Author Tony Bradman, best known for the Dilly the Dinosaur book series, has officially opened Roundhill Primary School’s new library, with pupils dressing up for the occasion.
Inspired by Maurice Sendak’s book, Where the Wild Things Are, Tony was joined by representatives from every class in the school and the junior librarians.
The official opening was the culmination of a special week in school with the youngsters celebrating the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland as part of the city’s Children’s Literature Festival.
Headteacher Susan Adams said: “We are exploring the classic story through English, Maths, Art, Design and Technology and Drama.
“Pupils were able to dress up as characters from the story for our Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and years five and six heard Cath Cassidy talk about her novel The Looking Glass Girl at the Guildhall.
“The children have also been set the design technology challenge to design and make a hat suitable for Wonderland and we are featuring them all with a display in school.
“We were delighted to welcome Tony Bradman to the school to officially open our new library and we have had lots of books donated to the school by the Festival’s Schools Programme which are hugely appreciated.
“Tony was talking to the children about being a writer and a reader and they loved it. Many of them have read his books or enjoyed his picture books so to meet him was very special.”
“It’s been a busy week of activities all linked to reading and enjoying stories.”
Tony told pupils: “I have opened lots of libraries and this is one of the best looking ones; they are the most important resource in a school.
“You will get hours of pleasure and fun and it will be a treasure for the school.”
Hazel Plowman, Learning and Participation Co-ordinator for Bath Festivals said: “Our Learning and Participation work is a really important part of what we do at Bath Festivals and so we’re delighted that, as part of the Schools Programme at the Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival, we have been able to support Tony coming along to open the library and have donated some books.
“We hope all the children at Roundhill enjoy their new library – what better way to inspire a love of reading!”