Author visits Bishop Auckland school on World Book Day

Caroline Hardie’s visit was the highlight of imaginative World Book Day activities at Woodhouse Primary Academy, in Bishop Auckland.

Caroline led interactive workshops for Years 2 and 3, based on her book Little Loco’s BIG Day, which was inspired by the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825.

Author Caroline Hardie and headteacher Alex Lawrance with pupils on World Book Day (Image: Woodhouse Primary Academy)

It was part of the school celebrating World Book Day with a bedtime story theme, engaging pupils in a range of creative activities designed to foster a love of reading.

The day included decorating classroom doors, crafting favourite character spoons, buddy bedtime reading sessions, story-time with the Tonie Box, and a thrilling masked reader challenge.

The children were enthralled as Caroline, an archaeologist based near Barnard Castle and Trustee of the Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, told the tale of Little Loco’s BIG Day.

The story about Locomotion No.1 – the world’s first steam-powered locomotive –beautifully explores themes of friendship and perseverance.

The visit was arranged by Rob Yorke, Trustee of the Auckland Project and a former pupil of Woodhouse Primary, who generously gifted a personal copy of Little Loco’s Big Day to every child in the school.

Pupils enjoying reading at Woodhouse Primary Academy (Image: Woodhouse Primary Academy)

Headteacher Alex Lawrance said: “It’s been a wonderful World Book Day here at Woodhouse Primary Academy packed with so many engaging activities to celebrate the joy of reading.

“We have been delighted to welcome Caroline to school; the children have loved learning all about Little Loco and the importance of friendship, confidence and resilience – three of our key school values.

“We are so grateful to Rob for funding the workshops and the books for the children and we know families will enjoy reading the story together at home.”

Caroline Hardie said: ‘It was an absolute joy to share the tale of Little Loco’s BIG Day with the children at Woodhouse Primary Academy – the story of how this area introduced the world to modern railway travel. I hope Little Loco and her friends will be an inspiration to the children. Afterall, we changed the world from here before. We can do it again.’

Rob Yorke added: ‘I have many fond memories of my time at the school and of the wonderful teachers who inspired me. It is fantastic to be able to support Alex, along with the teachers and governors, who do a tremendous job in equipping our children with the skills they need for today and the future.”

Woodhouse Primary Academy is committed to nurturing a love of learning and reading among its pupils and plans to continue hosting author visits and creative reading activities.