A TALENTED children’s author and illustrator returned to a school in Colchester to teach youngsters about the importance of reading.
Children at Johns Green Primary School, in Abbey Field, came dressed as animals for the visit from award-winning author Nick Butterworth.
The 77-year-old, who lives in Colchester, spoke to the early year's foundation stage children about how his love of reading formed when his mother and grandmother read to him regularly while growing up.
The four and five-year-olds were engaged with Mr Butterworth, who is famous for his Percy the Parkkeeper books, and were in fits of giggles as he laughed and joked with them.
He amazed the youngsters, who were dressed as frogs, foxes, tigers and bunnies, by drawing a big fox right in front of their eyes.
During his day at the school, he read to 90 children, from the three early year’s classes.
Speaking to the Gazette Mr Butterworth said: “It’s important to talk about regular reading with children, the benefits are truly enormous.
“It improves children’s vocabulary, confidence, and communication skills and everything is given a boost.
“And it’s important because children remember when you sat down and read to them. I remember all the times I was cuddled up to my mother or grandmother, and I’m 77.
“Children absorb things like a sponge and with reading there is so much to learn.”
Mr Butterworth previously visited the school in 2022, where he raised £1375.60 for Refugee Action Colchester.
The school hopes having a visit from the famous author will help to inspire children to get more interested in reading.
Teachers were also dressed up as animals for the big day and the school site manager John Bromley was dressed as Percy the Park Keeper, based on Mr Butterworth's most famous book series.
Assistant headteacher, Clare Skinner, said: “We hope his visit will promote a love of reading among the children.
“They have had a whole half term of learning about Nick Butterworth and his books. They have learnt details about the stories and characters and had lessons themed on the books.
“It is lovely that he supports local schools by promoting reading. It’s amazing and the children are really excited that he’s here.
“It’s also great for the children to have a great role model to look up to.”
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