We have been so lucky again this year to have a visiting author as part of the national Children's Bookshow. Alexis Deacon held a workshop for a very appreciative Year 6 group. We worked with him on observational drawings, from memory, which was a real challenge! Alexis said that drawing from memory exercises the brain, but that the errors we make can also be creative. Trying and trying again leads to improvements. It was a Growth Mindset experience!
We thought about what treasured object we would take with us, if we, like Judith Kerr, had to flee our homes with only one suitcase. It was so difficult to decide on one thing, and surprisingly delightful to see the results. Alexis himself was very complimentary about both the decisions, and the artwork produced. The Year 6 students were also overjoyed to each receive a copy of the first in Alexis' beautifully illustrated 'Geis' trilogy, which he signed for them. They are eager to read Part 2, which is now available in the school library.
When asked which was his favourite book as a child, Alexis said that one of them was J.R.R.Tolkein's 'The Hobbit' (also in the school library), which features Norse runes. He has also used these in his 'Geis' books. His own favourite characters in 'Geis' are the Sorceress (because he could never be that evil himself), and Artur,the little guy with glasses!