Her first chapter books and middle grade books are widely acclaimed with Letters from Pluto and Turns out I’m an Alien included in the 2019 national Summer Reading Challenge. In addition, she is the author of various books under the Early Readers series of reading scheme books, giving her insight and expertise in the colour-coded learning process undertaken by our pupils on their reading journey.

During her visit, Lou focussed on two of her books.  She used the rhyming verse of The Snugglewump to inspire and encourage our Reception pupils and also as the basis of an interactive poetry workshop for our Year 2 pupils.  She based her pirate character workshop with Year 1 on the comical story of The Pirate who Lost his Name.

Year 2 – Poetry Workshop

Lou read her rhyming Snugglewump story to each Year 2 class and asked the children to consider what makes a friend; someone who is helpful, caring, someone who plays with you and is supportive. Respectful and honest. She then turned each class’s words into a poem for which the children created actions.

Reception – Story Time

Reception received a prop-filled performance of The Snugglewump with action men parachuting down, alien hats and of course the Snugglewump. They were also lucky enough to have time for a recital of The Pirate who Lost his Name.

Year 1 – Character Workshop

Lou read the children The Pirate who Lost his Name, suitably dressed in pirate coat, hat and with a trusty parrot!  Once the children had discovered the pirate’s name, there were lots of suggestions as to what the parrot should be called.

Year 1 made a great suggestion as to what a pirate character should look like; namely ‘red and white striped t-shirt’ with beard and hat!   All of the characteristics of a pirate were combined into a version of  ‘head shoulders knees and toes’… recited as fast as possible!!

Pupils had plenty of interesting questions for Lou including:

  • When did you start writing?
  • Who made the cover?
  • How many books have you written?
  • Do you have any favourite books (by her or by someone else)? and…
  • Do you like writing books?