Schoolchildren help local author edit latest book

Children from five schools came together at Heap Bridge to edit Yvonne Weatherhead's latest book, Lizzifly in Paradise

Schoolchildren have helped local author Yvonne Weatherhead MBE edit her latest children’s book, Lizzifly in Paradise.

Five schools – including St Luke’s in Heywood and St Andrew’s in Littleborough – recently came together at Heap Bridge Primary School, Heywood, for an interactive workshop with the author.

The children all provided some suggestions to improve the story, a fictional tale about a magical sand lizard and his best friend, Griff, the comical seagull, and their unexpected adventure in Dublin. The book explores themes of trust, friendship and empathy whilst facing obstacles and dangers along their adventure.

The Year Five children also designed their own magical flying sand lizards, led by Yvonne’s husband, Rod, who has illustrated the book

Yvonne said: "It was an inspirational day working with talented Year Five children who were able to question and challenge me to improve on the draft script. The children from the schools spoke about their own aspirations for the future, which included some budding authors."

Kim Farrall, Headteacher at St Luke's, said: “The children had a fantastic day and it was a really good opportunity for them to work alongside an author and develop their editorial and illustration skills. Additionally, they loved meeting new friends from different schools.”

The children said they really enjoyed the day and having such big responsibilities, as well as making new friends, and feeling more confident in their own work.

One said they loved the story and the day was “the best time ever” whilst another “really liked the biscuits.”

Yvonne, who has written many children’s books, performs writing and drama workshops with her publications in primary schools. Annually, she invites children to edit her new publications.

Yvonne was the headteacher of Marland Hill Primary School from 1990 to 2014. Prior to this, she had also worked as a teacher at Matthew Moss Middle School and Heybrook Primary School.

All the children will have their names published in the new book as part of the editing team.

Lizzifly in Paradise is set to be published by April 2022.