Due to an acutely painful sports injury I was forced to cancel 5 school visits last week marking World Book Day however those dates have thankfully been rearranged for the coming weeks and I’m slowly (slow being the operative word) on the road to recovery.
I’ve visited many schools since the release of my debut, bestselling children’s book Greek Myths, Folktales and Legends (published by Scholastic UK) six months ago, and have felt been deeply moved by the unwavering support of teachers, parents, children and also independent bookshops alike, who have kindly created window displays of my book in Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley respectively.
Shout out to Waterstones too who chose my book for their pre release summer sale and for championing it also.
The greatest feedback has been from parents and teachers who have shared that even the most book-shy children in their care, have discovered a love of reading thanks to my book. I won’t pretend those emails haven’t reduced me to tears.
Speaking of which, I cried again when I saw these fittingly magical photos taken at my former school, Richmond House Prep School in Leeds on World Book Day where my book inspired their chosen theme of Ancient Greece this year. What an honour.
For a school that is responsible for my love of literature, for harnessing my voice and boosting my self confidence from a young age, to champion my book on the most important day for young readers might just be my greatest achievement to date, because it speaks directly to my inner child.
The 7 year old me who recited Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’ in English class or the 9 year old who was chosen to teach the years below me about Australia after my project won the Geography cup at Speech Day. Not many schools provide young children with the opportunity to teach themselves and overcoming nerves and speaking with confidence was certainly a gift Richmond House bestowed upon me.
They nurtured my love of the arts, offering me the part of Miss Honey in the school play of Matilda and supported my idea to create the first school magazine for prospective parents (writing, photographing, editing and even printing it) which garnered me another win with the Design Technology cup.
The Art prize was also cherished, and I still have the oil painting book I was given- a physical reminder of how much my school days there meant to me.
Those moments are deeply formative and long lasting, and continue to inform my work today. Whether that’s calming me down before interviewing the PM or appearing on BBC Breakfast live to discuss breaking news relating to parents or children, to my career as a writer, director and even former magazine editor. Richmond House made me feel fearless at a critical time in my life, and their belief in me then, remains today.
I see the school’s ethos is still alive and well today, the way they prioritise harnessing self-confidence in their pupils along with delivering an excellent education for every child.
Richmond House was the start of my story and I’m grateful that chapter continues….
Photos by Ben Harris.
Order my debut children's book
Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
Published by Scholastic. Available on Amazon
