Leighton Park School’s Patron of Reading, Steve Cole, returned for another successful Meet the Author event with 323 Year 4 and 5 children and their teachers from eight primary and prep schools across Berkshire on Tuesday 23rd April. It was an inspiring and enriching experience for young readers and aspiring writers alike to hear about the ups and downs of the writer’s journey to becoming an author and how they can also achieve their literary aspirations!
Steve Cole is well known for his captivating children’s books, including the immensely popular ‘Astrosaurs’, ‘Cows in Action’ and ‘Young Bond’ series. With a knack for blending adventure, humour and imagination, plus a talent for the ukulele, Cole has captured the hearts and minds of KS2 readers across the nation, making him an ideal choice to engage young audiences. Steve’s latest book, ‘Drowning in my Bedroom’ is the latest in his long line of over 200 published children’s books and Steve was delighted to discuss his experiences as a successful author.
During the event, students had the opportunity to interact with Steve Cole in the intimate setting of Leighton Park’s Main Hall, where in between bouts of laughter at Steve’s numerous digressions, they could ask questions, share their thoughts, and gain insights into the creative process behind crafting compelling stories. Cole shared anecdotes from his own journey as a writer, inspiring students to explore their own creativity and pursue their passion for storytelling.
Joining the event were New Christchurch Primary, Whiteknights Primary, Christ the King Primary, Ridgeway Primary, Whitley Park Primary, St Piran’s Prep School, Caversham School and Hemdean House. The children were supported by 24 of our Literacy Ambassadors in Year 10 and Lower Sixth who did an excellent job guiding the groups.
Andrea Hutchison, Deputy Head at Caversham Prep, felt the event was “excellent in promoting a new genre of reading.” and that her students benefitted by “being inspired to write and to see the value in writing.” Alex Matthews, Year 5 teacher at New Christchurch Primary agreed saying “It makes writing seem exciting and fun for the students”. His pupil Charlie certainly felt that “It was very funny!”. Charlie T from St Piran’s learnt “to merge different ideas to help start your story.” Whereas Caversham Prep pupil Ella who enjoyed “Everything (but mostly the song!)” declared “I haven’t read any of Steve Cole’s books but now I really want to!”. A sentiment shared by many of the audience keen to expand their literary horizons following the talk.
Steve Cole has done a wonderful job as the School’s Patron of Reading since 2019, engaging thousands of children over the last four years. Steve will be concluding his role this summer as Librarian, Grace Ritchie, gets ready to welcome a new author into the role. Grace is coinciding the announcement with the launch of the new whole School Library in September situated in the extensively renovated Grove House Sixth Form Centre. We look forward to welcoming all our visiting schools back next year to meet our new Patron of Reading 2025!
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