It’s not every day your favourite writer stops by
Newmains kids show off their creative skills
Budding authors met their favourite writer when they penned their own version of one of his books.
Newmains Primary pupils were visited by acclaimed children’s scribe Richard Byrne.
He dropped into the Renfrew school, in Lang Avenue, after they bagged a top prize in a prestigious national competition by reimagining one of his works.
Headteacher Carol Cooke said the youngsters were thrilled meeting their special guest.
She said: “Richard stopped by to read us his latest story.
“The pupils had taken part in a literacy competition to write their own version of one of his books.
“We came up with This Book Just Ate My Class, which ended with everybody sucked into the pages.
“They made a short-film to go with it and showed it to Richard when he arrived. He was made up and even sent a wee note afterwards to tell us how much he enjoyed coming to meet us.
“The children just love his stories and he even sent them all home with a copy of his latest book.”
Richard’s work features colourful characters and animals going on adventures.
He studied graphic design before moving into writing.
The author pens and illustrates all his own work.
Carol added: “Richard was great and was more than happy to take an assembly for all the classes.
“It was a great reward for doing so well in the competition. It’ll really spur is on for next time.”
The Our Class Loves This Book prize is run by the UK Literacy Association.
It encourages children to read by exploring stories through technology, dance, art, drama, writing, music and spoken presentation.
Head judge Joy Court hailed the children’s work.
She said: “We particularly enjoyed the way the young class were enthused with Richard Byrne’s hilarious book.
“The entry included a video showing the class enthusiastically retelling and acting out their story with some excellent dramatic effects.”