Author visit brings festive cheer

On Monday, 27 November, children in Willow Lodge enjoyed an afternoon with Rachel Morrisroe, author of well-loved books including How to Grow a Dragon and The Truth about Yeticorns. 

The children enjoyed a reading of her new festive book, The Robin who stole Christmas, which has now become a firm Willow Lodge favourite. 

In the book, Rotten Robin hates Christmas and plans to steal it – baubles, mince pies, Santa and all! But when he is forced to give back everything he stole, he realises that Christmas might not be that bad after all. 

The children were puzzled when lots of their teachers’ belonging mysteriously disappeared during Rachel’s visit and were surprised to discover that Rotten Robin himself was the culprit. Everyone was happy and relieved when everything was returned to its rightful place. 

As well as enjoying the story with Rachel, the children took part in a draw-along. By carefully following instruction, they drew their own pictures of Rotten Robin, some of which rivalled the pictures in the book!  

Deputy Head of Willow Lodge, Jan Callaghan, thanked Rachel for her visit. 

She said: “Meeting a real-life author is such a treat and the children have had a wonderful afternoon with Rachel. 

“Rotten Robin gave us all a lot to think about, including the true spirit of Christmas, and the children particulary enjoyed the draw-along; they all felt a great sense of accomplishment with their fabulous drawings.”

At the end of the visit, Rachel signed copies of her book in the Willow Lodge library and enjoyed chatting with the children.