-roberts

Twinkl

How many times have I recommended Twinkl? Too many times to count probably.

And now there’s another reason to love it. Jan and Twinkl teamed up to make a video on well being for your children.

https://www.instagram.com/twinklwellbeinghub/

More to books…

Chico Chugg books are available on EBay.

And you can even enjoy them on YouTube, for when you need a little time to do some house work as a Nanny or a Parent, sometimes a little purposeful screen time goes a long way! All the programmes are from the perspective of Chico, which gives a brilliant opportunity to discuss.

https://www.youtube.com/user/FoothillEnt

Show me a picture of your animal child aka fur babies (with your real child if you like!)

Poppy’s Fur babies (Paris) who help with furry therapy after school for her nanny children. Cacahuète and Noisette , they’re 1 year old dwarf rabbits.