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Author Visits That Get Kids Reading

Tom E. Moffatt is an award-winning author of funny stories and jokes for kids. A registered teacher with 12 years’ classroom experience across primary and intermediate schools worldwide, Tom’s mission is to engage reluctant readers and spark a lifelong love of books.

His laugh-out-loud sessions blend high-energy storytelling, quick-fire jokes, and practical writing tips students can use straight away. From whole-school assemblies to hands-on workshops, Tom meets learners where they are — and lifts confidence, participation, and reading joy in every room he visits.

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Get in Touch
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Value for Your School

  • Proven engagement for reluctant readers through humour and high-energy delivery
  • Flexible formats for Years 0–8, tailored to your timetable and spaces
  • Smooth logistics, adaptable content, and professional classroom presence
  • Clear, practical writing strategies students can apply the same day
  • Teacher-friendly follow-ups to extend reading and writing after the visit
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Session Menu & Rates

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Full Assembly — $90

30–50 minutes | No maximum audience size

Fun storytelling, rapid-fire jokes, interactive reading, author-journey segment, and Q&A. Perfect for kicking off a visit or as a standalone session.

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Author Workshop — $130

60–90 minutes | 10–25 students

Hands-on writing skills session tailored to your year group. Practical techniques students can apply straight away. Topics range from funny premises to show-don't-tell.

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Half-day Visit — $220

2–3 sessions

Ideal for covering multiple year groups or combining an assembly with a workshop. Flexible scheduling to suit your timetable.

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Full-day Visit — $360

Up to 4 sessions

A complete programme for your whole school, organised by year level. The most popular option for primary and intermediate schools wanting maximum engagement.

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Full Session Details & FAQ

Audience: No maximum — assemblies welcome
Duration: 20–45 minutes
Format: Fun storytelling, rapid-fire jokes, interactive readings, a lively author-journey segment, and Q&A

Perfect for getting every student engaged and energised around books and writing before a deeper workshop follow-up.

Ideal group size: 10–25 students (up to ~30 with teacher support)
Duration: 45–90 minutes

Focus options include: building funny premises, exaggeration and heightening, show-don’t-tell, fictionalising real-life events, writing stories and jokes, revision for impact, and many more.

Each workshop is tailored to the year group and your learning goals.

Live sessions delivered via your preferred platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.).

Same content options as in-person visits, adapted for online delivery. Great for schools that are geographically remote or want to keep costs down.

Laugh and Learn: Whole-school assembly + 2 workshops (Years 3–4 and Years 5–6)

Workshop Carousel: 4 back-to-back workshops by year group

Junior Focus: 2 combined junior sessions (Years 0–2, Years 3–4) + 1 workshop (Years 5–6)

Custom packages are also available — just get in touch to discuss your needs.

Full Assembly (30–50 minutes): $90
Author Workshop (60–90 minutes): $130
Half-day visit (2–3 sessions): $220
Full-day visit (up to 4 sessions): $360
Travel beyond 30 km from Rotorua: $1 per km

Discount: Host a short signing table the next day and take 50% off the Full Assembly fee.

1. Email or phone to discuss options — have your preferred date(s), year levels, and approximate student numbers ready.

2. Tom emails a draft schedule and session options to suit your goals.

3. Tom confirms by email; a brief pre-visit checklist is sent to your team.

Email: TomE@writelaugh.com
Mobile: 022 350 2529
Office: 07 393 2358

Tom is based in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, and is available nationwide. Travel beyond 30 km from Rotorua is charged at $1 per km. Virtual visits are also available for schools anywhere in New Zealand.

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Don’t Just Take My Word for It…


Tom was very animated, engaging and got the kids laughing! Students loved the stories and asked lots of thoughtful questions. His clear pointers on how to write better had everyone buzzing.
St Cuthbert's CollegeAuckland

Tom was excellent, especially with Years 0–4. Strong preparation and a great storyteller.
Southwell SchoolHamilton

Kids were hooked, highly engaged and full of laughter. Tom's expressive reading and sound effects brought his stories to life. He was flexible and organised, delivering sessions across multiple learning hubs.
Endeavour SchoolHamilton

My son absolutely loved it and came home excited. Tom made the sessions fun, encouraging, and engaging — even for a child who normally struggles to stay interested in writing.
Evelyn(Mum of Year 5 student)
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Meet the Author

Tom E. Moffatt is an award-winning children’s author of funny stories and joke books. A registered teacher with 12 years of classroom experience across primary and intermediate schools in New Zealand, the UK, and beyond, Tom brings genuine classroom insight to every visit.

His books include the Barking Mad series, the Mind-Swapping Madness series, and a range of bestselling joke and short story collections. Tom’s sessions are high-energy, curriculum-aware, and designed to leave every student excited about reading and writing long after he’s gone.

Ready to Book a Visit?

Bring high-energy storytelling, quick-fire jokes, and practical writing skills to your school. Sessions are available for Years 0–8, in flexible formats to suit your timetable — from a single assembly to a full day of workshops.

Get in Touch
Call Tom: 022 350 2529
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