It has been a bumper week for bookworms! We, librarians, have overseen an exciting programme of events during our first World Book Week in our very own historic library. On Monday afternoon, we welcomed the author Frances Tosdevin and she read her delightful picture book, The Library Mouse, to Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils and talked about the book’s central message: the importance of self-belief. Just like Quill, the story’s titular library mouse, we’ve been encouraged to share our ideas and follow our dreams!
On Tuesday afternoon, Key Stage 2 pupils were treated to a visit from Sophie Anderson, who writes enchanting novels that are enriched by folklore and fairytales. One aspect of Sophie’s talk that was particularly striking was her biography; she told us about the different careers she’s had, including working as a geologist. When asked what her favourite subject was at school, Sophie said she loved studying science, and we hope pupils remember this… Not every author’s favourite subject at school was English! Storytelling is for everyone.
All pupils participated in Storytelling Through Dance workshops, which were led by a practitioner from West End in Schools. Pupils choreographed a dance routine based on Maurice Sendak’s classic picture book, Where the Wild Things Are. This is the only time our librarians have actively encouraged a “wild rumpus” in the library!
Last but certainly not least, Year 2 pupils were very lucky to be visited by Keith Chapman, the creator of Bob the Builder, Paw Patrol and Fifi & the Flowertots (to name a few). Mr Chapman spoke about the process of inventing a character and then creating their world and coming up with adventures for them. Best of all, he set pupils a creative task! It was wonderful to see what our budding artists and writers produced once their imaginations had been fired up.
Miss Deblue, Head Librarian
