A wonderful week of literary adventures
Children from across Rupert House School have enjoyed a wonderful week of literary adventures at the Henley Literary Festival, meeting an exciting line-up of authors and poets, discovering new stories and poems, and finding inspiration for their own creative writing.
The festival is always a highlight of the school calendar, offering our pupils the opportunity to experience the magic of books beyond the classroom and meet the talented people who bring stories to life.
Our youngest pupils enjoyed a delightful session with Sophy Henn, author of a series of stories featuring a little ghost. They explored her book I Want Everything, which gently explores the idea that having lots of things may not be what we truly need or want – perhaps friendship is what matters most. The children also had great fun drawing Sophy's ghost and experimenting with different facial expressions, bringing their own characters to life through illustration.
Year 1 and Year 2 had a brilliant time meeting the wonderful poet and author Joseph Coelho. They were captivated by his funny poems and stories and loved hearing about his life as a writer. With plenty of laughter, smiles and opportunities to join in, the session left the children buzzing with excitement and eager to explore even more books, poems and stories.
Meanwhile, Year 3 were enthralled by A.F. Harrold, who brought poems from his brand-new book to life with humour, imagination and plenty of surprises. The children discovered how poets can play with words to make readers laugh, think and wonder. It was an inspiring experience that left many of our budding writers eager to pick up their pencils and create poems of their own.
Year 5 enjoyed a fascinating session with author M. G. Leonard, who shared her enthusiasm for beetles, birds, trains and doors! She also introduced the children to her exciting new book, Attack of the Sea Dogs, which explores the world of the famous explorer Francis Drake. Her infectious passion for her subjects offered a wonderful insight into how writers find inspiration for their stories.
These visits have provided our pupils with so much more than an opportunity to meet their favourite authors. They have encouraged curiosity, creativity and a love of language, while showing the children just how exciting reading and writing can be.
We are incredibly fortunate to have the Henley Literary Festival right on our doorstep and are grateful for the opportunity it gives our pupils to meet such inspiring authors and discover the joy of storytelling. Who knows what future authors, poets and illustrators might have been inspired this week?!