A group of Suffolk pupils were given the chance to see how a picture book takes shape when they met an author and illustrator at the Enchanted Beach Book Festival on February 24.
Year 4 pupils from Leiston, Yoxford and Peasenhall, Wickham Market and Aldeburgh primary schools met author Esther Freud and illustrator Emma Chinnery, who read from Enchanted Beach – a lyrical picture book about family life by the sea.
Organised in connection with Leiston Book Festival, the event at Leiston Primary School saw the children learn about the creative process of bringing a story to life through words and illustrations.
The students also tried their hand at drawing a character from Enchanted Beach. Pupils left with fresh motivation and a stronger sense of what reading can offer.
Ivy, 9, and Lola, 8, from Leiston Primary School said the event opened their eyes to the importance of reading and being creative.
“I am more likely to read for fun,” said Ivy.
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The girls said they enjoyed hearing how Esther and Emma came up with their ideas and how those ideas turned into finished books.
“We would like more events like this where we meet authors and illustrators who can introduce us to more books,” said Lola.
Dan Mayhew, director of community and partnerships at Kingfisher Schools Trust, said the pupils’ response showed why opportunities like this are so important for young minds.
“Watching the children engage so thoughtfully, asking questions, sharing ideas and leaving with signed books reminded us exactly why events like this matter.”
Dan said the day helped children gain confidence about reading and showed how books can change the way they think about themselves and their ideas.
“It was a moment that sparked imagination, confidence and a genuine love of reading.”
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He said meeting creative people helps pupils connect reading with their own experiences.
“When pupils meet authors and illustrators, hear the stories behind the stories and see books brought to life, reading becomes exciting and personal,” Dan said.
“We want every child to leave feeling that books are not just something they study in school, but something they can enjoy, explore and even create themselves.
“By giving children meaningful cultural experiences like this, we enrich their learning beyond the classroom and reinforce our wider strategy to inspire confident readers and creative thinkers.”
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The festival’s organisers said early reading habits shape children’s curiosity and help them form ideas about the world around them.
Robert Ashton, founder of Leiston Book Festival, said: “Reading at any age opens the mind to new ideas, so inspiring young people to read widely is vital if they are to grow up inquisitive, engaging and creative.”
Sarah Whitelock, cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism at East Suffolk Council, said: “My own experience is that a love of reading brings multiple rewards including a means of relaxing and stepping away from stress. An enjoyable way to pass the time, books offer a door into another world and inspire the reader to explore new things – and they bring people together in conversation.”
This article is part of Born & Read in Suffolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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