Author Workshops

Give your pupils the opportunity to meet both a real archaeologist and the author behind an exciting jungle adventure.

Through stories, photographs and videos from her expeditions in Guatemala, Dr Diane reveals how real discoveries, challenges and encounters in the rainforest inspired The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions, and Jungle Discoveries.

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I would give this book 10/10 because I loved learning about the Maya artefacts that were discovered. The book is funny too because Dr Diane has to live with the creatures in the rainforest – especially the howler monkeys!

Joshua, aged 8. 

Children will discover how real-life experiences can become exciting stories, gain a unique insight into the writing process and explore the journey from archaeological discovery to published book. Along the way, they will hear selected extracts from the story and learn how archaeologists uncover clues from the past.

Inspired by genuine archaeological fieldwork, The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions, and Jungle Discoveries allows young readers to experience the excitement, challenges and discoveries of a Maya expedition for themselves.

Packed with rainforest wildlife, expedition adventures and opportunities for questions and discussion, these interactive sessions inspire reading, writing, curiosity and a love of exploration. Throughout the visit, pupils are encouraged to think creatively, ask questions and discover how their own interests and experiences can inspire storytelling.

Schools are also welcome to order copies of The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions, and Jungle Discoveries, allowing Dr Diane to personally sign them for pupils and staff as a lasting souvenir of the visit.

This is a fantastic book to support the teaching and learning of the Ancient Maya! Dr Diane has used her extensive knowledge to weave factual information seamlessly amongst humorous tales of her adventures as she gets to grips with living and working in the Guatemalan rainforest. This book gives children an invaluable first-hand insight into the life and work of an archaeologist and is a great addition to any class library.

Y6 Teacher Liverpool. 

To continue the adventure after the visit, children can also explore Dr Diane’s online Adventure Portal. The portal gives young explorers the chance to put their skills to the test, solving clues, cracking codes, completing puzzles and earning certificates as they progress through a series of exciting challenges linked to the story.

Live Q&A

For schools that are unable to arrange an in-person visit due to distance, location or budget, Dr Diane also offers a live Q&A session.

Pupils can discover the real adventures behind The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions, and Jungle Discoveries, as Dr Diane answers their questions about the archaeological discoveries, rainforest encounters and expedition experiences that inspired the story.

Designed for schools both in the UK and around the world, the Q&A is a flexible and affordable way for children to meet the author, hear about the writing process, ask questions and learn how real-life experiences can be transformed into an exciting adventure book.