More than 350 children from four east Devon primary schools were visited by a well-known author as part of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.
Schools like Bassetts Farm, The Beacon and Withycombe Raleigh Primary Schools in Exmouth and St Peter's Primary School in Budleigh Salterton welcomed Katya Balen with glowing faces.
The creative visitor captivated the children with her talks and perspective of being an established writer.
The children at Bassetts Farm Primary had pre-studied one of her books, the Birdsong.
Therefore, they were over the moon having her in person.
Some even confessed to have read her bestselling October, October.
During her visit, Ms Balen gave the children a sneak peek into her writing life.
She dished out some quality insights on the how, where and when of writing.
Interestingly for the little ones, she revealed being a mudlarker along the banks of River Thames, and admitted to her affiliation with the Crystal Palace, a football club right by her neighbourhood.
Lisa Broad, deputy head at St Peter's, expressed the delight of both the children and staff at the author's visit.
She said: "It was lovely and the children were so inspired by her writing and the talk.
"The novella went down particularly well with some of our budding authors who don't write at length".
This lovely gesture of bringing authors to interact directly with children is part of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival’s charitable objective to promote a lifelong love for reading among young people.
David Marston, a member of the festival's education and outreach committee, added: "As well as bringing amazing authors to our town twice a year, the festival has charitable aims which are to promote a love of reading to young people."
To complement her visit, a set of books written by Ms Balen was gifted to the visited schools.
This would ensure a continual enjoyment of her works.
The festival will also bring children's authors Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre to visit several Exmouth schools this July.
While this year's Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is scheduled to take place in venues across town from September 18 to 22.
The full line-up is due to be announced in July.
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