Yarm School played host to more than 600 primary school children from across the area when it welcomed award-winning writer and illustrator Lauren Child as part of a special event organised by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books in partnership with First Class Supply the North East’s leading independent Supply Teaching Agency.
The author, who was in the region to mark her incredible 20-year career with a series of special events organised by Seven Stories, spoke to the youngsters about her life as a writer and illustrator and chatted about her books and inspirations. Lauren also introduced pupils to Hubert Horatio, an exceptionally intelligent, talented and sensible child who is the star of her latest book Hubert Horatio, How to Raise Your Grown Ups.
Lauren Child is the creator of many much-loved characters, including Clarice Bean, and Ruby Redfort. Her first two books were published in 1999 – I Want a Pet and Clarice Bean, That’s Me, and she won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in 2000 for I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato, the first of her Charlie and Lola picture books.
Her books have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. In 2010 she was awarded an MBE for Services to Literature and was announced as the tenth Waterstones’ Children’s Laureate in 2017.
Dr Huw Williams from Yarm School said: I was thrilled to be able to introduce Lauren and Seven Stories to a packed Princess Alexandra Auditorium and to welcome more than 500 pupils from local primary schools to hear her speak.
“We were inspired to hear all about her life as an author and artist and to learn about Hubert Horatio who is going to be another very popular character.”
Commenting on her visit to the school, Lauren Child said: “I think it’s always inspiring to talk to children because you get to hear their viewpoint on a book, what they’re interested in and how they engage with activities like writing and reading.”