Spill the Ink Day Four: chickens and dragons

So a packed day of events began bright and early on the hottest day of the year so far (beating Australia and the Middle East fact-finders) began at the lovely Hill West Primary school and our first book fans of an avian variety: Ping and Pong the school chickens. Sarwat Chadda kicked us off with rousing tales of camping fiascos and vicious were-sheep. Fine acting performances from Years 5 and 6. Then Sarah Lean captivated the classes with the deaf-blind alphabet and pictures of her gorgeous dog (cue choruses of ‘aaaaawww’ and many requests for puppies later, no doubt.).

After a relaxing pub lunch in the sunshine (hurrah) it was off to New Oscott Primary for a roller coaster event graced by a giant human worm and celebrity guest Jackie Chan (more great acting, guys). This was the hallowed turf for an exciting round of guess the mystery objects – no peeping! And no dropping the book award shield either!

Our irrepressible authors even managed to pop into Waterstones Birmingham to meet the booksellers and sign stock before whisking away to Earl’s High School for an evening event with the wonderful Ross Bartlett and her brilliant team.  The audience were spellbound hearing about Cally Fisher’s decision not to speak for thirty-one days and her very special reasons why. Guess my name using deaf-blind alphabet admittedly had a higher strike rate in the daytime events but was still brilliant fun. And then for the most terrifying beast of all the day was capped off by the arrival of a two-headed decidedly giggly dragon. Sarwat had the audience in stitches with his effervescent humour.

What could be better than an enthusiastic signing and some delicious home-made cakes as a well-deserved author treat.

Massive thanks to everyone involved today; Sarwat and Sarah, Hill West Primary, Lucy Bakewell, Ping and Pong, New Oscott Primary, Alison Walklett, David Blanch from Carousel, Ros Barlett and team at Earl’s High School and all the mums and dads who came too!