Author Cressida Cowell met pupils at Chapel Street Community Primary School
Pupils at Chapel Street Community Primary School were treated to a special visit from author and former Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, to hear for themselves 'How to Train Your Dragon' and what it takes to be an author.
Pupils at Chapel Street Community Primary School were treated to a special visit from author and former Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, to hear for themselves 'how to train your dragon' and what it takes to be an author.
The author of the hugely popular 'How to Train Your Dragon' series of books visited the school to see the school's brand-new school library that has been stocked with hundreds of new books for pupils of all ages at the school to enjoy.
The event was organised by award-winning Bramhall bookshop, Simply Books, who have been working with the school for many years, including on the launch of its new library.
Cressida Cowell said: "Reading for pleasure is the biggest indicator of a child's future success - more than family circumstances, their parents' educational background, or their income. As an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust for over 15 years, I have seen first-hand what a difference a great school library can make.
"If young children don't have access to books at home, and their parents or carers don't take them to public libraries, primary school is the only place they're going to be able to access books. School libraries like this one are vitally important - it's going to make a big difference to the life chances of children at the school. Local bookshops like Simply Books make a huge difference too, because they can advise schools on the best way to display and organise the library so that children can access the most exciting books for them and can also organise author visits like this one."
As well as showing the author - currently celebrating 20 years since her first 'How to Train Your Dragon' book was published, and whose books have gone on to sell millions of copies world-wide - around their new school library, pupils also got the chance to ask her questions about being an author and the books she has written.
Ella Hughes, Headteacher at the school, said: “We were thrilled Simply Books were able to organise this amazing opportunity for our pupils. Working with them we've been able to create a library full of enticing and diverse books that appeal to all pupils – especially those who may not have previously considered themselves ‘readers’.
"Our children are rightly proud of their new library and enjoyed sharing their love of reading with such a special guest.
"They loved meeting Cressida Cowell and quizzing her about being a writer and about her stories - it's not every day an expert in how to train your dragon comes into school!"
Encouraging reading for pleasure amongst children and young people is also high on the agenda for the city council. Through its Read Manchester campaign in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and other partnerships, it makes thousands of free books available throughout the year to children and young people, as well as creating other opportunities for young people to enjoy books and reading.