Two Wiltshire primary schools are preparing to turn World Book Day into a memorable celebration of stories and imagination with a visit from award-winning author Sophie Kirtley.
Children at Saint Edmund’s Catholic Primary School in Calne and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chippenham will welcome the writer on March 5, when she joins pupils for a day of workshops and book-themed activities.
Sophie Kirtley is well known to young readers for her bestselling novels The Wild Way Home, The Way to Impossible Island and The Haunting of Fortune Farm. Her work has reached readers around the world and has been recognised by organisations including the Reading Agency, BookTrust and Waterstones.
During her time at the schools, pupils will take part in creative sessions shaped around Sophie’s stories, giving them the chance to explore how ideas are formed and how imagination can be turned into writing of their own.
Many of Sophie’s adventures are rooted in myth and history, drawing inspiration from her upbringing in Northern Ireland. Her most recent novel, Swanfall, weaves together Irish folklore with the seasonal journey of Bewick’s swans as they travel to wetlands across the UK each winter.
The visits reflect both schools’ commitment to nurturing a lasting love of reading, while helping children grow in confidence as readers and storytellers.
Speaking ahead of the visits, Sophie said she was looking forward to meeting the pupils.
“I am delighted to be visiting the children of Saint Edmund’s and St Mary’s. Meeting young readers and chatting with them about the books they love is always such a joy. Kids have the best imaginations and I just love their infectious enthusiasm for stories.”
Helen Biles-Wood, headteacher at Saint Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, said the visit would add something special to World Book Day.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Sophie Kirtley to our school. Opportunities like this help stories leap off the page and encourage children to explore their own ideas through reading and writing.”
Lucy Buckland, headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, added that reading remains central to school life.
“Seeing children excited about stories and writing reminds us why books matter so much. Reading supports imagination, creativity and helps build the confidence children need as they grow.”
