Two pupils from our school – Hannah-Mei Wang in Year 5 and Joey Everett in Reception – have been announced as winners in the Daunt Books Short Story competition.
Hannah-Mei's story is called The Reef and is about a team of marine biologists who discover an orca whale. Joey wrote about his best friend Albie and their after-school adventures.
Every year the Daunt Books Short Story competition celebrates children's writing, and all the winners were invited to a prestigious gathering where they met authors such as poet A F Harrold at their Hampstead bookshop before the half-term break.
Additionally, the anthology will feature a cover designed by esteemed illustrator, Marion Deuchars and an introduction by Katya Balen, the acclaimed writer of The Light in Everything and October, October, which won The Carnegie Medal.
Hannah-Mei said: "I'd like to say thank you to Miss Jennifer, our librarian, for the great opportunity she presented me with and the parents association for funding our library. I had the best time of my life meeting Mr A.F. Harrold, who taught me that life is like The Twenty Elephant Restaurant."
Joey added, "I liked having my picture taken with the friendly man with the beard!"
Principal Dominic Smith said: "I am so proud of Hannah-Mei and Joey and their fantastic accomplishment in winning the Daunt Books Short Story competition! They worked so hard on their storytelling skills. We are lucky to be supported by an incredible library team and our librarian, who entered the children's work.
"At our school, we are passionate about reading as it improves writing skills and expands children's knowledge and imagination. I'm excited to see how this accomplishment will inspire our pupils to continue exploring the world of literature."
School librarian Jennifer Ong said: " Earlier this year, I published a book of nearly 100 short stories written and illustrated by our children in their free time. The stories were beautifully crafted, and I encouraged them to enter the competition.
“Creativity is contagious. Joey and Hannah-Mei's success has given our children the confidence to shine their light."
All the children received a copy of the book and a Daunt book voucher.
Congratulations to Hannah-Mei and Joey!