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David Walliams responds to pupil's lockdown book
Posted: 16th December 2020A child who spent lockdown writing a book has received high praise – from children’s author and TV personality David Walliams.
Violet, Year 6 pupil at Little Parndon Primary Academy spent her time at home developing her story into an 11-chapter book.
Working closely with her teachers via email, she was able to perfect A Friendship Adventure over ten weeks.
Teacher Paige Wakelin, computing lead and e-safety officer, said: “A Friendship Adventure is a brilliantly descriptive, intense but humorous children’s story about two extra-terrestrials, a 15-year-old boy named Zack and a friendship dilemma.”
Her teachers were so impressed, they sent it to David Walliams – who has replied with a personal letter and signed photograph.
He wrote: “I hear that you love reading and writing and have been inspired to write a story of your own. Miss Wakelin has sent me a copy of A Friendship Adventure – it’s very creative, well done!
“If you’re thinking of being an author, my one piece of advice would be to always keep your eyes and ears open, as you never know when you’ll come across something that would make a great storyline or character.
“Keep reading – it’s good for you!”
Violet said: “My original inspiration came from Netflix TV show, Teen Titans.
“My story started out being only eight chapters long, but my teacher helped me to identify lots of opportunities I’d missed to expand on my descriptions. That’s why my story is now 11 chapters!
“I am so happy with how it has turned out, but I can’t take all the credit. Miss Wakelin and my mum have been a big part of this story and I am so grateful they took most of their time to help me when I needed it. They both encouraged me to push myself and to do my best.”
Paige Wakelin, Violet’s class teacher, said: “I am so proud of how far she has come with her writing; it’s really impressive.
“She invested so much time and love into this story; I’m so pleased it has received the recognition it deserves.”
Headteacher Mark Evans said: “Violet’s story had us all entertained and I am delighted that David Walliams also appreciated how good it was!
“I look forward to reading many more of her books in the future.”
