A happy World Book Day (3rd March) at Thaxted Primary School where I am Patron of Reading, speaking to children dressed up as their favourite characters from books – and what an effort they had all made. First  I spoke to the children at morning assembly about the books they liked –  a great variety as it turned out, ranging from dystopian fantasy to non fiction and lots in between – and how I hope to foster their reading habit. I showed them the trailer video of my new book ‘Break Out’ and I talked a bit about what inspired it and what inspired some of my other books. Lots of questions followed and the children were delightful and really engaged. Next I took a small group for a creative writing workshop. I read from the beginning of ‘Break Out’, gave them a few facts about the story, told them about the main characters and then asked them to plot out how they saw the story developing and resolving. Their imaginations soared and none of the plots they developed were anything like my own. A lovely enthusiastic group and it was a joy to work with them.

The previous weekend I visited an amazing specialist children’s bookshop in Brentwood, Essex, called The Chicken and Frog (there’s a reason for the title and it’s delightfully silly) where I ran another workshop for 8-11 yr olds. We had a lot of fun and I reflected, as I drove home, how lucky the folk of Brentwood are to have this most original and outgiving little bookshop in their midst. Situated in a pedestrian zone, not only are the staff engaging with young people within the shop and in local schools, setting up regular events, but they can also use the street outside for activities. I was impressed; The Chicken and the Frog is everything that a children’s bookshop should be – welcoming, informative and fun. Thank you for having me, Natasha and the team.