Top author to visit event for children

AWARD-WINNING children’s writer David Almond will be the special guest at an event hosted by two schoolchildren at the University of Hull.

Lucy Clark and Sam O’Malley from Sydney Smith School in Anlaby will head the second annual children’s event which kicked off last year with a hugely successful visit by actor Emma Thompson.

The Oscar-winning star wrote the screenplay of Nanny McPhee & The Big Bang, as well as starring as the Nanny.

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Almond, winner of the Whitbread children’s book award, will be making the one-off trip to the city at 5pm on May 19.

His book Skellig – depicting the life of a young boy and a fallen angel – has gained him critical acclaim.

Prof Martin Goodman, director of the Philip Larkin Centre at the University, said: “His stories explore music, rhythm and sound, often using poetry, music, and the sounds within his mind, creating a unique and exciting world for his young readers to explore.

“David Almond is a refreshing children’s author – instead of creating an innocent dreamy world, he delves into darker situations children may find themselves in.”

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He added: “These events are all about children and the magic of reading.

“We train two children up to host the event: to ask their own questions and to call in questions from the audience.

“Aware of attention spans, we break up the talking with snatches of film and dramatizations, and some snatches of reading by the author.

“David is fantastic at working halls full of children, and we trust we have found someone who will relish the format.

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“It can be powerful and touching, to have a hall filled with children all empowered to ask any questions they like. Reading comes alive.”

Tickets cost £3; £5 for adults; but special offers are available for larger groups.