Author Alex T Smith hails our Books For Schools campaign for giving kids ‘key to a magical world’

GETTING books into schools opens up new worlds for kids, says acclaimed author and illustrator Alex T Smith. The creator of the bestselling Claude books — now a popular telly show — has called The Sun’s Books For Schools campaign “truly wonderful”. Alex, who is originally from Coventry, says: “By getting books into schools, The […]

GETTING books into schools opens up new worlds for kids, says acclaimed author and illustrator Alex T Smith.

The creator of the bestselling Claude books — now a popular telly show — has called The Sun’s Books For Schools campaign “truly wonderful”.

Alex, who is originally from Coventry, says: “By getting books into schools, The Sun is giving children the key to a magical new world. It’s is a wonderful thing.

“I’ve always loved reading. Books are a huge part of my life.

“I was helping my parents clear out the attic recently and I discovered a piece I’d written in reception where I said I liked reading, writing and drawing. My life was laid out there!”

We have an amazing £12million worth of books up for grabs for primary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

One in three primary schools has now signed up to collect tokens like the one printed right.

Registered schools that collect 3,500 tokens will be sent a box of books, worth more than £600, from the Collins Big Cat reading programme.

‘EXTRAORDINARY THINGS CAN HAPPEN IN BOOKS’

Alex’s new series, Mr Penguin, has won multiple awards. It is aimed at slightly older children, aged six to eight. The books are full of slapstick humour and quirky illustrations.

Alex, 34, who grew up in a house where books were plentiful, adds: “Both of my parents were teachers — and went on to become headteachers — so there were always books in the house. My grandfather was a writer and librarian, so every week when I spent time with him I had the run of the library too.

“Reading is how I learnt about myself. When I was four, I wanted to be a rabbit when I grew up.

“I used to convert a chair into my own little hutch. I would drape a blanket over the top of it and go into my hutch with my book, sketchbook and pencils. I was totally happy. The first book that sparked something in me was The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr.

“I loved the idea something so extraordinary can happen right in the middle of a very domestic setting. It sparked something in me.

“For five-year-old Alex, the thought of going to a cafe in the night in my pyjamas seemed like the most exciting thing that could ever happen.”

I can’t say how much I enjoy writing for children

Alex T Smith

Alex adds: “Even as an adult, reading is something I have to do. If I’ve been incredibly busy and not had so much time to do it, I don’t feel as happy or connected to things.

“When I’m working, I listen to audio books. I find they get me in a bookish frame of mind.

“I’ve written for children for 14 years and I love it more than ever. It’s a big honour to write for children. There is something magical about it.”

Alex does a lot of school visits and says that is an important part of writing for youngsters. He says: “Children are so sophisticated, funny and weird. Meeting them is really important.

“I’d like to think that they look at me and realise drawing can be an actual job too!

“It’s very important that children are aware of all the different jobs that they can do.

“I really do believe that anyone can draw. Of course some people have an innate talent — and I suppose I was quite good naturally. However, I put in hours and hours of practice.

“Even now, I love drawing as much as ever.

“If ever I’ve got spare time, I’ll more than likely pick up my sketchbook, even if I’ve been drawing all day.”

• Mr Penguin And The Catastrophic Cruise, £9.99, published by Hodder Children’s Books, is out now. How Winston Delivered Christmas, £9.99, published by Macmillan Children’s Books is also available now.

Find out more

1. Get your school to register at thesun.co.uk/booksforschools by Friday, November 22, 2019. Only schools can register, so encourage yours to sign up

2. Help your school collect 3,500 tokens from The Sun and The Sun on Sunday between Saturday, November 23, 2019, and Saturday, January 18, 2020

3. Once your school has 3,500 tokens, they will need to return them by Saturday, February 8, 2020

4. Your school will receive the books in March 2020

• T&Cs apply. Online registration required. Multiple token collect. For full T&Cs see thesun.co.uk/booksforschools.

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