Wallsend pupils meet authors

There was inspiration on both sides when children’s writers met fans from a Wallsend school.

Pupils from Years 3 and 4 at St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School joined author Marie Basting at Wallsend Library, while those from Years 5 and 6 enjoyed a workshop with Ben Davis at The White Swan Centre in Killingsworth.

Ms Basting’s humorous books include Princess BMX, My Family and Other Romans and Auntie Medusa and Me, while Mr Davis is the award-winning author of the Lenny Lemmon series, the Joe Cowley series, Soup Movement, Make Me Awesome, and My Embarrassing Dad’s Gone Viral.

Fifty-six children from Years 5 and 6 at the school, part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, listened to Mr Davis read at the event, where they were also able to put their questions to the writer and discuss his work.

“He writes the Lenny Lemmon stories, which are very funny, but he spoke about My Embarrassing Dad’s Gone Viral,” explained Maria Nicholson, the Year 6 teacher who accompanied the children on the trip.

“We listened to excerpts from his stories, and we had the opportunity to ask questions about what inspired him as a writer. We shared our ideas to build a new character with him.”

While the author has previously spoken about gaining inspiration from such discussions, the children also benefited from the meeting and were keen to share their experience.

“You get to understand how a story starts,” said Flora, with Matthew adding: “I like learning about the people behind the stories.”

“I love hearing how they decided to write books, and they are really entertaining to listen to,” agreed Genevieve, while Reuben said: “If you see a new or different author, you are inspired to read their books and read more for fun.”

“These visits are very important,” continued Mrs Nicholson

“The author was very funny, and the children were really engaged with him. He helped them understand that stories can come from the smallest of ideas and grow into something that takes you much further than you’d imagine.”