This week, Sandford St. Martin’s Primary School welcomed celebrated children’s book author Jenny McLachlan, best known for her beloved Roar! series, for an unforgettable day of storytelling, creativity, and adventure. The visit was a resounding success, leaving both pupils and staff inspired and eager to dive into the magical world of books.
Jenny McLachlan, whose books have captivated young readers across the country, spent the day engaging with children from Reception to Year 6. “I was lucky enough to meet all the children, and together we hatched dragons, read stories, and went on an adventure through the world of my books,” said Jenny. “The children were fun, enthusiastic, and fantastically well-behaved. It was such a treat for me. I loved their questions and was touched that so many came up to thank me afterwards and chatted to me when they saw me around the school.”
Phil Dean, the school’s Reading Lead and Assistant Head, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “We were incredibly lucky to welcome this brilliant author to our school! Jenny spent the day with us, sharing her journey as a writer and bringing her amazing characters to life. Every class had the chance to spend time with her, and she had us all hooked with her funny and inspiring stories about how she became an author. She even gave us a sneak peek into the world of her books, sparking plenty of ideas and imagination along the way! It was a truly memorable day, and we hope it has inspired lots of our young readers and writers to dream big and create their own stories.”
The visit is part of the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering a love of reading and writing among its pupils. Sandford St. Martin’s has made it an annual tradition to invite authors into the school, providing children with the opportunity to meet the creative minds behind their favourite books.
Headteacher Paul Beveridge highlighted the value of such events: “Inviting authors like Jenny McLachlan into our school is an invaluable experience for our children. It not only brings books to life but also shows our pupils that storytelling is a powerful and accessible way to express themselves. Meeting an author in person can ignite a lifelong passion for reading and writing, and we are thrilled to see the impact Jenny’s visit has had on our school community.”
Jenny herself was full of praise for the school, saying, “It is such a friendly, happy school, and I was made to feel so welcome throughout the whole day. I travel to schools all over the country, and this has been one of my favourite author visits. Thank you, lovely Sandford St Martin’s!”
The day was a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of inspiring young minds. Sandford St. Martin’s Primary School continues to champion literacy and creativity, ensuring that its pupils have every opportunity to explore their imaginations and develop a love for reading.
For more information about Sandford St. Martin’s Primary School or to book a tour, please contact the office on 01929 552949 or visit their website at www.sandfordprimary.dorset.sch.uk.
