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 send/give you access to this video at your convenience. 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 the importance of following dreams and thinking about who we want to be. Using Poppy's wish to be brave as an example, recognising that some dreams are about being a better person—not just doing or achieving. Learning that achieving dreams 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 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, organized by the Times Educational Supplement (TES), a prestigious pull-out of The Times newspaper, where it was also published.

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

Before following his dream of writing for children, Farzad spent eight years in China managing international teams, clients, and sales for a global trade company. In 2017, he returned to the UK to pursue a fresh career in acting, presenting, and audiobook narration. Around this time, he also began writing and illustrating Poppy the Pea.

Farzad strongly believes that stories have the power to shape a more compassionate and resilient future generation. He is particularly passionate about stories that encourage children to reflect on their emotions and inner experiences, helping them navigate life’s ups and downs with greater self-awareness and confidence.

His interest in mental health—especially for young people—stems from personal challenges he faced during his later school years and early adulthood. These experiences (see blog post for more) helped inspire the themes in Poppy the Pea's first adventure.

Through his school workshops, Farzad shares his personal journey, exploring the obstacles he overcame on his path to becoming an author. His mission is to inspire children through storytelling, encouraging them to be brave and kind, dream big, and stay resilient in the face of life’s setbacks.

Farzad lives in London with his wife, Sarah, and together they hope to start a family soon. When not writing or involved in film and audio productions, he enjoys spending time in nature—especially 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 beyond.