Reading is a big focus in the school, with many pupils engaging in reading and writing competitions, but picture books are of particular interest. Extremely popular with both teachers and pupils, one book can be used in a variety of teaching contexts.
With the support of Jane Woods, from independent bookseller Tindalls in Newmarket, CPM selected seven titles from the school’s wish list. Head Teacher Karen Stanton said the titles donated, which included Shaun Tan’s The Red Tree, Dugald Steer’s Dragonology, David Weisner’s Flotsam, Michael Foreman’s War Game, and Louise Borden and Michael Foreman’s The Little Ships, would greatly support reading in the school.
After being introduced to the children, Jackie asked what they knew about publishing. One pupil answered that ‘it was when a story was made into a book so that everyone could read it’. Exactly right, said Jackie!
The children and teachers were very excited at the prospect of having the books in their library and applauded when the books were handed over to the school. According to a report in the Bookseller in March, the Pre-School and Picture Books genre has grown every year since 2001. Ann-Janine Murtagh, Managing Director of HarperCollins children’s division, said that the children’s market was ‘quite robust’.
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