Award-winning author to doing it by the book for Borders schools

Award-winning children's author David Almond is to give talks at four schools in the Borders next week.
Author David Almond.Author David Almond.
Author David Almond.

The Gateshead-born writer, best known for his 1998 novel Skellig, will discuss his books and hold workshops at Galashiels Academy and Jedburgh Grammar School on Monday and Berwickshire High School in Duns and Eyemouth High School on Tuesday.

Those visits are part of a tour organised by the Scottish Book Trust sponsored by Scottish Friendly Assurance to give almost 1,000 youngsters in the Borders, Midlothian and East Lothian the chance to meet one of the UK’s most popular writers of children’s fiction.

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Almond, 65, will show pupils his notebooks and drafts of his novels to explain how his novels take shape.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to my Scottish children’s book tour, arranged by the wonderful Scottish Book Trust.

“What a great chance to visit so many schools, and to share my love of words and language with so many young readers and writers.”

The tour is an annual event participated in by more than 70,000 children since its launch in 1998.

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Almond’s other books include Kit’s Wilderness in 1999, Heaven Eyes in 2000, The Fire Eaters in 2003 and Clay in 2005.

Trust events manager Beth Goodyear added: “We’re really looking forward to touring David Almond around schools this October and November.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for pupils to get creative and excited about reading and use their imagination to create their own stories.”

Authors and illustrators featured during previous tours include Chris Riddell, Malorie Blackman, Michael Rosen, Jacqueline Wilson, Melvin Burgess, Steve Cole, Michael Morpurgo and Sophie McKenzie.

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