Schools & Festivals

Ross is a former children’s entertainer and is skilled at orchestrating a large crowd of children, maintaining firm order through the chaos and noise to ensure that every child is engaged and entertained.

The Magic of Reading

“If anyone is looking to book an author event for KS2, book Ross – he’s awesome!”
SK, School Librarian

Ross’s unique show has children talking about books long after he finishes the fast-paced and funny one-hour.  And not just the children – parents, librarians and teachers are inspired and amazed as Ross gallops through his entertaining talk.  You’ll learn where this top-rated author gets the inspiration for his astonishing stories and embark on a madcap story-creation exercise (with prizes!), discovering the seldom-discussed secrets of successful writing.

As well as being terrifically educational, it’s all splendidly funny, with loads of audience participation and illustrated with slides, cartoons, sound effects plus a generous sprinkling of Ross’s spellbinding magic.

The Magic Of Reading – The inspiration behind Ross’s stories: making impossible things become real!  Here you’ll learn how Ross comes up with startlingly original books, including some brilliant tips on creating stories of your own.

Lost & Found– the highlight of Ross’s presentation.  A noisy and hilarious improvised story in which YOU come up with all the ideas (no writing materials required – only your imagination!)

You won’t believe your eyes!  Ross has performed magic all his life, and is a member of the prestigious Magic Circle.  All presentations include funny and baffling book-related illusions involving members of the audience, from the eye-popping Time Travel Rope Magic to a stunning demonstration of mind-reading that leaves audiences gasping is astonishment.

Ages: Ross’s books are loved by children and adults from about the age of eight, with no upper limit.  This talk is especially suitable for KS2 and KS3.

“Inspiring and hilarious…amazing!”
NLCS Junior School

“A brilliantly fun author event.”
Mrs SK, Librarian

“Ross Welford was fantastic!”
Mr CT, Head teacher

“How to write an Awesome Opening” Workshop

“This is a brilliant and original writing workshop – the students were totally engaged!” – Mr DW, Head of English

A popular option matches Ross’s lively talk (above) with a writing workshop for smaller numbers, in which he teaches the elements of a great opening chapter.  Students are given the tools to overcome “the fear of the blank page”, and to write a story opening that is exciting and engaging.

Along with visual clues on-screen, students are encouraged to consider creative written pieces as unfinished until they are re-written and given valuable encouragement and suggestions to achieve original, polished stories.  (30-60 mins)

“After your workshop, the children cannot wait to get started on their stories!”

Mrs GW Year 6 teacher

Virtual School Visits

Ross has developed a special on-screen presentation that is perfect for schools that are unable to accommodate personal visits.

This combines the elements of his presentations that are best-adapted to the screen and includes live interaction with the children.  Created during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, a “Virtual School Visit” is an excellent alternative to a live appearance.

Ross’s book talks and virtual visits are handled by the esteemed agency, Authors Aloud.  Contact info@authorsaloud.co.uk for more information.

Find out more about booking Ross

The Monkey Who Fell From The Future

The hilarious, moving and adventure-packed new novel for readers of 9 and up from Ross Welford, the bestselling and Costa-shortlisted author of Time Travelling with a Hamster

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Into the Sideways World

When Willa and Manny stumble upon a seemingly perfect world without pollution or conflict, they try desperately to make people in their own troubled world believe them.

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When We Got Lost in Dreamland

When 11 year-old Malky and his younger brother Seb become the owners of a “Dreaminator”, they are thrust into worlds beyond their wildest imagination. But impossible dreams come with incredible risks...

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The Kid Who Came From Space

A small village in the wilds of Northumberland is rocked by the disappearance of twelve-year-old Tammy. Only her twin brother, Ethan, knows she is safe – and the extraordinary truth of where she is. It is a secret he must keep, or risk never seeing her again.

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The Dog Who Saved The World

My pet dog is called Mr Mash. We named him that because he's a mishmash. A total mongrel. He smells terrible. He'll eat literally anything. He can't see very well. But I love him more than anything. (Sorry dad.) And without him, the world is going to end...

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The 1,000-year-old Boy

There are stories about people who want to live forever. This is a story about someone who wants to stop.

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What Not To Do If You Turn Invisible

Turning invisible at will: it’s one way of curing your acne. But far more drastic than 13 year-old Ethel Leatherhead intended when she tried a combination of untested medicines and a sunbed.

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Time Travelling With A Hamster

My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine, and again four years later when he was twelve.

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