Pupils at Brentwood Preparatory School got the chance to meet author and illustrator Curtis Jobling recently. Jobling designed Bob the Builder, Frankenstein’s Cat and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion amongst other popular children’s books, and during his visit he talked to the children about the animation process behind his TV programmes, as well as performing live sketches featuring some of his most famous characters.
Curtis also advised pupils about the importance of reading to broaden the mind and improve writing skills. He talked about his love of reading from an early age, citing Maurice Sendak’s ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ and JRR Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ as his early influences. It was the latter that led him to write his Wereworld series of fantasy novels, from which he recited an extract by heart. After the talk he answered questions and signed copies and drew sketches in his books.
Headmaster Jason Whiskered said: “It was a real privilege to have such a well-known author as Curtis take time out of his busy schedule to visit our school. He gave an informative and entertaining performance that captured the imagination of both pupils and teachers. The children clearly enjoyed themselves and were walking around all day proudly showing off their signed books.”
