Arundel pupils bring books to life

Scores of children from St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, in London Road, took part in a week of book-based activities, during their literature week.

The event was packed with everything, from dressing up as aliens, astronauts, and Romans to the pupils swapping their most-loved novels with other classmates.

As part of the week, the youngsters were treated to a special visit by author and illustrator, Marcia Williams.

Lisa Samuels, chairman of the school’s PTA, the Friends of St Philip’s which helped organise the event, said the children were fascinated by Marcia’s presentation.

Mrs Samuels said: “Marcia helped to bring books and stories to life. The children loved every minute of it.”

Mrs Samuels explained that the children all suggested fictional problems for Marcia to draw.

“The Year-threes have been studying the Romans and she asked the pupils to think about what Roman children would be worried about.

“The children came out with some really imaginative ideas. Some said the Romans would be worried about being thrown to the lions or kidnaped and made to become a Roman solider.

“They were completely fascinated at how Marcia could bring these ideas to life through her drawings.”

Other events at the school included a book swap and themed activities based on the pupils’ class topics.

Mrs Samuels added: “We wanted to show the children that reading can be fun.

“Books are not just there for a reference or as a punishment. They are another way of having fun.

“Books are incredibly interesting and we just wanted to show how great books can be.”

The literacy week ended on Friday.