Author is all write with Heriot pupils
Kids create their own story
A top children’s author delighted youngsters at Paisley’s Heriot Primary School with his passion for his craft.
And Ciaran Murtagh, author of The Genie and The Dino series, inspired the children so much that they even wrote their own story.
Craig McCrorie, deputy headmaster of the school, said: “It was fabulous.
“The word I would use is inspirational.
“He really had a passion for his work and he passed that onto the pupils.”
And Mr Murtagh, who has more than 30 books to his name, made up a story with the Heriot youngsters dubbed The Musical Mustard.
“He told them to start with a title and go from there, because ideas can come from the title,” Mr McCrorie said.
Using a dictionary to chose letters and then words helped build the story, which told of a mum who was so fond of mustard that she even put it in her son’s breakfast cereal.
Mr Murtagh was at the school as part of a tour organised by the Scottish Book Trust, during which he also visited Newmains, Todholm and St James’ primary schools.
London- based Mr Murtagh has written for some of the most popular TV shows, including Dangermouse, Mr Bean, and The Legend of Dick and Dom.
His most recent series, The Fincredible Diary of Fin Spencer, features a 12- year- old aspiring stuntboy-rockstar.
Mr Murtagh said: “Scotland is a land full of stories and I’m thrilled I get the opportunity to devise some more alongside the children I meet on tour.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said bringing an author into schools is hugely inspiring for pupils.
“Ciaran’s visit will generate excitement about reading and inspire the children to write their own stories,” he added.