Pupils, parents and staff gathered on Friday 22 October at Elements Primary School in Middleton to celebrate the publication of a book of short stories.
The book contains 46 stories, all written last year by children when they were in Year 2, aged just 6 or 7 years old. Their use of language, their descriptions and ideas are very impressive.
This was the first proper parent event to be held in the school’s new permanent building and the new hall was packed.
Introducing the evening, Principal Sarah Horsbrough said:
“We are really excited because our children have written some fantastic stories which have been put together, beautifully illustrated by a professional illustrator and published as a book.
“Our children are now published authors and if you are a proper author you have a proper book launch – tonight the children are sharing their work with you.”
The audience heard a selection of stories read out by the children and occasionally by staff members. Subjects ranged from ninjas to tigers and from princesses to wicked witches, taking in lost baby dinosaurs and dogs in the snow. Three young authors were interviewed by their peers about the thinking behind the stories.
Danny Deeptown, who illustrated the book and worked with the children last year, has just won ‘Best Picture book’ at the Singapore Press Book Awards for his last book. He wasn’t able to be present but sent a message to the children saying:
“Your storytelling has improved massively. Every single one is very detailed and descriptive and because of that I had a great time illustrating them. We did this together. I am proud of you and you should be proud of yourselves.”
The evening finished with the children singing the song ‘World Changer’ where they pledged to become the best that they could be. Judging by their writing, they are well on their way to achieving that.
If you are interested in your children attending Elements Primary School, visits and tours of the school can now be arranged by contacting the school office on (0113) 532 7089.
