Monday February 2nd 2026

Some schools really get behind my visits, and Gardners Lane Primary was no exception. In the run-up to my visit, they launched a creative writing competition for their KS2 pupils – based around my first book (WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous!) – and there were so many fabulous entries. During my assembly there, I had the honour of announcing the competition winners and handing out the prizes the school had organised, many of which included copies of my books! And then… the teachers very kindly photocopied all the winning entries for me so that I could take them home to read!!!

It’s clear the teachers at this school are so passionate about keeping children reading for pleasure and are doing everything in their power to promote it, which really warms my heart.

I followed my assembly by hosting a number of workshops throughout the day, encompassing the whole of KS2. It was lovely to see how enthusiastic the pupils were about creative writing and witness so many of them proudly reading their work aloud. I came across so many future authors, most of whom had me in fits of giggles with the comedy they incorporated into their writing. (The icing on the cake was that the teachers also photocopied lots of the work produced so that I could take THAT home with me, too!)

But I think the absolute highlight of this wonderful day was the time I spent with the members of book club at lunchtime. Each and every one of the fifteen or so members had thought up a clever interview question for me, and they rattled them off in no time before coming up with dozens more questions off the top of their heads. If I hadn’t had afternoon workshops planned, I’d have loved to have spent the rest of the day with them. I’m sure they would have come up with plenty more questions to fill the time! As a little treat for book club members, they’re currently reading an early copy of WARNING: Grandma’s Gone Bonkers. I just hope they enjoy it. I had such a super time at Gardner’s Lane and can’t wait to return next year to do a visit with WARNING: Grandma’s Gone Bonkers.

Huge thanks to Mrs Cole, Mrs Searle, and all at Gardners Lane for a super day. And thank you to all the parents who have been in touch since. Have a wonderful half term, everyone!