Much-loved children’s author Tony DiTerlizzi brought a bit of his magic to an East End children’s hospital.

It was part of a new drive by the Royal London’s children’s department into the therapeutic benefits of reading to youngsters to help them in their recovery.

The Spiderwick Chronicles author met patients and their families last Thursday (Sep 22) before reading extracts from his new book The Search for WondLa.

The visit was also part of a nationwide initiative by publishers Simon & Schuster and Starlight Children’s Foundation which brings entertainment into hospitals and grants wishes for seriously ill children.

The author said: “For children that are suffering from illness, storytelling can offer an escape from their pain and fear which in turn can help them to get better more quickly.”