Authors entertain pupils

2:22pm Monday 5th March 2007

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FOR many children, books are the stuff dreams are made of.

Reading a book can transport them from one world into another, with a host of imaginative, inspiring characters and settings.

And last week, they were able to meet just some of the people who have brought their heroes to life - the authors themselves.

As part of the World Book Day celebrations, inspiring novelists gave up their time to talk to youngsters in the borough last week.

Children's authors Echo Freer, Michael Rosen and Matthew Skelton shared their experiences as a writer, and read to youngsters, as part of the celebrations of World Book Day.

Michael Rosen, the well-known poet, writer and broadcaster, visited Ray Lodge Primary School in Woodford Green.

As well as listening to the award-winning author in action, pupils were also able to buy books by Michael Rosen and get them personally signed.

A school spokeswoman said: "Michael's performances were fantastic and enjoyed by everyone. The children and staff also dressed up as favourite book characters."

Children's author Echo Freer took time to visit Whipps Cross University Hospital's Acorn Ward.

She talked about the process by which a book is produced, from the author's inspiration to its appearing on the bookshelf.

Ms Freer, of Wanstead, then read from her most recent novel, Magenta Goes Green, before taking questions from the young patients.

She said: "It went really well. It is a great idea to get children interested in books because it develops their imagination and allows them to build their own pictures in their head."

Debut novelist Matthew Skelton also entertained over 100 children with a talk about his recently-published book Endymion Spring at Ilford Central Library.

All libraries in the borough celebrated World Book Day with a series of special storytimes. Fullwell Cross Library in Barkingside also had a special event linked to the 50th anniversary of Dr Seuss' The Cat In the Hat.