Easter Ross pupils put in the frame by award-winning illustrator John Fardell as new chapter opens with help of Scottish Book Trust

PUPILS at an Easter Ross primary opened an exciting new chapter on their education thanks to "inspirational" sessions with an award-winning author and illustrator.

The South Lodge P5 pupils secured a live literature residency through the Scottish Book Trust, working with John Fardell, creator of books like The Day Louis got Eaten and Manfred the Baddie.

Class teacher Catriona Smith hailed the "life-changing experience" over 10 fully funded sessions which helped pupils unlock their own creativity and produce their own books.

Pupils were "incredibly engaged, excited and motivated" to create their own books on a variety of themes. One is even based on Taylor Swift’s missing cat – and the pupil who wrote this, Macey Connelly, has fingers crossed the singing superstar might read it.

At the end of the project P5 pupils showcased their books at a whole school assembly where they each received a certificate from John for being an expert ‘illustrauthor’.

They were all incredibly proud of their work and were also delighted to read their books at a book reading during book week last week.

Mrs Smith said: “Without this funding pupils would never had got to have this experience and we are incredibly grateful to have obtained this live literature funding. John was amazing to work with and so inspirational. All the pupils now think they will become authors in the future, something they would not have considered before, and are already planning their next books! I am so proud of all the hard work and effort the class put into this project.”

Read also: Snapshots of life in Ross-shire a legacy of award-winning photographer

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