Type=image;ImageID=11433;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Illustrator, animator and author Curtis Jobling;TitleClass=strong;
Perhaps best known for his design work on children's TV favourite Bob The Builder and his successful Wereworld series of books, Curtis visited Colton Hills Community School and St Andrew's Primary School following an invitation from the Wolverhampton Children's Book Group.
He told Year 7 and 8 students at Colton Hills about how library visits as a youngster inspired him on to a career which has included working on Wallace and Gromit, Mars Attacks! and Bob the Builder before he got his own series, Frankenstein's Cat on CBBC and Raa Raa The Noisy Lion on CBeebies.
His love of fantasy and horror has inspired a new writing career, including the Wereworld series and his latest book, Max Helsing Monster Hunter, and he shared top tips with pupils about structuring a novel.
Curtis said: "Reading a book is a form of escapism... a love of reading leads to a love of writing."
He then called in to St Andrew's Primary where pupils from Years 5 and 6 quizzed him over his love of reading and writing.
The events were organised by Wolverhampton Children's Book Group whose aim is to bring well known authors to the city's schools to encourage reading for all.
Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "It is wonderful that our pupils are being inspired to be creative by meeting people like Curtis, who have turned their love of reading into hugely successful careers.
"This was the latest in a long line of author visits organised by the Wolverhampton Children's Book Group and I know they are planning more in 2017."
Wolverhampton Children's Book Group is a part of the Federation of Children's Book Groups - a national charity whose aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children's books and reading. For more information about Wolverhampton Children's Book Group, or to become a member, please email wolverhamptoncbg@hotmail.com.
- released: Tuesday 6 December, 2016