Exeter Junior School welcomes author illustrator alumna

Exeter Junior School welcomed back 1987 leaver Charlie Alder for World Book Day.

Author and illustrator Charlie, who studied A Level Drama at Exeter School, spent the morning of Thursday 5 March with Year 3 pupils and Junior School librarians sharing her first author illustrated picture book, Daredevil Duck.

During her workshop Charlie showed the children the journey from a doodle to an actual published book. The children were able to look at examples of Charlie’s work at every stage of this journey.

Charlie said the Exeter Junior School pupils were a fabulous audience, clapping and cheering when the story prompted them!

“It was also a real privilege to be part of their World Book Day project and pass on some of my illustration tips and tricks about how to draw dragons!” she said.

“The children were so enthusiastic and worked incredibly hard, I really hope they enjoyed it as much as I did!”

English teacher Leah Hardy said: “We were lucky enough to be the first ever audience for ‘Daredevil Duck’, which Charlie read out herself to the children.

“This workshop gave the children the chance to look at the world through the eyes of an illustrator: spotting textures and colours and collecting images that would make good illustrations.

“Charlie expressed upon the children that to find the essence you want for an illustration takes time and is not something that can be rushed.

“The Form One children and our librarians thoroughly enjoyed their time with Charlie and were eager to put her tips and advice to good use by creating illustrations of their own.”

Daredevil Duck, the exploits of a duck who wants to be brave, will be published in May 2015.

charliealder.com