This is what happened when I visited Cork recently:

I wrote my first children’s book in 2005, and since then, I’ve done heaps of school visits.  I always spend a lot of time preparing for my visit, and I like to think that the schools do likewise. The reality, though, is that the amount of school preparation varies wildly. I’ve been greeted with everything from bemused looks – (‘Oh, is today the day of your visit?’) to having the pupils waiting with baskets of rose petals to scatter on my path as I walked to the assembly hall. Last week’s visit to North Presentation School in Cork was pretty much perfect.

My book, ‘The Time Spell’ is set on the Titanic, and all the first-years had studied it as part of a ‘one book one community’ project. This meant that the book and the topic were studied in every class from English, to history to art to geography, and more besides. When I walked into the hall, I was actually rendered speechless. This is what met me:

A nautical-themed table, complete with ‘Titanic’ and seashells.

The school choir and band, playing and singing the theme music from the Titanic film.

Geography projects.

History projects.

Art work.

And………

These totally cute ship and cat-shaped books. I still can’t figure out quite how I feel about the fact that one girl cut up her coat (!!) to get fur to decorate the cat books, but I think I’m flattered.

The girls had loads of searching thoughtful questions to ask, and the teachers made it clear that they were thoroughly enjoying the whole venture. Like I said in the beginning – just about perfect!