Primary pupils are inspired to bring their favourite teddy bears to school by author’s visit

CHILDREN’S author Ted Dewan visited Our Lady Roman Catholic primary school yesterday and found that his book One True Bear has made a big impression on its pupils.

Youngsters at the school in Copenhagen Place brought their own favourite teddy bears to school and were delighted to hear the writer and illustrator read from his books.

He showed them the mock-ups and designs for One True Bear, about a teddy that must befriend a boy known for destroying his toys, to explain how the best ideas can take time.

He also talked about his Crispin the Pig books in which a child discovers that a cardboard box can be more fun than the toys in them.

Teacher Hermione Townsend said: “The children really enjoyed it.

“It showed that even the older children can get a lot and be encouraged to read through picture books.

“They were asking for Ted’s autograph by the end.”

Mr Dewan held four workshops with children aged six to 10 in which they talked about their own favourite toys, their experiences and about how the imagination works.

The school previously welcomed Alan Durant, author of Poems from the Writing Shed and is planning a future visit from writer Kevin Crossley-Holland, who wrote a trilogy re-interpreting the legends of King Arthur.

Ms Townsend said: “Having author visits gets the children enthusiastic about reading.”