Reading & Writing Relay continues across Greater Manchester

This past week has seen author, illustrator and animator, Curtis Jobling, carry the Reading and Writing Relay baton for MCBF across the Greater Manchester area.

Curtis has been giving inspirational talks to pupils at schools about his past career in animation, and his current professional as a children’s author.

Pupils from St Paul's High School gather round Curtis
to get their books signed

Curtis visited schools as far as Wythenshawe, where he began the week at St Paul’s High School on Tuesday 17^th June. Year 7 pupils were motivated to stick by their hobbies, for one day they might become their careers.

Year 7 pupil of St Paul’s, Keeley Vesey, commented “[Curtis] was really good, and he’s encouraged me to read more. Now I want to go to university”.

Manchester Communications Academy pupils Kyra
Macdonald and Brandon Hughes with Curtis Jobling

Curtis then travelled straight to Manchester Communication Academy, where he encouraged pupils to take part in the Neville Johnson Comic Strip competition, which is judged by Curtis himself. Pupils eagerly queued for Curtis to sign copies of Wereworld and Haunt, and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

On Wednesday, Curtis hit Stockport to visit the year 7 pupils at Reddish Vale Technology College, as well as year 6 pupils from local feeder school, Abingdon Primary. He read extracts from his Wereworld series, as well as the first chapter of his new book, Haunt: Dead Scared.

Pupil, Ellie Williams, said “I can’t wait to read Haunt as Curtis made it sound so exciting”. Haunt seemed to go down a storm with another pupil, Normaan Akram, adding “I will definitely be reading Haunt, Curtis is very inspiring”.

Curtis ended this week’s author visits to schools on Thursday by visiting St Bede’s College in Whalley Range. Curtis drew examples of his work, featuring images of Bob the Builder, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, and Curious Cow. “I enjoyed the way Curtis explained everything and how he drew the pictures.” Year 7 pupil Dmargio Wright-Philips told us.

Teacher, Mr Joyce-O’Keefe, added “Today was very stimulation and interesting for the pupils. He has shown them how a hobby can become a career, and that is inspirational to them”.

All-in-all, this week has been a very busy one for both Curtis Jobling and the MCBF team. Next week Curtis will continue the Reading and Writing Relay by visiting Marple Hall School in Stockport, which will conclude Curtis’ author visits to schools this festival. Authors including Justin Somper, Ali Sparkes, Liz Kessler, Cathy Cassidy and Steve Cole, will continue the Reading and Writing Relay throughout the Festival. To keep up to date with the baton, or to take part in the Relay yourself, follow the Reading & Writing Relay blog.