Thank you to children’s author Gianna Pollero who came to Colliers Green Primary School in Cranbrook on 17th January to talk to pupils about her "Monster Doughnuts" books.

The children of Colliers Green Primary School were very excited to meet writer Gianna Pollero in January. Gianna came in to speak with each of the classes about the joys of writing, and ran some creative story-writing sessions where the children learned the key ingredients for crafting great stories coming up with some very imaginative ideas. They were all interested to learn more about the characters in her ‘Monster Doughnuts’ series and have the opportunity to have their books signed. Cranbrook Literature Festival also donated a set of Gianna’s books to the school library. A very successful visit!

Children’s author Rachel Burge came to Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Primary Schools on 14th October to talk to pupils about her new book Whispering Hollow, how she became an author and her experience as a writer of spooky stories.

Rachel spent time with some of the pupils at both schools, and delved into the art of crafting edge-of-your-seat-scares and presenting a workshop detailing tips and techniques on ‘how to write your own scary story’.

Cranbrook Literature Festival financed Rachel’s visit as well as gifted a selection of Rachel’s books to the schools and provided prizes for a creative writing competition.

Whispering Hollow

If you go down to the woods today . . . you’re in for a scary surprise. Creepy and atmospheric, join Pippa as she battles to overcome the dark powers lurking in the forest around her Grandpa’s cottage. Perfect for readers aged 9+.

Pippa Newton loves nature and being outdoors, and she’s looking forward to visiting her grandfather in his cottage in the forest. If only her older brother was as enthusiastic about it as she is. But their holiday soon turns into a dark and strange adventure when Pippa realises that malevolent forces are lurking in the trees – forces that watch, wait, and mean them great harm.

The National Literacy Trust published a report in 2020 which indicates that author visits to schools have a positive effect on children and young people’s reading and writing skills and aids their enjoyment and confidence in both. School budgets don’t always stretch to visiting authors or writing workshops and this where The Cranbrook Literature Festival can help.

The authors we have been lucky enough to have working with children in Cranbrook schools or at community events over the years of the festival have been: Joshua Siegal, Ben Miller, Eve Wersocki Morris, Helen Peters, Natasha Farrant, Gianna Pollero, Matt Killeen, Tom Palmer, Jonny Duddle, Philip Ardagh, Lou Kuenzler, Sophy Henn, John Rice and Kevin Brooks. Long may this continue…