Young readers inspired as bestselling author tours local schools

School pupils across Cheshire and Warrington have been inspired to read, write and get creative after a thrilling visit from internationally renowned author and illustrator Curtis Jobling.

The special book launch tour, organised by Cheshire Education Library Service (ELS) as part of the National Year of Reading celebrations, brought Curtis to a series of schools and libraries across the region to mark the release of his latest novel Vampire Empire: Red Tide, published on 7 May.

Over three action-packed days, pupils from Year 6 to Year 8 were treated to a series of lively and immersive workshops, packed with storytelling, live illustration and spine-tingling readings.

The tour started at Sandbach High School, where students from Holmes Chapel High School and Elworth CE Primary School joined the event, before travelling on to Winsford Academy and Bridgewater High School in Warrington.

Curtis also delivered an energetic session at Wade Deacon High School in Widnes and visited Ellesmere Port Library, where pupils from all three local secondary schools came together for an unforgettable experience. The tour concluded at Queen’s Park High School in Chester, joined by students from The King’s School.

At every stop, the excitement was clear to see, with pupils captivated by Curtis’ tales of Vikings, vampires and vengeful gods, inspired by myths of the North West and the Brothers Grimm. Many students also had the opportunity to purchase signed copies of his books, complete with a unique illustration by the author himself.

The tour was supported by Nantwich Bookshop, with further copies of Curtis Jobling’s books available for schools to borrow through the Education Library Service and Cheshire West and Chester libraries.

The Council’s Director of Communities and Environment, Maria Byrne said:

“This has been an inspirational series of events for all the students involved and we are really pleased to have been able to work with Curtis to give so many young people the opportunity to meet an author and artist – especially someone who is local but world famous.”

Curtis Jobling, creator of beloved children’s shows including Bob the Builder and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, as well as the acclaimed Wereworld novels – now adapted into the Netflix series Wolf King – said he was delighted to return to his home region.

He said:

“I was thrilled beyond the telling of it to collaborate with the Education Library Service on this tour and reach such a huge and varied audience of young people. There was a real buzz at every event, and it’s always my hope that visits like this inspire the next generation of writers, artists and filmmakers.

“As someone who grew up in Cheshire, it’s incredibly important to share that creative journey with young people locally – if I can do it, they absolutely can too.”

Feedback from schools reflected the impact of the visit, with pupils leaving inspired and eager to discover more books.

Queen’s Park High School said:

“A lot of children came to the library after school very excited about the event – the next generation of readers are shining through.”

Whitby High School added:

“Our pupils were talking about it all the way back to school.”

Curtis’ engaging talks explored his work across television, animation and publishing, bringing characters to life through live drawing and storytelling, before culminating in a dramatic reading from Vampire Empire: Red Tide.

The visit forms part of a wider programme of activities led by Cheshire Education Library Service to celebrate reading and encourage young people to discover the joy of books.