Every child attending this performance will receive a FREE copy of The Skylarks' War to take home and keep!
How did it go?
Last Friday we were at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and enjoyed a fascinating event listening to award-winning author Hilary McKay in conversation with Nicolette Jones. They were discussing two of our favourite books - The Skylarks’ War and its companion novel, The Swallows’ Flight which span the first and second world wars. The young audience of over 400 year 5 and 6 children were impressive: so attentive, quiet and engaged throughout, and they asked some brilliant questions. Thanks so much to everyone who came, and we hope you enjoy your free copy of Skylarks, together with a bookmark signed by Hilary.
Catherine Johnson Workshop
In this lively and interactive workshop, writer Catherine Johnson will work with a class of children to help them develop their own creative writing skills. After introducing herself and her books, Catherine will talk about how she goes about creating characters and developing stories. There will be lots of opportunity for the children to get writing themselves and time to share their work with the rest of the class.
Did you go to this performance or attend one of the related workshops? Send us your photos and feedback to be featured on this page
- Venue:
- New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, IP1 2AS
- Date:
- Friday 4th November
- Time:
- 11:00 am
- Duration:
- Approx. 1 hour
- Age range:
- Years 5 and 6
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Hilary McKay
Hilary McKay writes novels for children that often feature eccentric and deeply endearing characters and describe the escapades and traumas of family life in hilarious detail. She is well known for her series about the Casson family and also The Exiles. Her latest novel The Skylarks’ War (winner of The Costa Children’s Book Award 2018) brings us the wonderful character of Clarry, a young girl who shows great strength in the face of adversity and is unfailingly kind. Set against the brutal backdrop of the First World War we are drawn into the vivid world of this story, of Clarry, Peter, Rupert and Simon the Bony One, of love, family and loss.
Praise for The Skylarks' War
“This belongs among the classic of children’s literature . . . Funny, sad, warm, it is about growing up and finding what you love, intellectually and emotionally.”
Nicolette Jones
Nicolette Jones, is a writer, journalist, literary critic and broadcaster, and has been the children’s books reviewer of the Sunday Times for more than two decades. A Royal Literary Fund Fellow, and a nominee for the 2012 Eleanor Farjeon Award for outstanding service to the world of children’s books, she is an experienced book prize judge and professional chair of literary events. She has worked with us at The Children's Bookshow for many years, and interviewees have included Judith Kerr, John Burningham, Hilary McKay, Maria Parr and Stefan Casta.
Praise for Nicolette
Nicolette doesn’t just bring out the best in her speakers; she somehow also manages to bring out the best in the audience as well, and that enriches the event for everyone.
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