School and library visits

I’m a Melbourne-based author-illustrator and love visiting primary schools and libraries.

My presentations start with a brief intro, a book reading (full of audience participation) and a Q&A. I show students where I get my inspiration and how I transform ideas into picture books.

Then, it's time for hands-on art activities linked to Busy Beaks or Ingenious Insects. I love seeing students explore their creativity in new ways!

I currently offer two types of art workshops for schools:

  • Collage workshops are ideal for students in Years 3 and above. Collage is suitable for groups of up to 35 participants per session.

  • Drawing workshops are suitable for all ages and will be tailored to your group.

My sessions are usually 50-60 minutes and I have a two session minimum for all bookings.

I am based in Melbourne and have a current working with children card and full insurance coverage.

Collage workshops

“Sarah Allen visited our school to share Busy Beaks and to give our Prep and Year 1 students a glimpse into the world of an author, illustrator, and artist. The children were absolutely transfixed.
Sarah wove together a full sensory experience – bird sounds, photographs, sketches, and completed artworks. Sarah is not only a gifted creator but also a natural educator. Like the birds she so beautifully portrays, she knows when to bring calm and when to inspire pure exuberance. ”
— Emilie Rosenberg, Bialik College
“Sarah was a dream to work with. She made organising her visit so easy and ran interactive and engaging workshops for children from Prep to Grade 6. All of the kids loved working with her and were incredibly proud of the birds they made and were able to take home. ”
— Fiona Smith, Merrigum MARC Library
“Sarah and her collage workshops were absolutely fantastic for our school’s Book Week celebrations. She presented such special sessions for our students, they were so engaged both with the storytelling and creative hands-on activity. Sarah was such a pleasure to work with and comes highly recommended for any school visit.”
— Meg Sargant, Kyabram P-12 College

Drawing workshops

Enquire about school visit

Please get in touch to register your interest for a visit in 2026. I will get back to you from 19 January 2026.