In July, five pupils from Tairgwaith Primary School worked with acclaimed writer/illustrator Thomas Docherty as part of collaboration between Neath Port Talbot Libraries and the Education Development and Inclusion Service.
The National Literacy Plan has identified boy’s literacy as a key focus for attention, specifically boys ages 7-11. This initiative is one of seven in the last year. It aims to bring writers and schoolboys together to enthuse and engage them with reading and writing to stimulate the boys to produce high quality work.
Over three days the boys produced their very own picture book “Puss in Books” written and illustrated by themselves and aimed at 4-5 year olds.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Ali Thomas, said, “This is a wonderful example of how our school children here in Neath Port Talbot are excelling and showing exactly what they are capable of. I am hugely proud of their achievement in producing this superb, inspiring picture book.
“It has also provided an opportunity for our children, especially boys in this instance, to work with established writers and illustrators within the school environment. This initiative is a testament to the excellent work currently happening in our schools and libraries to support children in Neath Port Talbot.”
The published book was presented to the boys at Tairgwaith Primary School on the 12th October where they performed the story to the whole school at a special event to mark their achievement.
“Puss in Books” will be available at all of Neath Port Talbot Libraries.
