Our guest speaker was Chris Wormell, award-winning illustrator and author of books such as George and the Dragon, Two Frogs, Molly and the Night Monster (just nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2008) and Ferocious Wild Beasts.
The KS1 and KS2 sessions followed the same format. We set up an Art Trail, using pictures from the reading list books, together with pictures and 3D items from the Art Collection selected for their relevance to the books. The Trail was displayed throughout the gallery at SLS and children had to follow the trail by answering questions related to the books and the artwork. This seemed to be a great success, with up to 45 children buzzing around the exhibits and discussing the clues.
While they were occupied with the Trail, our guest Chris Wormell judged the entries in the art competition to design a book cover for a designated book. Many entries were received, and all were displayed at the event. Chris chose one winner for each key stage but found it very difficult, as not only was the standard extremely high but choosing one style over another was very subjective.
Chris then gave a very entertaining presentation that described how he began to draw and to write stories, and the differences between writing and illustrating. Warming to his theme, he invited children to model for 'monster' caricatures, which he drew before his admiring audience. The volunteers were the lucky recipients of original and signed Chris Wormell artwork! Chris then went on to sign copies of his books that were on sale from a representative of David's Book Shop in Letchworth.

Some of the comments we have received from participating schools include

• The children were particularly inspired by Chris Wormell's drawings and have enjoyed the short-listed books
• The event allowed us to see some of the items held in the Art Collection
• (About the art trail) The mix of pictures and sculptures was excellent.