Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks bring stories to life for children in Wolverhampton

On Tuesday 15th March we were delighted to welcome former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, her husband Malcolm, and award-wining illustrator Lydia Monks to Wolverhampton for a day of storytelling, singing and drawing. Children in Year 2 and Year 3 joined over 800 children from more than 40 local schools in enjoying a wonderful morning event at Wolverhampton’s Grand Station, in which Julia performed What the Ladybird Heard and Lydia led a group draw-along. This was a fantastic experience for all, with every child in attendance gifted a free copy of What the Ladybird Heard.

Mrs Rowley commented: "It was an honour to welcome both Julia and Lydia to Wolverhampton to meet hundreds of children. As one of the most successful children's authors and illustrators, the duo delivered a brilliantly entertaining event, which brought well-loved stories such as A Squash and A Squeeze and What the Ladybird Heard to life. It truly is a privilege to be Head Librarian at a School that works to extend its reading provision far and wide to encompass so many young people and, by gifting every child with a signed book at this event, we have inspired over 900 children to begin their reading journey."

alongside the amazing Mrs Rowley in helping to arrange unforgettable author events for so many children," Mr McAllister said.

Dear Zoe

In the afternoon, children in Reception and Year 1 had their own special storytime in the Jenyns Library with Julia, Malcolm and Lydia, after which Julia and Lydia officially opened the Infant School provision.

"It was a great thrill to afford hundreds of children from Wolverhampton Grammar School and other local schools the opportunity to meet Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. The event was wonderfully interactive, with children singing songs on stage with Julia, participating in a draw-along with Lydia and meeting the fantastic Gruffalo. The School's generosity in gifting a free signed copy of What the Ladybird Heard to every child in attendance was the perfect way to reinforce the message that reading for pleasure is so important for all children, and I am so proud to work

Thank you SO much for putting on the event today at the station. My daughter was incredibly excited about going and we were a bit worried she’d be disappointed because her expectations were so high. But she wasn’t - at all! She enjoyed all of it and came back absolutely delighted. And it was so generous to give her (and all the children) a book. Such a lovely experience for her!

Ms Jackson

Parent from Woodfield Primary School

Well done to Annabelle Hayes in Year 2 and Ethan Braitch in Year 3 for representing the School so well in the morning event, whilst a huge thank you goes to Julia, Malcolm, Lydia and the Gruffalo for making such an unforgettable day for so many children.