Last updated at 09:40, Friday, 14 January 2011

Children's author Chris Mould has visited Caldew School in Dalston as part of a prize for two pupils who won a national book competition.

Chris Mould with Danielle Bell, left and Cathrene Mieras

• Video: Chris Mould at Caldew School

Cathrene Mieras and Danielle Bell wrote and illustrated Tree Top High, a tale about a monkey who struggles to make the transition from primary to secondary school.

The girls, both 13, went to London for a Reading Zone winners ceremony last summer.

Cathrene, who wrote the story, said: “We couldn’t believe it at first. Then we were just really, really pleased.”

Danielle, who provided the illustrations, added: “It was really exciting.”

After being told their “excellent” book was “masterful” by Children’s Poet Laureate Anthony Browne, Cathrene and Danielle found out they were going be treated to a workshop.

The author and illustrator behind the Something Wickedly Weird series, Chris was at Caldew School on Wednesday morning.

He entertained pupils in the school library.

He offered tips, explained how he liked to work, read a short story and answered questions while he sketched.

Chris said: “It was good. The children were really responsive and I think they enjoyed the session.”

He was full of praise for Tree Top High and said: “It’s absolutely great. To tell a story from beginning to end is quite a task, not something to be looked at lightly, and they have the artwork in there as well. They did a really good job.”

The girl’s 26-page book has now been published. Caldew has 15 copies and editions will be kept at the British and the Oxford University libraries.

Rachel Bell, learning resource centre manager at Caldew, says the school is immensely proud of Danielle and Cathrene.

First published at 09:11, Friday, 14 January 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk