Author Visits & Workshops
Interactive storytelling, dramatised performances and story-and-craft workshops — for schools, libraries and holiday camps.
Stories told the way African stories have always been told
In African folklore, the hare's cleverness and the elephant's patience were never only about hares and elephants. The stories carried a second meaning, and children understood it long before anyone explained it to them.
That is the tradition I write in. It is why my books are full of beetles, meerkats, bees and elephants — animals children already recognise, carrying lessons they recognise too.
Three ways I work
Interactive story session
A reading, but never a quiet one. Children count, answer, guess and join in. Best for a class or a single age group, and the most straightforward to fit into a school day.
30–45 minutes · Ages 2–8
Dramatised storytelling with live music
For larger events, I work alongside a Nairobi music group who perform on traditional African instruments. The story becomes a performance, with live music and song carrying it along. It is the version children remember, and the one organisers ask about afterwards.
Best for assemblies, World Book Day and camp-wide events
Story and craft workshop
We read the book, then we make something from it. After Ella's Silly Hat Adventure!, children design and build their own silly hats — and the results are every bit as ridiculous as Ella's. It is the format holiday camps love, because the making goes on long after the story ends, and every child goes home holding something they made.
Longer session · Ages 2–8 · Craft materials discussed in advance
Where I have been
I have visited preparatory schools and Grades 1 to 3 for World Book Day, and run readings at local and international schools across Nairobi and the surrounding area. I have been a guest author at children's holiday camps for ages 2 to 8, where the story-and-craft sessions began. I also travel beyond Nairobi.
"Ann Githaiga came to our school for a Kenyan Author's event. She read Ella's Silly Hat Adventure to our Year 1s and 2s. Her book was amazing. The story was captivating to the students. Her style of reading was great! They hung on her every word. They all eventually went outside and made real crazy hats mimicking the story in the book. They had lots of fun!"— Ms. Catherine Wachira, Head of School · Golden Ray International School, Redhill
"Your storytelling abilities are amazing. The children were engaged from start to finish. Thank you for honouring our invite."— Teacher Winnie · Kilimani Junior Academy, Karen Hardy
"Thank you so much for taking time to visit our school and share your love for reading with our students. It was such a wonderful session and the students thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The books were excellent, engaging and age-appropriate, making the session even more meaningful. Your passion for storytelling and the way you connected with the students made the experience both enjoyable and memorable. We truly appreciate your time and contribution towards nurturing a love for reading among our students. We look forward to welcoming you again!"— Ann Nyaga, Teacher · Pottershouse School, Runda
Practical details
| Age groups | 2–5 years and 6–8 years |
|---|---|
| Session length | 30–45 min for story sessions; longer for craft workshops |
| Where | Nairobi and beyond — I travel |
| Group size | Please enquire |
| You provide | Classroom, hall or event space, projector, seating |
| Craft workshops | Materials and setup discussed when we plan the session |
| Books | I usually bring books to sell on the day |
| Rates | Please get in touch |
Book a visit
I would love to visit your school, library or camp.