During remote learning in the Lent term, children across both sites enjoyed an incredible virtual Book Week with a range of authors and illustrators giving online workshops and talks. Once the children had all returned to school, St John's librarians, Mrs Kelly Johnson (Senior House) and Mrs Julia Clarke (Byron House) planned additional events which took place in May including: Dress as a Book Character Day, Book at Bedtime, Book Fairs run by Heffers Children's Bookshop and an in-person event at Byron House with the children's author and illustrator Gillian McClure, as well as a personalised virtual message from writer and film maker Matt Dickinson. Both of these authors had given talks during our virtual Book Week as well.
Children at Byron House relished the chance to come back to school dressed in comfy dressing gowns, pyjamas and slippers (with the obligatory favourite soft toy!) for 'Book at Bedtime'. This ever popular event is a chance for each class to listen to a range of stories, picture books and other literary delights with their teacher, teaching assistant and other members of staff with a hot chocolate and a snack. It is a lovely way to celebrate the joy of reading and the diversity of books on offer for the children to chose from. One Kindergarten child commented,"I loved my first Book at Bedtime and it was really fun sitting on the cushions with all my friends and sharing stories. I can't wait for next year!".
During the Byron House Book Fair, the children were delighted to be able to meet Gillian McClure in person and to ask her questions and spend time with her during each of their sessions. She also made time to write personalised messages in her books for each child who purchased one. One child commented, "I was so happy when I saw her 'Dog on Wheels' picture books as I love reading them at home with my family and I couldn't wait to get home to show my sister, 'Dog on Wheels Goes Snowboarding'". Our two 'Dress as a Book Character Days' were a hit with young and older children alike with some fabulous homemade outfits, including The Hungry Caterpillar, Paddington Bear, Willy Wonka, the BFG, Lyra Belacqua, Matilda Wormwood and even our Senior House teacher, Miss Orange! As part of all of our Book Week events, whether online or in school, they are designed to celebrate diversity of children's books, engage with stories by thinking about what is going to happen in a book, or reflect on what has just happened and sharing favourite books as well as discovering new ones too.
