01 February 2007
Julie Hearn and Peter Hearn - Joint Schools Author Visitors
Julie Hearn was our guest today for the annual Joint Schools Author Visits organised by librarians from the three secondary independent schools. Students from all the local secondary schools were invited, and enjoyed an entertaining and fascinating talk about her writing. Julie told us about some of her research into the historical facts which trigger the creation of her fiction, the process of writing a novel, some examples of the choice of language used, as well as looking at a selection of front covers. We are all delighted that this talented novelist, who lives locally, has once again been nominated for the Carnegie Medal, and wish her success with her third novel Ivy for the Carnegie shortlist, which will be announced on 20 April. Visit her website.
In the afternoon primary school children were treated to a storytelling session by professional storyteller Peter Hearn (who also happens to be Julie Hearn's father). Accompanying his tales with music, playing, at various times, the harp, banjo and bongos, we heard stories, taken as he said, from his imagination, from storybooks, from other storytellers, and from around the world. We heard about the Walking Fish, the Sand Frog from Australia, the Banjo Player of Frankville, and joined in some enjoyable songs. This was an excellent event to mark National Storytelling Week which is held during the first week of February every year. We can all join in one of the oldest traditions in the world, by retelling a story to other listeners.
