Excited pupils from Oaks Primary School in Ipswich got a taste of a bestselling author’s life, as they took part in a book launch and signing session at Waterstones.
Altogether, 56 Year 2 pupils were involved in the event at Waterstones, and it looked as if their book, Fire: Friend or Foe? was set to sell out very quickly.
Each child had written a poem for the book and also created a colourful illustration. The children were busy signing their own poems and artwork, as parents and shoppers snapped up copies fast.
This is the second year The Oaks has organised a book launch, giving youngsters a chance to sign their work and enjoy a reading of the poems.
Headteacher Philip Palmer said: “All the children have written poems for the book, following on from their learning about the Great Fire of London, and fire in general.”
He said the pupils had been really enthusiastic about the topic, and the book launch gave it a real “wow finish.”
Parents and families had given great support to the event, added Mr Palmer. “I don’t think the book is going to be available for the general public for very long, as we didn’t do a big print run!”
Parents Neil and Daniele Warren said their son Harry had been looking forward to the book launch. Mr Warren said: “He has been excited all week, saying, don’t forget to come, Dad!”
Mrs Warren added: “I think it’s nice for them to get out of school and experience something like this.”
Dawn Lewis-Samuel said her son, Rio, was also thrilled. “It definitely encourages their reading and their interest in books. They have also had authors and illustrators coming into the school.”
Class teacher Vicki Abery-Bone said: “They have done really well. They did first drafts and talked to each other about them and ways they could improve them. It gives them a sense of purpose, because it’s for the book.”
Ipswich Waterstones manager Aimee Ashworth said: “It’s a wonderful thing to do, because the kids get so excited and it encourages them to keep writing and being creative. It’s something they love doing.”
She said it was good for youngsters to visit a bookshop for the event, adding: “It gets them interested in reading and writing, so they will be readers for life.”
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