Wednesday June 17th 2026

Returning home from Townhill Junior School in Southampton, I realised something rather strange.

I’d been up before 5 o’clock.

I’d been on the road for almost six hours in total.

This was my third whole-day school visit in as many days.

So, by all accounts, it should have felt like a ridiculously long day.

Instead…

The day was over far too soon!

One of the highlights came at lunchtime, when I sat down with the Reading Champions.

They had so many brilliant questions about my books, writing, and what it’s really like being an author that I’d have happily spent the whole afternoon chatting with them.

Some of the Reading Champions had already read my books, so their questions weren’t just about becoming an author, but about plots, characters, and writing itself. I’d happily share lunch with Reading Champions during every school visit.

The assembly first thing and the workshops throughout the day were just as enjoyable.

What struck me most wasn’t just the imagination or the quality of the writing.

It was the listening.

Every child who stood up to read was listened to with genuine respect.

The quieter children knew they would be heard.

The more confident readers encouraged everyone else.

It was simply part of the culture of the school, and it created such a lovely atmosphere throughout the day.

In almost every class, we ran out of time long before we ran out of volunteers eager to read aloud.

Quick-fire reading rounds became the order of the day, so that as many children as possible could share at least a small part of what they’d written.

The biggest challenge wasn’t persuading children to join in.

It was FITTING everybody in.

And as for Year 6…

With SATs behind them and only weeks left before they’d be leaving Townhill, I’d planned a shorter writing activity before designing book covers.

Yet they became so absorbed in their writing that I didn’t hand out the second activity until the final few minutes, for them to complete at home.

Seeing a class so close to leaving junior school still throwing themselves into their writing was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Looking back, I think that’s why the day disappeared so quickly.

The assembly, every workshop, every conversation, and every class left me wishing for just a little more time.

Sometimes the longest days turn out to be the shortest.

Not because the clock moves any faster…

But because every part is so enjoyable.

Huge thanks to the organiser, staff, Reading Champions, and all the pupils at Townhill Junior for making my first visit one I’ll always remember fondly.

And Isa, it was so lovely to meet you in person after hearing from you and your mum via social media recently. ❤️