Leading author drops in digitally to inspire youngsters

Chris – whose award-winning book ‘The Great Chocoplot’ tells the story of a global chocolate crisis and has been translated into several languages – will be talking to pupils from the Sacred Heart, St Aidan’s, St Joseph’s and Golden Flatts Primary Schools in their classrooms via a private live video link.

As well as reading extracts from his book, Chris will be helping the children learn about the writing process, including how to create a character and tell an exciting story, and answering questions from them.

Chris Callaghan

The event has been organised by the Northern Children’s Book Festival (NCBF) in partnership with Hartlepool’s libraries and community hubs.

Each year the NCBF, a charity, brings authors and illustrators together with children across the North-East in a two-week celebration of the fundamental role reading and storytelling play in a child’s life.

Councillor Sue Little, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “We are delighted to welcome another leading author, Chris, to talk to our youngsters and inspire them with the magic of reading and storytelling.

“Stories develop pupils’ understanding of language and love of reading, which are key foundations for success in life.

“Although this year due to the Coronavirus it’s not possible for our children and the authors to meet in person, the Northern Children’s Book Festival and our libraries have done a great job to come up with the next best thing.”