AUTHOR and inspirational speaker Joffre White, who lives on Exmoor, visited Minehead Middle School to talk to key stage two and three pupils.
Mr White, who is the author of the Frog Trilogy, and Aura Boy, is a UK Patron of Reading and also a member of the National Association of Writers in Education.
He has been a professional author for 14 years and has published five books and travels the country to visit schools and events to promote the importance of reading and school libraries.
Mr White entertained the younger Minehead pupils with his ‘Reading Motivator’ show involving giant stick insects and runaway hamsters.
.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
Older pupils were surprised by flying foam disks and silver platform boots which formed part of his show ‘Heroes’.
He used his life story to promote not only the importance of reading, but the power of finding the ‘right’ thing to read.
A selection of students from years five to eight then took part in a creative writing workshop, where Mr White showed students how to unlock their ideas using photographs and objects.
Later, he was put in the hot seat with a question and answer session as pupils quizzed him about his life as an author and how he writes his books.
The day finished with an opportunity for students to purchase signed copies of books.
Headteacher Laura Mackie said it was a wonderful day ‘celebrating the power and importance of reading’.
Ms Mackie said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Joffre to Minehead Middle School to share his experience and passion for reading with our children.
“Our children were mesmerised by Joffre’s tales and stories, which he delivered with such magic.
“The hands-on writing workshops were a huge hit and we have had many students who have since started writing their own stories and sharing their ideas.
“Creating this excitement and access to reading is so important for children at this age, it is great to see them escape into magical worlds that they create.
“I am excited for the future of our budding authors. Thank you Joffre, we look forward to welcoming you back.”