Westcountry Schools Trust

HOLBETON PUPILS ENJOY VISIT FROM LOCAL CHILDREN’S AUTHOR SIMON JAMES

~ Simon James creates illustrations in real time during visit to Holbeton Primary School ~

~ Author opens brand new Reading Nook in school playground ~

Last week, pupils at Holbeton Primary School in South Devon received an exciting visit from local children’s author and illustrator Simon James, whose books include Dear Greenpeace, Baby Brains and Sally and the Limpet.

Simon delivered fun and engaging workshops during the visit which included creating illustrations in real time, with pupils captivated as he showed how the characters in his stories are brought to life

After the workshops, one Year 2 pupil said:

"Simon was really great - my favourite part was watching the drawing come to life.”

A pupil in Year 5 said:

“I loved learning about how Simon plans and paints his artwork for his books.”

A highlight of the visit was Simon heading out to the playground to mark the official opening of the school’s new Reading Nook, which is designed to encourage children to read during break times.

To end the day, Simon donated a selection of books to the school as well as two signed illustrations.

Sarah Honywill, Head Teacher of Holbeton Primary School, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Simon James to our school last week to share the magic of his stories. Opportunities like this are so important for fostering a love of reading within our pupils who were all completely captivated by his workshops, especially his live illustrations. It was great to have Simon cut the ribbon to officially open our new reading nook on the playground as well, and I’m sure our pupils will be using this space to read some of the wonderful books Simon has given us.”