Children’s Laureate encourages reading for all

Prize-winning writer for people of all ages and second Children's Laureate, Anne Fine, recently visited Edge Hill University for a special reading event.

More than 150 pupils and staff from local high schools joined Edge Hill's trainee teachers from Primary and Key Stage 2/3 programmes to listen to Anne's talk about her books and her approach to writing.

All the audience had read one of her most popular books, Up On Cloud Nine and had the opportunity to ask her questions about her novel, her general approach to writing and to hear the varying perspectives of different age groups who have read the same book.

With over forty books to her credit, Anne was able to use her award-winning work to encourage whole groups into sharing books, reading and starting or expanding their own home libraries.

The event was part of a special project called Lancashire Reads, which was organised in collaboration with Lancashire Library Services and was also part of celebrations to commemorate the University's 125^th anniversary.

The reading project aims to bring everyone together to share experiences, ideas and interpretations of books. Anne was the chosen author because she writes for both adults and children of all ages and so gets whole families reading and ensures that reading as an activity is promoted from the youngest age.

Val Chamberlain, Senior Lecturer in Primary English at the University, said: "It was a fantastic event and was a wonderful example of how a love of literature can bring generations and communities together.

"Reading the book has already led to the creation of staff and student readers' groups in the University who will focus on discussing recently published children's literature."

The University has developed close links with the Lancashire Library Service over the last five years. This has enabled the University to offer a range of enriching experiences to its students, including visits to Ormskirk Library where trainees learn about how libraries can support teachers.  In turn, the trainees have been able to meet other authors and engage in activities related to children's literature. This inspires them to take this knowledge and enthusiasm into schools when they work with children.