Sian Lewin, a children's author and actor, spent a day at Dogsthorpe Infant School reading her stories and inspiring pupils with their creative writing, as part of the school's commitment to provide an effective phonics programme and a life-long love of reading.

Pupils at a Peterborough school were inspired when a children’s author visited them.

Dogsthorpe Infant School enjoyed a visit from the children’s author and actor, Sian Lewin.

Childrens' author Sian Lewin pictured with pupils and staff at Dogsthorpe infants school during her visit to read with the pupils | Pic by David Lowndes

placeholder image — Childrens' author Sian Lewin pictured with pupils and staff at Dogsthorpe infants school during her visit to read with the pupils | Pic by David Lowndes

Sian spent a day at the school visiting every year group (and Family Action’s Birchtree Pre-School, based in school) to read her stories and inspire older pupils with their creative writing.

Following an unexpected cancer diagnosis and during chemotherapy treatments in 2012, Sian began writing the adventures of ‘Alfie & Pepper’ her own two dogs .

The first two stories proved so popular that she has continued to write their adventures.

Events like this boost this school’s commitment to provide our pupils with an effective phonics programme and a life-long love of reading

Headteacher, Becky Waters

Her latest series of books is called ‘Maimie In The Mobile’ and the stories feature Sian’s relationship with her granddaughter, Daisy, who lives in Australia. It focuses on the fun they have visiting places that they imagine together whilst they speak via mobile phones.

Sian said she greatly enjoyed her day at the school. She has been a long-time friend of Dogsthorpe Infants and has donated many copies of her ‘Alfie & Pepper’ series to every classroom in the school.

Sian was even more delighted when a Year 2 pupil told her, following her creative writing session, ‘that it was the best day at school ever.’

Headteacher, Becky Waters said: “Whilst we often feature Sian on our school podcast, it was great having her here in person for the day.

“The staff and children enjoyed her sessions immensely and events like this boost this school’s commitment to provide our pupils with an effective phonics programme and a life-long love of reading.”

Sian’s books are available to families from a range of bookshops and also through her website, sianlewin.com.