A WIRRAL woman who is the voice of popular children's cartoon character Horrid Henry will sign copies of her debut children's book during a return visit to the borough later this week.

BAFTA-nominated voice-over artist Lizzie Waterworth will visit Mersey Park Primary, Birkenhead Girls Academy and Wirral Grammar Boys on Friday (September 15)  promising a fun interactive talk/ workshop based around the book How to Talk so People Will Listen (and sound confident even when you’re not). Later that day, there will be a book signing at Linghams in Heswall from 4-5pm. 

Published by DK and aimed at ages 7-11 years, the book is described as "a fun and accessible book to help children feel confident about talking to people".

Lizzie, from Noctorum, went to Birkenhead High School and is a BAFTA-nominated voice artist of award-winning cartoons, including the lead role of Horrid Henry - a child determined to get his perfect brother into trouble and pits his wits against Greta, the evil dinner lady.

She told the Globe: "The main thing about the book is that I set out to write a fun, empowering manual with lots of tips and tricks to help children feel more confident each day as they speak to someone new or have to talk to the class. 

"This book will give young people the tips and tricks to regulate those nerves, make themselves heard, and own the room.

"I'm really looking forward to being back on the Wirral on Friday! As I mentioned I’m visiting Mersey Park Primary, Birkenhead Girls Academy (my old school- BHS) and Wirral Grammar Boys, to do a fun interactive talk/ workshop based around the book. Then a book signing at Linghams." 

With tips from professional voice artists and public figures, including Stephen Fry and Ben Shires, and takeaways from Lizzie’s own experiences, How to Talk so People Will Listen (and sound confident even when you’re not) ..  aims to help children feel more comfortable and confident when speaking aloud or meeting someone new. Learning to sound confident in these situations is a major life advantage.

Having voiced characters from video games, toys, and shows including CBeebies’ Alphablocks, EMMY-nominated Mush-Mush & The Mushables, Lizzie has drawn on her years of experience as a voice artist to offer top tips and advice for effective communication in an open, fun and accessible way.

From how to combat nerves and breathing exercises, to the benefits of smiling and the power of eye contact, How to Talk so People Will Listen (and sound confident even when you’re not) ..  will help readers take control of their voice.