OVER 700 pupils from 14 schools celebrated World Book Day by exploring a spooky new world thanks to an acclaimed author.
Pupils from across Stockton Borough visited Yarm School on Tuesday (1 March) to enjoy a session delivered by Jonathon Stroud, author of the celebrated Bartimaeus Trilogy.
The event centred on the author’s latest published work, Lockwood & Co: The Hollow Boy, and pupils were treated to thrilling excerpts from the book followed by an exclusive signing session.
The book, the third instalment in the chilling series, sees a team of youngsters tackling an epidemic of ghosts and ghouls across Britain that only they can see.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “Jonathon’s session is a fine example of the wonderful events that Stockton Libraries are holding to support World Book Day and celebrate the written word beyond that throughout the year.
“I am sure that the pupils will have taken a lot from the day and been inspired by meeting such a successful writer and having an incredibly exciting storytelling experience to continue their own personal lifelong journey with books and reading.”
Lily Manuel, a year 8 pupil from The Grangefield Academy, said: “It was a really interesting session and inspired me to read his books and to start writing my own.”
Another event taking place to mark World Book Day this week for invited schools is the annual quiz on World Book Day itself (Thursday 3 March) at Stockton Central Library. The quiz will see four local secondary schools battle their way through picture and general knowledge rounds with goodie bags and a commemorative shield up for grabs. Each participant will also be choosing a free book to take home.
For more information on World Book Day, visit www.worldbookday.com
To view a full list of events taking place in libraries across Stockton Borough, visitwww.stockton.gov.uk/events