Busy Book Week activities

Weeks like this are quite exhausting! It started with a long day at York for some English Heritage training for my work at Furness Abbey -I was so tired when I got back I went to bed at 9-30pm-and event so rare it hasn't happened since I was twelve! Then a lovely visit to Lindal and Marton Primary School for some Patron of Reading work. However, a detour was required due to excessive rain (don't we always have excessive rain?)but I finally got there and met KS2 children.

We had a read through of my new book-"THE BAT WHO WAS AFRAID OF THE DARK" and then I suggested they edit and critique it for me! So, after some encouragement they got stuck in and edited like mad with purple pens! This was worse than sending it to the publisher! After all they are the audience! However, despite many suggestions and improvements they said it passed muster!

Editing hard

Today I have been working with Functional Skills English students and learning how to use suffixes and prefixes-quite a change of pace. Tomorrow I am judging reviews at Dalton St Mary's and then onto Broughton working with KS2 and on Friday back again for the poetry competition! Somewhere in there I have to tidy up after the decorator has been and do some more writing! 

I will post some pictures from the other two visits as I get them-.

So, what did you like about World Book Day? I have seen lots of ideas and activities. It would be nice to see yours

Review with a view

Busy time at the moment. This morning I went to introduce myself as Patron of Reading to Dalton St Mary's Primary school and to be videoed for my review. We are having a challenge ending on World Book Day to choose the best reviews by the children. (I do hope someone reviews one of my books). 

The book I reviewed is a favourite one of my daughters and me too, "The big big sea" by Martin Waddell and Jennifer Eachus. We used to read it frequently and both have happy memories of it. It's a beautiful book, with attractive and carefully drawn illustrations. I love pictures and these are the best! They remind me of my daughter at that age and the pictures of the bay look just like the coast looking towards Black Combe. The story is short but happy, it's about making memories and sharing special times. Something to look back on and share. I never tire of this book and have already shared it with my grandson.

Welcome to Dalton St Mary's School

Last week I spent a very enjoyable day with the Year 3 children at Dalton St Mary's Primary School. I am very fond of this school as they were the first to invite me as an author in 2011. I wrote "Guy the Grumpy Gargoyle" for them -because I didn't have a story for the Foundation Stage classes-and eventually I dedicated it to them as well. 

We had a fun packed and hectic day creating characters, reading, investigating the evidence box and the children showed their amazing imaginations. The exciting part of the day was when I discovered they would like me to become their Patron of Reading too. I am looking forward to working further with them and sharing books and stories.

A small parcel for each school will soon be on its way to them by way of a small early Christmas gift and of course some little activities for them to access. Watch this space!

Welcome to Bookworms

What is a Patron of Reading?

A Patron of Reading is an author who becomes attached to a school (or two in my case) to work with them to promote, encourage and inspire reading.

Exciting week this week-getting into gear for my work with Broughton CE Primary School and Lindal and Marton Primary School. I am newly appointed Patron of Reading and can't wait until we get going with some projects and activities!

Today I launched the scheme with Broughton pupils in a special assembly and tomorrow I will be visiting Lindal and Marton! There are some very enthusiastic readers in both schools and we have lots of ideas between us to create some amazing reading opportunities!

Me with the staff from Waterstones Barrow on World Book Day