Authors respond to their young fans

In the run-up to World Book Day the children from class four and five at Lairg Primary School were encouraged to write to the author of their favourite book as an exercise in formal writing.

A fair number of them were thrilled to get a reply along with a memento of some kind, such as posters, bookmarks, extra information and even a copy of one of the author’s books.

Callum Hogarth, who is interested in reptiles, wrote to Simon Holland and was delighted to get a copy of one of his books. He said: “It tells you all about them with lots of interesting facts and also shows you how to make things.”

Sandy Marshall and Euan Henderson both wrote to Christopher Paolini in New York, whose works are mostly fantasy and magic. Said Sandy: “We both got an individual letter back and some other things.

“I’ve read three of his books and I’m presently reading ‘Brisingr’ which is 748 pages long. It’s very exciting and is about fantasy and dragons.”

Jem Irving wrote to Kathleen Peyton in Essex as he enjoyed her adventure story about a ski-ing accident in the mountains, while Ruby Elsworthy wrote to Anne Fine who is the author of comic and imaginative animal books, and Ross Mackay wrote to the author of the Hamish McHaggis books, Linda Strachan.

As well as being thrilled to have contact with their favourite authors it has also encouraged the youngsters to get the most out of their reading and enjoy it.

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Posted: March 11th, 2009
Author: Lee
Categories: Christopher Paolini

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