Gemma Merlen

I'm Gemma, creator and author of the Polly Paint Pony book series. I'm an expert Polly Paint Pony storyteller and I can answer any question at all, no matter how bizarre, about Polly Paint's world.

Polly Paint stories are about a young pony exploring her world and learning how to engage with different, unique individuals and having lots of fun exploring. Stories address topics including new beginnings, making friends and inclusivity; curiosity and learning about the natural environment. Stories are written in colourful poetry and are illustrated beautifully with references to nature throughout.

Visits can include assemblies for several year groups or sessions with individual classes or groups of children. Rhythm and rhyme are centre stage with tantalising tongue twisters and activities to get children verbalising their own interpretations of words and sounds.

Dependent upon age groups, a session would usually include a combination of an introduction/description of the creative process with Q&A, activities to encourage rhyming language from the children and a book reading with book signing when requested. I can tailor activities to meet specific needs, where required.

I can split travel costs if two or more local venues wish to coordinate activities.

• £150 half day
• £300 full day
• I am based in Ruabon, North Wales. Travel: £25 within 50-mile radius, £60 51-100 mile radius, 101+ miles @ 30p per mile
• Books are available to buy @ £6.95 each (up to 20 books) or £5.95 each (21+ books)
• Virtual visits are also available @ £75 per session