Keighley school welcomes bestselling author Katie Kirby of Lottie Brooks' fame
Children at a primary school in Keighley have welcomed one of the country's bestselling modern authors with a visit from Katie Kirby of Lottie Brooks’ fame.
The illustrator and author paid a visit to Eastburn Primary School, after Puffin launched a competition with the National Year of Reading, aimed at celebrating children’s love of reading.
Young fans were invited to submit just a single-sentence review of their favourite Lottie Brooks book, to show why they are the series’ biggest enthusiasts.
Pupils were treated to an afternoon with the author, who shared behind-the-scenes stories with an enthralled audience.
Speaking afterwards, Ms Kirby said it had been so much judging the entries and hearing how her stories were making children laugh and read for pleasure.
“It was brilliant to visit Eastburn school, meet the pupils and to share a sneak peek with them from my new book,” she said.
Each Yr 5 and 6 pupils was gifted a clothbound special edition of the series’ first book which Ms Kirby dedicated and signed.
Christina Farkas, deputy headteacher, said the children had thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
"At Eastburn Primary School, we are passionate about developing a lifelong love of reading, and Katie Kirby's visit perfectly complemented and enhanced the work we do every day to inspire young readers,” she said. “The popularity of the Lottie Brooks series among our older pupils is testament to Katie's ability to create characters and experiences that resonate with young people.
“We are incredibly grateful to Katie for spending time with our pupils and further inspiring the next generation of readers."
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a nationwide campaign, backed by the Department of Education (DfE), and aimed at encouraging people across the UK to rediscover the joy of reading.