Award-winning author and illustrator Mariajo Ilustrajo sparked creativity at Noremarsh Junior School with an immersive illustration workshop last week.
Known for her popular books ‘Lost’, ‘I Love Books’, and ‘Flooded’, Mariajo took students on a journey into the world of her endearing characters.
Pupils were shown how she brings her picture book characters to life through interactive drawing sessions that spanned the morning whilst the afternoon saw a lively question-and-answer segment where children delved into her literary inspirations and career, learning how her passion for writing culminated in a master’s degree.
Mariajo shared insights into the creation of ‘Flooded’, revealing the process behind its illustrations and the deliberate choice of black-and-white visuals to highlight the water elements alongside the heroic monkey’s distinctive yellow tail.
Headteacher Hilary MacMeekin expressed her delight at Mariajo’s visit, saying, “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Mariajo into the school. I know that the children will have been in awe at her illustrations.
“As a school we love reading and welcoming new authors into school, and we work hard to ensure that all of our children have the opportunity to benefit from these experiences.”
