Hartlepool children meet Barry Loser creator Jim Smith

Young bookworms gained an interesting insight into the work of an award-winning author at a special event in Hartlepool.

About 250 Year 3 and Year 4 pupils met Jim Smith, writer of the hilarious Barry Loser series

Mr Smith stopped off at St Teresa’s RC Primary School as part of a tour to celebrate the publication of his latest book, Barry Loser and the Birthday Billions.

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Pupils from St Teresa’s were joined by children from three other Hartlepool schools – Rossmere Primary, Eskdale Academy and Grange Primary – at the event organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Libraries Service and Authors Aloud UK.

Writer and illustrator Jim, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, entertained the children with funny stories about the books he writes and their characters and he also showed them how to draw Barry and his mates.

Pupils were given the opportunity to buy books and Jim rounded off his visit with a book signing session.

Heather Bellwood, children’s and outreach librarian with Hartlepool Borough Council, said the event was a huge success. enjoyed by all the children.

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She said: “We were delighted to secure Jim’s visit and the event was a huge success.

“The children were really enthusiastic and had lots of fun.

“Hopefully, meeting such a successful author and illustrator face-to-face will inspire them to think about their own writing and drawing skills.”

Mr Smith’s second book in the Barry Loser Series won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2013 for funniest book for children aged seven to 14.