I spent the first half of my career building sets for television but after completing an MA in Writing for Young People in 2017 I began to write funny books for children.
My published work includes the award-winning Grandma Dangerous series (Hachette 2018/19). My latest novel, Don't Tell Mum I Made a Mammoth, was a Scholastic book of the month and is currently in the running for the SGIS 'Golden Cowbell' prize. I write for a number of magazines and contribute to several educational websites as well as lecturing on the Creative Writing BA at Bath Spa University. Outside my day job I run writing courses that focus on writing for children, mentor new authors and chair a local writers group.
I spend a lot of time in primary schools and offer assemblies combined with a range of inspirational workshops which are tailored in advance to the needs of the class. My visits are designed to fire up imaginations and get children of all abilities writing.
I’m experienced in planning and delivering creative writing workshops at all levels and with all kinds of groups, from key stage one through to adults continuing their education.
I enjoy reading from and discussing my published work – either solo, or as part of a panel. I'm happy to travel both nationally and internationally, and available to speak at literature festivals, conferences and tutored retreats.
Books
Grandma Dangerous and the Dog of Destiny (Hachette 2018)
Grandma Dangerous and the Egg of Glory (Hachette 2019)
Grandma Dangerous and the Toe of Treachery (Hachette 2019)
The House of Secret Treasure (Scholastic 2021)
Don't Tell Mum I Made a Mammoth (Scholastic 2022)
Awards
Grandma Dangerous and the Dog of Destiny - Cumbrian Primary Schools Spellbinding Book Award 2019 (Winner)
Grandma Dangerous and the Dog of Destiny - Lancashire Libraries Fantastic Book Award 2020 (Winner)
The House of Secret Treasure - Cumbrian Primary Schools Spellbinding Book Award 2022 (Shortlisted)
The House of Secret Treasure - SGIS Golden Cowbell Award 2023 (Shortlisted)
Testimonials
Kita Mitchell is a fabulous author and her events are always filled with fun and inspiration. The multiple events with schools and the community that we have shared with Kita have all found the children engaged - spellbound - through her generosity of ideas, warmth, and her wonderful activities! From reading to writing and lots of in-between, we fully recommend an author event with Kita Mitchell to inspire the curious and reluctant alike.
Jaqueline Diego, Jacqson Diego Story Emporium
Thank you very much for taking part in the Oxford Bookfeast Schools Festival last week. The children and teachers loved hearing about your books, and everyone went away truly inspired and bursting with ideas and writing tips.
Celia Maclachlan, Bookfeast Events Manager
Kita was lovely, she really held the children’s attention and was really interested to see their reading choices. I’ve had four children come to me this morning to say they have read her book over the weekend and it was brilliant, so funny! Thanks again, it was very inspirational.
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Barrow
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for coming to Roose Primary School on Friday. The children gained so much from meeting you and discussing writing. This will be a great memory from their time at Roose and we appreciate you making the long Journey.
Roose School, Barrow