Top author Peter J. Murray launches Wickersley Northfield Primary’s school library

Wickersley Northfield Primary’s reading ambassadors invited Peter J. Murray, best known for the Mokee Joe series, to cut the ribbon on the new reading space.

The Rotherham-born author read from his collection of short stories,

Ten O’ Clock Caller, before taking questions.

He said it had been “a joy to chat with such bright and lively pupils”.

Head Claire Williams said: “Our trust, White Woods Primary Academy Trust  and all the school staff recognise the value and importance of creating opportunities for pupils to read for pleasure and engage in book talk and the role of this in building and developing a reading community.  

“Our school library carries a range of high quality texts including different text types and genres, as well as books which reflect our pupils’ realities.

“We recognise the powerful tool that texts can be as windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors and aim for all pupils to be able to recognise themselves in books and also learn about the lives of others.”

Peter, who signed books for excited kids, also gave an assembly at

Redscope Primary in Kimberworth Park, where he said children had been “totally attentive” and keen to ask “countless questions”.

He added: “I was so impressed in seeing and feeling how much the school has developed a real reading culture over recent years — it’s a credit to the staff.”