Earith Primary School has recently had the pleasure of hosting award-winning children’s author and illustrator, Steve Antony.

Steve Antony is the author and illustrator of many children’s books, including The Queen’s Hat; Please, Mr. Panda and Rainbowsaurus.   

Steve delivered an unforgettable day of inspiration, creativity and learning for pupils on 14 January.

Steve’s visit included a whole school assembly during which he shared his personal journey to becoming an author and illustrator, revealing how his passion for storytelling and art developed from a young age. 

Steve read a selection of his books to individual classes and led interactive drawing sessions. 

Children from Earith Primary School, part of Active Learning Trust, had a brilliant time, with one year 3 pupil saying: “I think it was the best visit”. 

The primary school has even named the school’s mixed reception and Year 1 class ‘Antony Class’ after the author since class teacher Jill Nicholls has used many of his books to support children’s learning. 

The Antony Class logo is a panda, drawn by one of the children and inspired by the Mr. Panda books.

Jill Nicholls, Antony Class teacher, said: “We are very grateful to Steve Antony for visiting us. This was a unique opportunity for pupils to connect with an author and illustrator and we look forward to continuing to foster a love for reading.

“After the workshop the children were also inspired to draw the character Rainbowsaurus from another of Steve’s books.” 

Sarah Matthews, Earith Primary School’s reading and English lead, added: "Having Steve visit our school sparked a buzz of creativity. Children were inspired to write boldly and believe in the power of their own imaginations." 

Author and illustrator Steve Antony commented: “It’s not every day that a school names a class after you, so I had to come visit. Earith Primary School is a golden example of how to foster a love of books in school. I don’t know why more schools don’t do this. It has a huge positive impact on the children. The teachers here have awakened a passion for books and illustration in their children. This was particularly evident in Years 5-6, which is a real feat.”