We were delighted to welcome y6 students from Eastlea, Northburn, Cragside and Hareside primary schools to the JLV for a spellbinding author event with bestselling children’s author, James Nicol. James is the author of the Apprentice Witch series of books which are currently being adapted into a TV series.
James talked to pupils about his newest book, The Spell Tailors, which is an action-packed magical adventure which explores important themes of family and memories while cleverly tackling the issue of fast fashion. James covered everything from cake to knitting to ET in his entertaining talk and explained that the Spell Tailors story came about when he found a biscuit tin full of old photos of his own family and an old shirt. He also shared some of his own top writing tips and explained why an idea is like a lego brick (you need more than one of them to create something spectacular!) The event was over all too quickly, rounded off with a Memoration quiz which the students – and their teachers – participated in very enthusiastically!
Thanks to the primary schools for coming along to the JLV and to Hexham Book Festival for giving us such a fantastic opportunity.