Tony Di Terlizzi - Spiderwick Chronicles

Scottish Book Trust and Simon & Schuster were delighted to be able to bring the co-creator of the international bestselling series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tony DiTerlizzi to Merchiston Castle School for his only Scottish appearance of 2011.

Tony talked about writing the books with Holly Black, Hollywood re-makes of his books as well as performing an inspirational live drawing of the characters from the series. Tony also talked about the new paperback versions of The Spiderwick Chronicles as well as the latest paperback, The Search for WondLa.

Author Biog

TONY DITERLIZZI is co-creator of the international bestselling series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, with Holly Black. He has illustrated numerous picture books for children, including Ted, G is for 1 Gzonk and the critically acclaimed The Spider and the Fly, which won the Caldecott Honor. Tony lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with his wife, Angela, and their daughter. Visit him at www.diterlizzi.com.

Pupil feedback

I found Tony's talk really interesting and entertaining. I have read the Spiderwick chronicles and I absolutely loved them. I am really happy that Scottish Book Trust for getting us such a brilliant writer and illustrator. Andrew, aged 12

Very entertaining and interesting. I would five it a 10/10. The art was fantastic and very imaginative. Rupert, aged 11

I think it was entertaining. Some of the speech was rally funny and I think the art work was fantastic. Kayan, aged 11

I love the visit with Tony! He was so funny and clever! I loved his illustrations and wished he could have stayed longer!!! Anyway I loved the book talk and would recommend it to any and everybody. James, aged 13

 Passionate inspiring

A man worth hiring

Ever so artistic

Making crowds ballistic

To get a piece of his art

Which he does from the start

His talks fully booked

As he gets the crowd all hooked

Tony DiTerlizzi is very inspiring

A man certainly worth hiring.

Rufus, aged 11

I found the Tony DiTerlizzi talk very interesting. I think that he expressed how he felt when he wrote the book very well. I felt I was in amongst all his drawings and books at the time. I also liked the way that he moved around the hall and acted out what he was talking about. What I found interesting was that he drew some pictures of his story there and then and, to me, they looked like something you would find in an art gallery! Douglas, aged 11

 When Tony DiTerlizzi came I knew it would be something special, and it really was! He spoke about his experiences as a writer and also about his new book. I really liked his interactions with the audience and his wit and sense of humour. He made it a very enjoyable experience. I really enjoyed watching him and his books are amazing. It was the best author talk I have ever been to and I hope he comes back. Xander, aged 12

Teacher Feedback

Excellent. The boys had a fabulous time. Niamh Waldron-Hairs, Merchiston Castle School

Brilliant! Julia Williams, Merchiston Castle School

Very good. Alison Alexander, Juniper Green Primary School

The event was well organised and structured - an enjoyable experience. Gill MacLaughlan, St. Ninian’s School

Exciting and funny. Held their attention the whole time! Patsy Keefe, Bruntsfield Primary School