Author Rob Lloyd Jones

AUTHORS vying for a coveted title will be visiting schools across the county in a bid to win all important votes.

The East Sussex Children’s Book Award, organised by East Sussex County Council’s Schools Library and Museum Service, will be decided by children from 49 schools across East Sussex and Brighton and Hove and the winner will be announced in the summer.

In a bid to drum up support, authors nominated for the award have been visiting primary schools to talk to children about themselves and their books.

“The book award is a great opportunity to encourage a love of reading among children,” said Cllr Chris Dowling, lead member for community services. “We hope that a visit from an author will be an inspiring experience and a chance for youngsters to find out more about the person behind the book.”

On Tuesday, March 10, Rob Lloyd Jones (pictured) will be visiting West Rise Junior School in Eastbourne and Hawkes Farm Primary School in Hailsham to talk about his book, Wild Boy – a detective story set in the murky world of Victorian freak shows.

Ellie Irving will be visiting St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in St Leonards and Battle and Langton Primary School on Tuesday, March 17.

She will talk to pupils about her book The Mute Button which tells the story of a boy from a large noisy family who decides that the best way to get some attention is to stop talking altogether.

On Wednesday, March 25, Simon Rae will be visiting Laughton Primary School near Lewes and Framfield Primary School to talk about his book Keras – a magical tale which will make readers believe in unicorns.

The winner of the East Sussex Book Award will be chosen entirely from the children’s votes and will be announced at a ceremony at the De La Warr Pavilion on June 18, 2015.

Visits from the authors will also be attended by pupils from nearby schools;
Tuesday, March 10 – Shinewater, Meeching Valley, Polegate, West Rise, Herstmonceux, Battle and Langton, Ardingly Independent School, Ocklynge and Hawkes Farm
Tuesday, March 17 – Baird Academy, Hollington, Wadhurst, St Mary Star of the Sea, Guestling Bradshaw, Bodiam, Broad Oak, Ticehurst and Flimwell, Battle and Langton
Wednesday, March 25 – Blackboys, Rocks Park, Little Horsted and Laughton

The East Sussex Book Award and author visits have been organised by the Schools Library and Museum Service.