Shalla Gray

Based in Dumfries & Galloway, I write and illustrate picture books for children, with an emphasis on nature, animals and rural life.  I am regularly asked to host events for nurseries, schools and other groups in which I read my stories, interspersed with relevant games and activities.  For example, one of my books is called The Galloway Chilli, about a chilli who doesn’t want to be eaten, and in the related event I talk about chillies, where they come from, and how hot they are, and I have a giant Pelmanism game, and colouring sheets. 

Each of my books has an associated event lasting about an hour.  I also regularly hold art and craft workshops with children of all ages, for example printing workshops, junk modelling workshops and watercolour lessons. I also run a variety of workshops, indoors and out, to engage children with the environment and the great outdoors.  I can give workshops on Biodiversity, Climate Change and have helped to run John Muir Awards with secondary school pupils.  With one primary school I ran a six-week masterclass where the children wrote, illustrated and published their own book which we then sold for school funds.