In advance of Dr.Fuzz’s school visits, teachers normally read the book and/or watch the exclusive audio-e-book version with t​heir class. We can give you access to this video upon the school’s request. Book sales and signings are also coordinated with the school before a visit and this is explained below.

Dr.Fuzz can then visit the school and multiple classes across different year groups throughout the day or deliver a larger introductory assembly session for the entire school. During the workshop sessions Dr.Fuzz will:

• Introduce himself, the book and life as an author (also possible in an initial assembly session )

• Lead a 45 minute interactive discussion focused on one of the following themes from the story:

1. Fear & Courage

Discovering the difference between real fears and fears created or exaggerated by our thoughts. Learning to notice and question such thoughts. Understanding that avoidance of fears makes them stronger, while facing fears helps us overcome them and become braver. Recognising that being courageous is about feeling and facing fear and doing the things that frighten us - rather than being fearless. Discussing each other's fears and acts of courage.

2.Dreams & Plans

Exploring dreams and hopes and thinking about who we want to be. Using Poppy's wish to be brave (as an example) to recognise that some dreams are about being a better person and not just doing or achieving. Also explore the merit of being content as we are and not having any dreams; and noticing that achieving a dream takes a good plan, belief in oneself, hard work, and resilience. Discussing each other's dreams and plans.

3. Setbacks & Comebacks

Underlining the fact that setbacks and failures are a normal part of life. Exploring examples of well-known artists, scientists, and sportspeople who persevered in the face of adversity and achieved great things as a result. Learning from -and becoming stronger through- our setbacks while having the courage to ask for help when necessary. Discussing each other's setbacks and comebacks.

The Activity Sheets provided at the top of this page are also used (depending on time available) during workshops or can be completed by students following the session.

Dr.Fuzz can also spend more time with fewer classes to cover multiple themes or even revisit the school several times to dive deeper into each chapter along the grounds outlined in the Study Guide provided below. He can also include a new Pea planting workshop for younger students in your school…

4.Pea Planting Workshops

Dr. Fuzz has developed a new Pea Planting Workshop, designed especially for younger students, such as those in Reception. This hands-on session brings the key themes of courage, resilience, friendship, and hope to life through the process of planting, growing, and nurturing peas.

Using eco-friendly materials, including compostable plant pots, peat-free compost, and pea seeds- all provided by Dr. Fuzz - children engage in an interactive, sensory learning experience.

During the session, Dr. Fuzz will:

• Introduce himself, the book, and life as an author (this can also be part of an initial assembly).

• Encourage discussions about the book and its themes while guiding students through planting their own pea seeds and teaching them how to care for them.

• Inspire children to decorate their pots with drawings, name their peas, and imagine the adventures their plants might go on, fostering creativity and storytelling.

This workshop provides a playful, immersive, and memorable way for young learners to explore key life lessons from the book while nurturing their very own peas.

All the workshop formats outlined above are flexible and can be adjusted and tailored in collaboration with schools and teachers to meet the specific needs and preferences of each class.

Schools typically inform parents about Dr.Fuzz’s visit in advance and deal with the sales (£6.99/copy) and inform us about the number of signed books required. Dr.Fuzz will then sign the books and bring them with him on the day of the visit for teachers to distribute to the children or to pass to the children during a 'meet and greet' session at the end of the day. Parents also have the option to purchase (card or cash) additional books directly from Dr.Fuzz at such meet and greet sessions.

Transfer of funds from the school to us is completed following the visit and upon receipt of our invoice.

Alternatively, the school can advise the parents to purchase the book via this website (Shop Page) - where they can select 'Store Pick Up' in the ‘Delivery Options' section during the checkout process.

The charge for a full day visit outlined above or any other questions or requirements that you may have can be discussed by writing to: info@poppythepea.com

We would love to hear from you and to arrange for Poppy the Pea to roll into a classroom near you!

Dr.Fuzz holds a fully up to date (autumn 2024) Enhanced DBS certificate.

Farzad Sharifi-Yazdi grew up in Berkhamsted, England, where he picked up his enduring nickname, Fuzz (later Dr. Fuzz), along with his love of poetry.

At fourteen, his poem Brian’s Head won the Young Poet of the Week competition, organised by the Times Educational Supplement (TES), a prestigious pull-out of The Times newspaper, where it was also published.

Curiosity about a war that had displaced him from his birthplace at age five, later inspired Farzad’s doctorate in Geopolitics from King’s College London. His research on rivalries and territorial disputes in the Middle East led to his first book, published by Bloomsbury in 2015.

Writing for children has been Farzad’s long held dream - what better way to promote mental wellbeing and international peace, subjects extremely dear to his heart.

Farzad, his wife, Sarah and son Cyrus live in London. When not writing, Farzad can normally be found walking in nature or tending to his allotment and pond!

He is currently working on the second instalment of the Poppy the Pea series while continuing to bring the first book to schools across the UK and abroad.