Acclaimed illustrator Neal Layton has inspired children at Ramsgate Arts Primary to make their own storybook creations.
He worked with Year 4 pupils who have been reading Stanley’s Stick, a popular tale by poet John Hegley that features his distinctive artwork.
In the story, with a stick in hand Stanley’s options are endless – he flies to the moon, writes in the sand, goes fishing, plays a whistle and rides a dinosaur. His imagination takes over and the magic begins.
Teacher Joshua Cialis explained: “Neal worked with the children to teach them how to create interesting scenes using collaging. He also did a live draw of the character Stanley, which he has kindly gifted to the school.
“The children created some amazing eye-catching work that we are now displaying above our book corner.”
The pupils also joined primary schools from across Thanet for Children’s Book Show at St Lawrence College. Mr Cialis added: “This was an amazing opportunity for the children to celebrate books and learn more about the process that goes in to creating a picture book. The children who attended the show also received two free books.”
Head of School Nick Budge said: “Literacy is a big part of our children’s learning experience. Engaging with an artist like Neal whose work they have been enjoying makes their learning so much more interactive.”
Neal Layton’s other works include Oscar and Arabella (2002) and Bartholomew and the Bug (2004) which won both the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Bronze Awards.