The books are historical adventures which have been written and published to bring to life the subjects recommended by the KS2 National Curriculum and studied in primary schools.  Each book is set in a different historical period: the Stone Age, the Romans, the Maya, the Victorians, and the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. (The Tudors is publishing in November 2026.) The series introduces children to the idea of there being two sides to history.

Event Option 1: ASSEMBLY
Josh Lacey talks about the Time Travel Twins

Josh Lacey will give a fascinating talk about the series.  He will read from one of the books, talk about his love of history and his inspirations, and discuss writing and creativity more generally. Josh will describe how he incorporated his research into the stories, and how Garry Parsons used his own research for the illustrations.  He will explain how historians and artists/novelists require empathy, curiosity, imagination, and interpretation.  There will be a Q&A, which might include questions about history, but could also include more general questions about reading, writing, and being an author.

Who is this suitable for?

The assembly is suitable for KS2, and Josh is happy to talk to any number of pupils. If the school can provide a screen, he will show images from his research and the books.

Event Option 2: WRITING WORKSHOP
A creative writing session focused on history

Josh Lacey will lead a creative writing workshop, using history and literacy together to write a story set in a particular historical period.  In the books, Josh uses the device of a time machine to send modern characters back to a historical period and see the past through modern eyes. This is a straightforward and easy way for children to read and write historical fiction. In the workshop, pupils will use the same device – a time machine – to write their own imaginative fiction about a historical subject.

Who is this suitable for?

The creative writing workshop is suitable for Years 3-5, and Josh suggests
a maximum of 30 pupils.

In exchange for either of these free events, Andersen Press request that a minimum number of 60 books in the series are purchased and kept, these would not be sale or return – either for a book sale or as class sets.

Schools save 32% on any of our Josh Lacey author event bundles.  We have 30 copy bundles of each title or a mixed bundle which includes 12 copies each of Viking, Roman, Stone Age, Maya and Victorian (which is publishing in February).

Once you’ve purchased we will put you in touch with Josh and Andersen so you can organise your date.  Once your date is confirmed we will either deliver your titles right away or to suit whatever date you have chosen.  Easy peasy.

Josh is London based and has an enhanced DBS.

Children in Belfast Class had a great time working with Josh during one of his writing workshops.  They spoke with huge excitement about meeting Josh and working with him: ‘It’s great to meet an author in real life – normally we just see them on TV and YouTube.’ (Emily Y3).  ‘I loved it when we were writing our stories with him!’ (Florence Y3).

Northamptonshire Telegraph

[Josh] engaged with [the children] brilliantly and inspired them in many different ways.  The Year 5 and Year 6 children enjoyed [the] workshops enormously and some have continued working on their ideas by themselves at home.  It was a very special day for us all and thank you so much.

Broomfield House School