Mokee Joe masks at Roughwood Primary School

It doesn’t matter where you go or who you meet, you can’t beat being back in your home town. As you get older, your ‘roots’ pull all the stronger on you.

Last week was spent in my home town of Rotherham, South Yorkshire. I was working under the banner of ‘Inspire Rotherham’ in a number of schools that have already had previous visits from me. It was a real joy to be among so many enthusiastic fans. The schools involved in my project, entitled ‘Books R Brilliant!’,  had all been reading  ’Mokee Joe is Coming!’ and it seemed they had thoroughly enjoyed it. They had also  worked on a Mokee Joe Fun Activity Pack and done lots of creative work centred on the books.

It has been an absolute pleasure working in Highgreave Junior School, Dinnington Community Primary School, Kimberworth Community Primary School, Maltby Crags Junior School and East Dene Primary School. The staff and pupils have been real friends to us and we will make sure to keep in touch. At the end of our visits, all of the pupils were given a signed copy of my new book ‘Scabbajack’ and anyone who thinks that books are going out of fashion should have seen the wide eyes and broad smiles on the faces of the pupils receiving them!

Next week sees return visits to Bramley Grange Juniors and Broom Valley Juniors…two more brilliant schools. Can’t wait!