I write poetry for children, poetry for adults, short stories and radio plays. My first children's poetry collection Now You See Me, Now You ... was shortlisted for the 2003 CLPE Poetry Award, as was my second 'I Don't Want an Avocado for an Uncle' in 2007. 'Avocado' was also a PBS Choice for the Children's Poetry Bookshelf, 2006. Two of my poems won Belmont Poetry Prizes for individual children's poems in 2002. My adult poetry collection is 'Armature' (Arc, 2003) and my short story collection is 'Family Connections' (Salt, 2007). My radio plays include 'Starved for Love', 'Life Assurance' and 'Dinner in the Iguanodon'. I've been writer-in-residence in prisons, a hospice, an international school in Bangkok, with Croydon Libraries and with twelve Southwark primary schools; I'm a trained teacher and I've worked extensively in primary and secondary schools as a poet for over ten years.

For further details of my avaialble dates, books, performances, radio and education work, please go to www.chrissiegittins.co.uk

All the pupils have said how much they enjoyed your visit, and we have got their poems they wrote with you all typed up and on display where they can be referred to and used.

We have sent off 21 entries to the 'Write Now' competition, the most I have ever submitted. If you are interested I will let you know how they got on, we should hear by December/January time.

I would like to keep in touch with you, as finding someone who can tap into our pupils' huge range of abilities and needs so readily, and with obvious enjoyment is rare.

We would love to see you again in the future, if your busy schedule allows.

Teacher, Marjorie McClure School

I have been asked to provide a statement about Chrissie who visited our school recently to do poetry workshops with my pupils and I would like to offer the following thoughts.

Firstly, the children involved have been talking to me with affection about the afternoon Chrissie spent with us.

We like to welcome many writers, poets, artists into school so the children are used to visitors. This familiarity means they are quite discerning in their evaluation of the quality of their experiences.

I have yet to hear a negative comment from them.

They thoroughly enjoyed the way Chrissie brought her poetry, which appealed greatly, to life.

Teachers were also quick to praise the quality of her poetry and presentation and have worked with their classes to produce a wealth of peotry in the 'Chrissie Gittins' style.

I think this says enough to convince you that Chrissie's work would be a valuable addition to your website content. I wish her every success.

Headteacher, Glenfall