Popular children’s author and illustrator inspires Highfield and Brookham children

As part of Petworth Festival Literary Week, popular children’s author and illustrator, Andréa Prior, visited Highfield and Brookham Schools in Liphook recently. She delighted children from Reception to Year 4 performing readings from her books, as well as discussing how her books are created and where her ideas come from.

With her beautifully crafted illustrations and brilliant rhymes written to inspire, entertain and educate, Andréa introduced the children to the weird and wonderful names for groups of animals. There was a mischief of mice, a crossing of zebras, a shiver of sharks and a piddle of puppies! At the end of each rhyme engaging questions and fascinating facts helped the children learn even more about the animals and their behaviours.

Andrea’s visit was one of a series of readings taking place at local schools this autumn as part of Petworth Festival Literary Week. In association with the South Downs Poetry Festival, Petworth Festival Literary Week is bringing the event to the heart of the community, encouraging local children to enjoy reading poetry and rhyme from a young age. Andréa was an ideal partner for this event as her rhymes are written to inspire, entertain and educate children aged between 5 and 9 years old and her reading sessions encourage children to have fun with literacy and language.

Sophie Baber, Headteacher at Brookham School, said, “We were extremely privileged to have Andréa visit Highfield and Brookham. She encouraged the children to have fun with language, and they revelled in joining in with the repetitive rhymes and a series of actions. The session greatly enthused them and boosted the confidence of our aspiring writers whilst helping them understand how books are created. Keep your eyes peeled for future budding authors!”