Author visit inspires young readers

Young readers and writers at a Whitley Bay primary school were inspired by a visit from a children’s author.

The pupils at Star of the Sea, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, spent an afternoon with Will Mabbitt, whose books include I Can Only Draw Worms, This is Not a Fairy Tale, and The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones.

Over 120 youngsters aged four to seven attended the presentation, which was arranged by the Schools Library Service as part of the 39th Annual Northern Children’s Book Festival.

Star of the Sea’s English Lead, Clare Taylor, said: “Will told the children he writes his books on trains and in cafes.

“He got the children to draw worms and asked them how they could change them, and he also talked about how we could change the writing or story to make it even better.

“The children really enjoyed the visit – particularly drawing their own worm characters.”

Fittingly, Mr Mabbitt was also the first visitor to Star of the Sea since it opened its new library, which was converted from the school’s former computer suite and now houses over 1,000 children’s books – including some of the author’s titles.

Added Mrs Taylor: “Visits like this are hugely important, so the children develop their love of reading.

“To have an author read their own book is brilliant, as they can explain where the ideas come from, and how they develop them, which helps the children with their writing.”