World Book Day - The Week in Review

Several schools invited me to their World Book Day celebrations during the first week in March. I went along with my wife, Sharon, who was a terrific help. Here are some photos, in no particular order, of the talks I gave at,

Broad Green Primary School, Liverpool
St Bridget's School, Merseyside
Western School, Harrogate
Harrogate High, Harrogate

Thanks to everyone involved and to all the pupils for asking such wonderful questions.

Radio Ga Ga ?!

Last Monday, I appeared on Harrogate Hospital Radio with Cathie and Ellie who are,

"The Girls Who Shouldn't Be Allowed!"

Sharon came along too and we all had a fun time. My first radio interview wasn't as nerve-wracking as I thought it would be, and the girls asked some really interesting questions. Even Bearskin's head made an appearance...

My New Best Friend

This is me (right!) in Broad Green Primary School's library in Liverpool. The children were sitting on the floor so Bearskin (left) must have looked huge. I was wondering why they were screaming..

Hold the Press!

Thanks to everyone at The Harrogate Advertiser for putting my ugly mug on the front page last week! It was a great article and really got the book noticed. See Bearskin's head on the table next to me?!

Waterstone's!

Great news! Waterstone's in Harrogate are now stocking, The Ringwood Tree. It's a weird feeling seeing your work in such esteemed surroundings. Sales have been brisk - 10 copies sold in one week - and a book-signing session is being discussed. What fun.

World Book Day & School Visits

Had a great World Book Day week visiting schools on Merseyside and Yorkshire (photos to follow). The children seemed to enjoy my talk on creative writing and idea-generating methods, and they really enjoyed seeing Bearskin and the disc.

The Disc is Complete

Finally finished making the disc (see below).
I bought two torch bulbs, wire, batteries, battery case and switch, and after drilling and soldering (thank you Dr Howson), I hid all the electrics under black velvet using contact adhesive. At the flick of a switch, the eyes of the mask light up whenever a nervous hand is placed inside the open mouth of the mask. A very satisfying project.