Background History
A few years ago Tim Redgrave, then the deputy head at Ysgol Esgob Morgan Juniors in St Asaph, Denbighshire, brought his Y6 class to St Asaph Library to hear me give a talk as part of Denbighshire Libraries Book Week. I must have been cooking on gas that day because I made a huge impression, not only on the children, but also on Tim. He never forgot the impact the visit had.
Towards the end of last year (2010), I received an email from Tim, now headteacher at the school, telling me he’d had this idea for promoting and nurturing a love of reading. How about every school having a patron of reading? He wanted to know if I thought that it was a good idea and if so, would I be his school’s first patron? Of course I said yes. What an honour!
What is a patron of reading?
A patron of reading is a school’s special, designated children’s author with whom the school forms a personal attachment. The author might be a writer of fiction, a writer of non-fiction, a poet, storyteller or an illustrator. In our case, tenure lasts for three years but it’s up to the individuals involved. At the end of three years, the school could appoint a new patron, perhaps from a different specialist background.
What does a patron of reading do?
Other schools might have their own ideas about what a patron of reading does; that’s the beauty of it. The title is flexible to suit each author and each school. This is what I’ve done so far (since May 2012):
- Visited the school three times
- Initiated the Summer Reading Challenge trophy.
- I write a ‘newsletter’ once a term about what I’m up to, books I’ve read etc.
- I have a designated space on my website for staff, pupils and parents to leave comments (see below)
- I donate a copy of any new books I have out to the school library.
- I write to individual pupils who do something outstanding in terms of reading; for example if they win a prize or make amazing progress.
- Worked with a group of reluctant readers on a short play I wrote especially for them. The group gave me useful feedback and is now in the process of auditioning classmates for parts in their play. The play will be available on the National Literacy Trust’s website soon.
- I share new ideas I hear about regarding reading, books and libraries, with the staff. So far I’ve read Malorie Blackman’s Cloud Busting (recommended to me by Mrs Fowkes) and Gill Lewis’s Sky Hawk (recommended by Mrs Ritchie)
What does the school do?
So far Ysgol Esgob Morgan has:
- Booked me for school visits.
- Put a link to my blog and information about the patron of reading on the school website and in school newsletters
- Had a display about me, my writing and my books, in the school library.
- Sent me fabulous poems some of the classes have written.
- Had a massive Book Quiz that included all the governers, TAs and staff as well as pupils
- Responded to my blogs (responses are from parents, too. It’s great to include them in this).
- Promoted the patron of reading idea in the Times Educational Supplement and on Reading Zone
- Used social networking sites such as Twitter to spread the word about the role.
- Had a visit from the Wales Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews, to look at the scheme. This was televised on both BBC and ITV Wales News channels (11 January 2013).
- Bought books I’ve recommended for their library and classroom
There are plans for a downloadable set of guidelines – watch this space!
What impact has it had on the school?
The patron of reading idea has:
- Sparked extra interest in reading generally throughout the school
- Provided teachers with an added dimension when encouraging reading for pleasure
- Given pupils an extra incentive to join in with schemes such as the Summer Reading Challenge In 2012 the school had 100% participation – the first in England and Wales, according to Miranda McKearney, CEO of the reading Agency (to be fair the school already had a high participation rate because of the amazing input from Denbighshire Library Service – the cup just gave them that final push towards glory!)
- Inspired parents and made them feel included e.g by submitting comments on my blog and writing poetry with their children at home
- Boosted the quality of creative writing – even though I haven’t done any creative writing with them as such. Writing produced after my visit in May was described by Tim in the Times Educational Supplement (15th June 2012) as ‘phenomenal’
What is the difference between a Patron of Reading and, say the ‘Adopt an Author’ scheme?
The patron of reading is there to support the school and school’s librarian (if it has one) in creating a buzz about books. Everything is book and reading related; book quizzes, reviews, discussions, plays, poetry bashes, library visits etc. Schools who ‘adopt’ an author usually include creative writing. Also ‘adoption’ is more long-term. The patron of reading is a 3-year tenure to allow schools to have a variety of patrons and to allow patrons to have a variety of schools.
Choosing your patron:
Any school thinking of inviting an author(or poet, illustrator, journalist, storyteller) to be their patron of reading should consider having one with whom there is already a connection. The author doesn’t necessarily have to be local but should ideally be someone the school has already met. It should also be someone for whom the position means something. Tim and I both felt this was important. For me it’s a real honour; I feel cherished and proud to have been selected.
The patron should be professional and have a back list of traditionally published material (not be self-published and/or exclusively in e-book format). To get the most from the role, the school needs someone who is not necessarily ‘famous’ but has an established profile, a good track record of school visits and an up-to-date CRB check. An easy-to-navigate website the school can access is also a bonus. However, if a school has links with a newly published author/poet and feels they’re the right ‘fit’ for them, then that’s perfectly acceptable.
Financial cost to the school
The school would be expected to pay for any visit the POR makes in the usual way. A visit at least once a year is advisable so each class builds up a relationship with the patron. Rates vary but the Society of Authors recommendations can be found here. There should be little additional cost unless you host Skype sessions on top of the visits. It is important to discuss all this with the patron beforehand so misunderstandings don’t occur.
How do I find a patron of reading for my school?
If you are interested in the initiative but have never had an author in your school, try your local Schools’ Library Association or go to websites such as Authors Aloud UK and Scattered Authors’ Society. Better still, Tim Redgrave has a database of willing authors on his website here.
A note of caution: Schools should beware of making unrealistic demands of the patron. Sending 200 stories and expecting the author to comment on them individually is beyond the call of duty. Remember, the emphasis is on reading. Likewise, the patron shouldn’t expect their books to have exclusive rights over other authors. It is advisable all parties meet with each other first and discuss how you all see the role. It’s crucial all the staff are involved.
The most important thing to remember is it should be fun for everyone.
Writers FAQs
Can I be a patron of reading at more than one school?
I’d advise against it as the idea is to make your school feel special. However I suppose if you were POR of two different types of school -i.e. a secondary and a primary, it would be OK. Being POR of a ‘family’ of schools might work too but I’d be cautious about the extra time having more than one school would take. My gut instinct is a no.
Does being patron of a school mean I can’t visit other schools?
No. School visits are entirely separate from the POR role. By the same token, your POR school can obviously have other creative practitioners visit them.
I’d like to be a patron at a certain school but they haven’t asked me. Shall I approach them?
If you have a good relationship with the school, why not? The initiative is fairly new and they might not know about the idea. However, the central thrust of the scheme is that it’s the school who should select their author/illustrator etc.
A school has approached me but I don’t really feel it’s the right one for me
What are your reasons for turning down the school? Geographical? Lack of time? Bad vibes? If you feel you’d be undervalued or swamped then say no – this is, after all, a purely voluntary initiative and your time is precious. There’s no point agreeing to something you can’t commit to – it isn’t fair on you or the school. If you are hesitating because you were hoping for a ‘better’ school you’re on dodgier ground. If the school have approached you for the right reasons – i.e. they would value your input and they love your work – then that’s a compliment, isn’t it? You can always put yourself forward for the preferred school next time round.
Will I be paid?
The role doesn’t come with any remuneration as such – it’s purely voluntary. However, you should charge your usual fee for any visits you make to the school and any out of pocket expenses. Skype calls might also be charged for as they use up writing time. Personally I haven’t charged my school for postage, phone calls, books I donate, the cost of setting up an exclusive link on my website or responding to children’s questions. I do claim it all back against tax though.
What about my time? How much will the role eat into my writing?
It’s like anything else writers do outside their actual writing – it all depends how much or little you want to commit. What seems to happen at Ysgol Esgob Morgan is there’s a flurry of activity before and after the visit then it goes quiet for weeks. In between time there may be tweets and replies to children on the blog but it’s nothing out of the ordinary. If I were asked to do something I considered beyond my remit or didn’t have time to undertake, I’d say so.
Spreading the word
So far Michaela Morgan, Nicola Morgan, Joe Craig, Catherine MacPhail, John Dougherty and the 2Steves have all become patrons of reading at schools in the UK. Many more writers have stepped forward. If you’d like more information about the patron of reading innovation contact Tim Redgrave at Ysgol Esgob Morgan, St Asaph, Denbighshire Tel: 01745 583690 or go to the Patron of Reading page on the school website.
It’s such a privilege having you as our Patron of Reading; you’ve already created a busy buzz around our bookshelves. The children love you. As a teacher, it’s totally thrilling to be part of this magical journey, working alongside someone as special as you.
Great to welcome you in again yesterday – always generates such excitement with the children – great to see how engaged all of the children are in reading – thank you!
Here’s the link to some fabulous poems children, staff and parents from Esgob Morgan wrote: http://tinyurl.com/cr4qn6v Many poems are in the comments section beneath the blog.
Hi helena in the summer reading I have been reading all of your books I only have to read 2 more books and then I have completed the reading chalinge yessss!!!!!!!! I cant wait to see you again in school. bye
That’s fabulous, Libby. Maybe your class will win the Summer Reading Challenge Cup! See you in October xx
hello from matthew
I read the magic pony it was very good. and I had another book which was very very good it was called the magic pony club.
It sounds as if you like ponies, Phoebe! Brilliant!
I read a book called 100 facts about Dogs and puppys. I loved it I did.
Lewis, that’s great! I like fact books, too. What was the weirdest fact you found out about puppies and dogs?
hi i have done the reading challenge this year i read time travelling underpants spiderwick a giant problem batman jokers asylum ogre outrage book of very silly poems and simpsons comics meltdown they were great bye
Cameron that’s fabulous! What a great mix of fiction, comics and poems. I’m so proud of you.
hi did you have a good time on holiday?
Brooke, it was wonderful. Dubrovnik is really interesting, with lots of small side streets and high walls to explore. The weather was warm and the ice creams were divine. Did you go anywhere?
your book goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood.
Thank you Kyleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Hi Helena in the summer holiday i have read 6 book’s in the summer reading challenge i have done it i went to Conwall to see my cosan Meg we went with my mum and dad and my brother we went to a fun fair called Diglles fun fair. ther next day it was my brother’s 12 brithday then we went home and we went out for tea to the bod-erw i had lzanya and i had bnnana split for puddingthen i went home.
see you later from Amy
Wow, Amy – that’s one busy summer. I bet you were full after the lasagne and banana split! Say happy birthday to your brother for me and well done on completing the summer reading challenge. You go girl!
i read charlie and the chocolate factory. i liked it.
Great choice, Melissa. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a classic. I like the bit where all the grans and grandads are in one bed. It sounds cosy!
I loved your book and I read is a own goal bad and I told my Mrs balley and she sed is a own goal bad it is tererbelle
Mrs Balley is right – an own goal is terrible but it happens a lot in football. Glad you liked my book, Jack.
hi Helena I have done lots of reading this summer hope we win that cup i read your book is an own goal bad i realy liked it i have completed the summer reading challenge I love reading
Good on you, Dom. Reading’s cool, isn’t it? Can’t wait to hear who wins the cup!
hi Helena i had 2 football tounaments we lost 1 and we won one i went to the cinimas i wached men in black 3 it was really good and fun iwent to the park with Luke Dom Josh and me wes
from wes
That’s one busy, sporty summer, Wes. Huge congratulations on winning the football tournament – you’d better get on to the Wales coach, quick – they need you. I liked Men in Black 1 but haven’t seen 2 and 3 yet.
in the holadays i compleated the summer reading challenge
Wahoo! Well done Joshua. Is that the first time you completed it?
We have read some of your books they are amazing. We have read some other aruthers books but they are not as good as yours. We hope you come to the school again.
from Hannah and Cesiah.
x x x x
Thank you, Cesiah and Hannah. I’m blushing at your kind words!!
Hello Helena
Dubrovnik looks an amazing place! The children in my new Year 3 class are going to blog you in pairs this afternoon.
Mrs Ritchie
hello helena i have finished the summer reading challnge and my name is martha. hi helena i have finished the summer reading challnge and my name is jacob.
I have two more books to complete the summer reading challenge from Tom
on the weekends I read SPAiN I Need one more book to complete the summer reading challenge from matt
Hi Mrs Ritchie! Hi Martha, Jacob, Tom and Matt. I’m delighted to hear you’ve even taken part in the summer reading challenge, never mind finished it. Get in there!
I have only 4 books left in summer reading challenge cant wait to see you in October
You’d better pick short ones, Shane – then you can finish it before the end. Good lad. See you in October.
in the summer reading challenge most of us have finished and only a few have just started and hopefuley will finish. Tal. Also I have some favourite books Horible Historys
they are very good. Josh.
I hope they finish too, Tal. I agree with you on Horrible Histories, Josh. They’re ace.
On the holiday I red a FOOT BALL BOOK . FROM COLE
Hi Helena i have been reading books about difrent countrys. FROM JACOB W
What was the book called, Cole? Books about people from different countries sound really interesting, Jacob. I bet you found out so much!
i have just completed the summer r ch……
Good on you, Matti. I knew you would!
Hello Helena over the six weeks I have loved reading and taking part in the summer reading challenge and I the best book I’ve read is my war diary by Flossie Albright. It is really good and I really like it because it is a grate book and well detailed about world war two. from Oliver
That does sound an interesting choice, Oliver. I do like the’My Story’ series. My friend Valerie Wilding wrote ‘Road to War’ you could try.
Hi Helena over the term I have completed the reading challenge I Favourite book was a book called the snake bellied troll by Will Gallows
from Scott Williams yr 6
That’s fantastic. I haven’t heard of the Snake Bellied Troll but I’ll look out for it, Scott.
rite I got a new page I mite forget that aim on this blog so try and remind me
Will do, Matti!:)
Hi Helena it’s billy did you look. at the website
Hi Billy,
Have not had chance yet but will do
Fantastic to see you today – thank you for being such a great host of the Book Quiz for Staff, was a really enjoyable day by all! Diolch yn fawr! We’ll be posting a link to our ‘Do Goalkeepers Wear Tiaras?’ soon! Rich!
We enjoyed the book quiz we both thought that Mr Hatwoods team would win.I realy like you for our patron of reading .But mrs richie team won . and mr hatwoods team came secound .And mr redgaves team came third.
hi helana im billy thank you so much for signing my leaflet and my book i am enjoying jades story thank you its amazing the book
Hi helena thanks for the signitcher we feel relly happy
i am mellisa thank you for coming to school and thanks for signing my leaflet i liked the book quiz it was fun thanks
I loved it when you came to our school yesterday. I loved the staf raeding challge. It was very, very good thank’s for coming.
Hi Helena we had fun yesterday it was well good.That book quiz was amazing! the books where good to it was all cool
Shane and james
hi Helena we enjoyed yesterday when you came to our school for the staff book quiz it was really fun!
Tal and Lloyd.
Hi im am alfie and I enjoyed yestoday and fanks for sining my piee of paper it was fun.
Alfie, if you’ve still got that piece of paper next time I come I’ll be amazed! Yo! Hi Travis
Yesterday the teachers done a book quiz .1st it was mrs rithchies group.2nd Mr Redgrave’s group and last was Mr Hatwood’s group! Was great to see you Helena! Ben & Eryn.
That quiz was hilarious!
Hi Helena – was great to see you yesterday, thank you coming to see our class. We are enjoying your book in English – it’s great! From Phoebe & Brooke x
Thanks you two – I like Megan’s story, too. She could be in your class – she’s the same age!
To helena I wold like to meet you wold you like to come back to st asaph ever one wold like to see you a gen wot is it like at your wild ples come back
ever one was sad but that was a pessit from lucy and lewis
Hi Lucy and Lewis, I’ll be back one day, don’t worry. I’ll try to spend longer with your class next time. Meanwhile, take care
Hi it’s Henna the book is graet. I love book 2. I can’t wait in til my mum get’s me book 1 love Henna
Hi Helena, just wanted to say how great it was to meet you and thank you for making the book quiz such fun. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and of course being on the winning team Richie’s Readers was fantastic. I hope to meet you again when you come to school. My daughter Lauren is busy reading Saturday Girl and thinks it’s “well cool”!. Emma x
It was great meeting you, too, Emma. The fact that you took time, as a governor of Ysgol Escob Morgan, to participate in the quiz, sends out such a positive message about the patron of reading initiative. Also, tell Lauren she has good taste!
thank you for coming for the teachers book quiz Helena Pielichaty we liked it really much reluctant readers of Rhyl cheated
hope to see you soon.
from Leroy and Roan
Do you think they cheated? Ha! They still didn’t win, though, did they? I’m glad you enjoyed the quiz – it was great fun.:)
Hi heleina the book that i buyed from you it is so good. From emily
Aw! Ta muchly, Emily. Which one did you buy?
Emily lewis tal josh phoebe I have just found this page
I have got tow pages now the poets of esgob morgan and this page
You can use the Patron of Reading page, too!
Helena are you famous
Not famous like Kylie or Matt Smith but a bit famous like Tommy Donbavand and the 2 Steves!
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hi we are from EGPS and we would like to say thank you for the good time evan though we didnt do any writing
Hi Ben, Keiran and Zak. Great to hear from you!
Hi Helena how are you doing? I am reading Do shinpads come in pink? it is relly good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From LibbyXxXxXxXxXxXxXXxXXxXxXxXxXXXXXxXxX
Thanks, Libby. Let me know how you get on
Hi Helena, Here Come the Girls is a very good I love your it because it tells me alot about football Love from Megan
Hello Helena
Thanks for the book of Giants I liked it when mr Redgrave puld the ear wax out of the giants ear it was funny
love from Molly XXX
the script is going great.
the script is going very well
The script is going great. Also thanks for the book of giants.
That’s great to hear. Make sure you take photos of the read through and rehearsals so I can blog about it!
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hello Helena i loved your book here come the girls but it was horrible when girls football teams didn’t earn as much money as boys football teams i think girls should earn half more money as boys teams thank you by x
Hi Kaila,
I don’t think girls will ever earn as much as boys at football but top players should at least earn a living wage.
Hi Helena Pielichaty I love d your book here comes the girls but I think it is not fear because when the girls football team did not earn much money as the boys football. Thank you by x.
Hi Lauren,
I don’t think it’s fair that women players lose their jobs because they are representing their nation at a sport. I don’t think women footballers expect to earn the same as men but they should get a fair wage.
Hi, Helena your new book is amazing but I want to know how did you get all those facts ?
Hi Sven,
I did an awful lot of research – I searched the web, talked to people and interviewed them. The annoying thing was by the time the book came out some of it was out of date. Natasha Dowie plays for Liverpool now instead of Everton.
Hi, Helena your books are great and the facts how did you get all those facts
Hi Dylan,
I had to gather the facts from various sources such as football coaches and journalists. My phone bill was enormous!
Hello Helena we have been reading that book here comes the girls. I loved it is was wonderful but it was a bit strage that boys would not let girls play foot ball because we now would let girls play foot ball with the boys because in are day now we would be kind and say do you want to come and play foot ball with us. Helena i really liked your facts and you quiz at the back as well i really enjoyed it. please get back to me from cloe.
Hey Cloe,
I’m pleased you enjoyed ‘Here Come the Girls’ I’m even more pleased you are shocked that boys wouldn’t let girls play football when you all play together these days. Thank you for inviting me to have a game next time I come to school; I’ll have to practice in the back garden!
Hello, Helena we have been reading your book what you gave us I am enjoying the book it is really good I like the title her comes the girls it sounds interesting to read I really liked the facts at the end and quiz thank you from della
Hi Della,
How many did you get right at the quiz at the end??
Hey Helena we have been reading your book (here come the girls). It is very interesting. I know this is very weird but i like the feel of the book haha. the quiz at the end is a great idea. i would love to read more of these books. i would love to here a reply. bye
Hi Saffron,
I know what you mean about the feel of the book – it has a smooth finish to it. The book is part of a series called ‘Read ON.’ There are several titles but some might be a little bit old for you. I’ll check them out and get back to you.
Hey Helena I Like girls football it quite in the contents of the book it like impressed i hop you come around tomorrow. bye
Hi Ciaran,
I’m so glad you liked the book. See you again in May
Hello Helena I liked your book it was great I was dissapointed that girls were band from playing football by the men.
I’m glad you enjoyed the book, Ben. It shows just how much things have changed in football, doesn’t it?
hi Helena I liked you book i was disappointed that girls was not loud to play football for 50 years
I’m glad you think it’s wrong that girls were banned from playing, Leroy. They wouldn’t do that now, would they? I don’t think anyone would dare
Hi Helena you book is so fascinating and interesting it was terrible to here what they did I think everybody should read your books you make reading better.
By Oliver
Aw, thanks Oliver. By ‘It’s terrible to hear what they did’ do you mean when they banned women from playing football in the 1920s? If so I agree!
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i looked on the news Helena i didnt se my self
The cameras didn’t tape the bit with you in the room, Matti. But you had the most important part. When you told Mr Andrews and Mrs Jones about how much more you enjoyed reading they listened and were really impressed. Mr Redgrave and I were both SO proud of you; you were awesome
i saw you and mr redgrave:)
The bit I liked on the BBC News was everyone in assembly listening to the story of Mr and Mrs Snooks!
It was great to see you today Helena, not once, but twice – I’ve just been watching you on BBC Wales! Every time you visit, the children buzz with excitement and flock around you. We are already looking forward to your next visit. Mrs Ritchie xx
I know! So disappointed not one person stopped me in Sainsbury’s today to ask for my autograph!
Hi Helena – I loved your reading about Mr. Snoot so much in YEM yesterday – I’ve bought the book to read to my daughters! See you next time you are up xxx
That’s brilliant! It’s by the Reader Org who are doing so much to promote reading out loud. They have one for adults, too.
A great visit on Friday once again, always good laughs, chats and a buzz for reading!
Great for me, too; I really enjoyed it. Have put a photo of your delightful class on my events page for 2013
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i cant stop thinking about 2013 but 2013 here i come
The worst thing is 2013 will be over before you know it, Matti. Enjoy every moment.
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Hi Helena.Just got letter in the picture of y3 I’m the one in the 2nd row 2nd left.In other picture are you playing a game or something.Girls aloud book is really good did you know that football used to be played with a pigs gut!Uhh and there was no net! from Jacob W
Hey Jacob. I’m glad the letter arrived. I’m checking out the photo now – dark curly hair? Or fair hair with your mouth open saying ‘Arghhhh!’ I’m made up that you like my football book. Good knowledge on the pig gut, there. Football has changed a lot – red cards weren’t used at the beginning, either.
The book I read this week is called Ellie the Guitar Fairy.It was written by Daisy Meadows.I think you should read this book because I enjoyed the story.I enjoyed it because I play guitar and the story is about Ellie the Guitar Fairy.I like storys about magic because they are fun.Its also a story about fairys,goblins and friendship.My favourite part of the story was when Kirsty and Rachel threw rotten fruit at the goblin because he slipped on a banana and he was covered in rotten fruit.
Ellie the Guitar Fairy sounds like a really funny story. Thank you for telling me about it.
I will give this book 10 out of 10 because tiger and cat went on abig flying adventure on a dragonfly.
10 out of 10? It doesn’t get better than that!
Hi helena this is me Lydia I have got this book from school and im going to tell you what I like about it. It is called Pearl the cloud fairy By Daisy Meadows. I like it because it has a sweet factory. I also like it because there is one cat and three kittins.
Hope you like it too from Lydia.
Hi Lydia, The fairy has a sweet factory? Now you’re talking. What could possibly go wrong in a story like that?
there was a problem that a goblin fell in the candy rapping machine and had silver raping paper and he got raped up and put in a box.
by Lydia.
Hi helana
i love the book you read us called the snooks its awsome.
do you know the one when the family move house with that freaky guy in the garadge as they call it it ROCKS i mean propper awsome.
i love your books they rock to for my homework once i did girls fc i loved reading it.
from FREYA YR 3.
Thanks Freya – you rock too!
We enjoyed reading the BIG book of giants. This book is about stories about giants. There was a story about a peach boy and he sailed on a boat to fight the giants. at the end of the story he won the fight with some help from three animals he found on his journy. I loved the story because his family got rich after the fight they also gave some to the people in the villige. Thank you for sending the book. by Lydia and Ffion.
You’re welcome Lydia and Ffion. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.
Hi helena. this is my book called A bite inside. It is about a computer called code gose wrong a team called team x who are trying to stop code who is trying to shrink the world. a porson called mini marvel who goins Team x. There are 14 worlds to deffete code. there are about 60 around the world. There is a siancetist
called macro marvel who maked micro world. maxe cat mini and rexe. All of them have veiacals. from Joshua W
Hi Helena. My book is called what a waste.
Hi Helena. Sorry for that last letter but some thing went wrong. Well, my book was called what a waste.The carecter in my book is called mr big .This is what happend in my book .Well, there was mr big having his lunch but then he dropped tomato sauce on his top .Then he put it in the bin. Now that is a waste .
from chloe
Mr Big sounds a bit like me. I am always dropping stuff down my top – toothpaste mainly!
Hi Helena
I have red frozen with fear by Janice pimm.I liked your book haer cum the girls. in frozen with fear they went to big freeze and ther was a big monster
that nerliy stud on team x but they srunk ther selfs it was closs.
by helena you rock
best wishes molly
Frozen with Fear sounds ace. Not as ace as Here Come the Girls but hey…
Hi Helena, thank you for the last letter that you sent, we love them. We like your book about the history of girls football.
We are all taking turns to read Simone’s diary and Simone’s letters so hopefully when you come we all would have read them.
Mrs Dalton has been showing us the book reviews from Scotland; inspired by this we are going to make our own.
Can’t wait to see you in May!
That’s brilliant, Scott. Thanks for letting me know. I’m glad ‘Teen Titles’ inspired you all and I hope Simone makes you laugh. I can’t wait to see you all in May either.
Hi Helena, This week I have read some of the Hobbit. I real loved the start of it I found the start I found it real funny and when the dwarfs barged in like thay where expexed. can’t wait to see you in may!!!!!!!!!
That’s so brilliant, Harry. I remember reading The Hobbit when I was about Y8 or Y9 and loving it so much. I approve of second breakfasts! I hope you enjoy the rest of the book.
Hello Helena
I have been reeding The Giant book of Giant’s. I like the 3d giant that fold’s up.
And I like all of the story’s.Eirawen.
Hello Helena
I have been reading star wars books
my favrat caritre is obione bekurs hes got good
wepans. I like the book bekurs there’s lots of
fayting from zakk
Hello, you two. Nice to hear from you. I like the giant in the book, too, Eirwan. Maybe we should give him a name?
Hey, Zakk. I can’t remember the weapons Obeone has in Star Wars. What is it he uses?
Hello Helena
The book i have been reading is Here we go I love it . On world book day i was megan . Do you like the photes of me drest of Megan .
from Megan
Megan, you looked BRILLIANT! Your mum sent me the picture of you on Twitter and Mrs Ritchie sent me a copy. I am going to blog it soon. I love it that you’re called Megan, too, like the character in the Girls FC books. Coolio.
Dear Helena
my favourate book is the story of tracy beaker.
The aurther is jaculine willson.
I like Tracy because she is very naughty and bratty
from Ashleigh.
Hello helena.
My favourate book is the magic far away tree. It’s my favourate book because it is unusal. my favourate person is duM dUM DUM!!!! Rick HE IS VERY FUNNY
hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From Luke!!!
Hello, Ashleigh. I like Tracey Beaker, too. I remember when it came out and I thought, hey, this is a good book!
Luke, The Magic Faraway Tree is still a favourite, even after all these years. Enid Blyton rocks on!
Dear Helene
my book is corled the shark sub it is abatou a shark sub my BITE is a ockdowpus it is cool ther are cids and they go in the shark sub and 2 cids go for a div and 1
ov the cids get cort biy the BITE but he gets freey
from leah
Hey Leah, the shark book sounds exciting, especially as it has CDs, too. I saw an octopus close-up in an aquarium last summer; they’re fascinating creatures.
Dear Helena
my favourate book is Harry Potter the chaber of sicruts be cos it funny voldmort danjrus. from Dylan
Dylan, you have good taste. The Harry Potter stories are all exciting. Now where did I put my Cloak of Invisibility?
i like your book girl s f c. i like lots of football facts about that book.
and i like reading. i made my own book at home it is called ben 10 bye Healener
from Lewis
Hi Lewis. Good luck with your book Ben 10. I hope you bring it to show me next time I visit school.
Dear Helena
Girls f c was a great book all the facts about girls football were well good.
how was it so popler
from matthew .
Thanks, Matthew. I enjoyed finding out about girls’ football so I’m really glad you enjoyed reading about what I’d discovered.
HI
I have been reading a 100 grousist fing it has bogis and poo.my faorerht book is am not cute from cole
Cole, your book choices sound very …erm… interesting. The 100 Grossest things sounds gross indeed – I bet Mr Redgrave gave you that one!
at the moment i am reading horrid henry robs the bank it is really funny also i am reading horrid henry tricks the tooth fairy that is funny aswell.
Dear Helena
we are enjoying Melvin Burgess’s THE COPPER TREASURE. The book is about a group of scavinggers looking for riches I think it is great. Josh
I take it you’re a Horrid Henry fan! Have you tried Dirty Birtie by Alan MacDonald? Also good
Dear Helena
we are enjoying Melvin Burgess’s THE COPPER TREASURE. The book is about a group of scavinggers looking for riches I think it is great.
Josh Morris Year 4
At the moment I am reading horrid henry and the bogey babysitter it’s really good and quite funny as well. have you read any horrid henry books?
tal
I am reading the witches by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake and i am also reading spy dog superbrain and dinosaur encyclopedia the spy dog is realy good you should read it.
Michael
Ooh. I haven’t heard of that one, Josh, but I’m a big Melvin Burgess fan. Let me know how you get on.
Dear Helena
I have decided to read a book about loads of liverpool fc’s players managers and the fans.
The Book I am reading is L.F.C Family Album. The book is awsome
with a capital AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have not been able to read it the past couple of days
because its stuck in my draw and the draw will not open. In fact the book is the one
holding up the draw i have tried teaspoon’s, spoons and forks. I feel wierd using them
to open them. They are supposed to be for eating with.
Billy Morrell Year 4 11/04/14
Billy, that made me laugh out loud! I have a clear picture of you attacking the drawer with cutlery!
Dear Helena
Today in year three I made a treasure chest to keep all the medals from the summer reading challenges. I got one last year and am really excited about working towards another one this year in the haunted house themed challenge. Please keep up with the good books.
From Dylan Blackborow
year three Ysgol Esgob Morgan
That is a genius idea, Dylan. How many medals have you got?
I laughed at that post too Billy!
I even tweeted about it, Mr H – couldn’t resist.
Hi Helena it is harri jones from year 6. I know i have not bloged you yet but i have started reading this reall good book called being the gaffter. It is about all the manager and all the trouble they go throw
If this book was a animal it would be a lion because it is roaringly good.
Hey Harri – fabulous to hear from you. Great lion comparison there! I love the sound of ‘Being the Gaffer’ – who wrote it?
Hi Helena I hve just read Hello Mr Twiddle Loved it when he left his hat on the cows head and he look everywhere for it and it is right infront of him.
If the book was a animal it would be a mokey because he is a fool.
Hi Harry. Wow! That’s another book I haven’t heard. I love the fact you Ysgol Esgob Morgan kids never go for the ‘usual’ books. Aren’t monkeys supposed to be clever, though? Or cheeky – the ones I see at the zoo always are!
Hi Helena, Harri here. The book that I have been reading is Gangsta Granny by David Walliams it is hilarous! It is one of the best books I have ever read. Its about boring grannies who stink of cabage and play scrabble all day but then one of the grannies grandson finds out a big secret!
If this book was a ice cream flavour it would be sour apple because some of the jokes are so funny the nearly make you cry.
Right now im reading the boy in the red dress hopefully its just as good as Gansta Granny!
I will write another review once ive finished the boy in the red dress.
Hi Harri! David Walliams is fast becoming one of the most popular writers for children in the UK. I must read one of his books soon.
Thank you of the book we hope to read f.c. for girls
Hello this is lewis im reading a book called hostage, it is about the army. I am enjoying it.
Hi Lewis and Ciaran,
Can’t wait to see you both next week. Hope you both enjoy the books – Girls FC and Hostage. I’ve got an army book you might like, Lewis – I’ll bring it with me.
At the moment i am reading simones diary my sister olivia bought it she has read it so i am reading it at home also i am reading here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it is great .bye from Ellie P.S SHANE LIKES IT ASWELL
Yay! I loved writing Simone’s Diary; I’ll be talking about it with the Y6 next week. Here We Go is good too – I agonised over that book A LOT. Glad Shane likes the stories too – he has good taste.
Dear Helena
You know I got my book stuck in the draw I got it out. I am so happy. I can read lfc FAMILY ALBUM AGAIN. But it didn’t just take a couple of seconds or minutes. It took ages. I had to get knives, forks and screwdrivers. We had to take the draw apart. The reason i wanted to open it was because my match attax collector binder 12/13 was in there. when we got it open my match attax collector binder wasn’t there it was in my upstairs drawer. I know what your thinking that this drawer wont open and it will start all over again but no it didn’t it was in there and at least it wasn’t my squeaky full to the top drawer next to the one that it was in. It was my ok drawer. YAY SEE YOU LATER
Billy 26/4/14
Billy, I love that your drawer saga has continued! My desk drawers are the same – they get so full that stuff gets stuck and they jam. I’m delighted that you found your Match Attax sticker binder as well as LFC Family Album. That Suarez, eh?? Maybe he could get the drawer open with his teeth next time -ha!
Yeah they mite be to sharp
Ha! Ha! Glad you managed to rescue your book in the end, Billy – it was worth it, I’m sure
Yeah definatly. By the way when you visited school I had a question to ask but you ran out of time. So i will ask you it here. Do you like Liverpool Football Club. Also do you like Match Of The Day and are you a proper massive football fan. And you know last time you visited i gave you the leaflet with the website on. If you dd not here is the personal website and the mma and other stuff website adress
http://WWW.SIMONMORRELL.COM
http://WWW.FIGHTFORTRESS.COM
Hi Billy, I do like Liverpool FC – my gran used to admire them so I do, too. I like the fans’ passion. I don’t watch MOTD much as I’m usually snoring by then but I did stay up to watch the football league show last week because my team, Huddersfield, were in this incredible make-or-break tie with Barnsley. It was one of the best games I’ve been to in 30 years!
Also look at the film, TV and play part of the website
I will – I’ve still got the leaflet you gave me.
Dear Helena
we are doing book reviews
mine is about a book called Rubbish Town Hero by nicola davies. it is a really good book about a boy called chipo, his sister gentle, his friend called dede and a dog that they find called mouse. At the bit i’m on they are lost in the city but then they find kind adults. I cant wait to finnish it.
Tal
hi healna
i’m reading a book called wonder it is about boy who has loads of oparacions to help his apreence when he goes to school for the first time will he get a good school life or not
Josh
Excellent. Tal, I know Nicola Davies – she’ll be thrilled you are reading one of her books. Josh – I read Wonder, too. I’ll be interested in what you think when you’ve finished it.
Hi Helena,
Really looking forward to your visit on Friday! Yr 6 have been busy writing a ‘book review’ book, as you suggested, which has been great fun! We have also been writing poems based on Simone’s diary…hope you enjoy them when you come! See you Friday!
Mrs D
That all sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to hear the reviews and poems. Woo!
We are looking forward to you coming in we have been practising the script it is going verey well.
We have a new library and it is really big (and cosy) it is a great place to sit down and enjoiy a book.
Also i have read one of your books it was good.
We enjoed learning the script but we have not had much time to practisce with it but we are going to have hole afternoon to practicse.
Hi Josh and Jack,
It was great hearing you all read the script. Thank you for putting in so much effort. Three cheers for Class 5!
Hi Helena we have been practicing the scpipt it is going along quite well are libary has been extended so it has Alot more books in it we also have new comfy seats to sit in.
Hi Dom and Cam,
I thought the library looked super and you all read the script like proper actors – I was really proud of you. I could tell you’d worked hard on learning the parts.
hi Helena the visit was amazing
I really enjoyed meeting you all – I was glad I had more time with your class. Hope you liked the stamps – as soon as I saw Dr Who I thought I had to get them. I’ll send the book in a few days, Matti.
Mr Hatwood on twitter :0
Mr Hatwood is on Twitter. His tweets make me laugh.
Hey Helena its me again. Do you like fish, Cats, Dogs or baby rabbits because i’ve got 1 dog, 1 cat, 1 fish which is officially mine because i brought it with my own money and 4 baby rabbits but 2 went to me and my mum’s friends but we have still got two and one of them has no eyes and one which is bonkers crazy and dont get me startes on my cat. I think he thinks hes a vampire and my dog she shakes peoples hand and my fish as soon as you put the flakes in he gobbles them down in one and we got a pond filled with frogs in the back garden we donated loads of frog spawn to the school. So See you
Billy Morrell
05/05/13
Oh, Billy, if your pets aren’t in a story, they ought to be! Get writing (am a bit freaked out by the thought of the rabbit with no eyes, though).
Helena by the way i am writing a story about my pets and its really funny
if i get it finished by the next time your here i will bring it in Bye
Billy Morrell 10/05/13
I finished the book this morning yay
That’s fabulous, Billy. Are you designing a cover and doing some illustrations with it, too?
I have Already done the cover and back and its gonna be a collection of books the next one im writing Super Pets Superior Sport
Can’t wait! Loving the word ‘superior’ there, Billy.
By the way how much does a book cost i think i want one:) well the chapest one
Thanks, mate. Girls FC books are cheap as chips – £4.99 (bargain). I’ll bring books for sale next visit.
My mom is getting a laptop and im getting her computor soon im gonna get the 3month windows 8 trial. This is gonna be sick
I need a new one. Let me know how it goes!
Oh by the way see you soon
Yay!