This week Leo, Olivia and Keziah joined Mrs Holmes and Mrs Rosoman on a trip to the Worcestershire Children’s Book Group Summer Event at The Hive in Worcester. The event brought together students from high schools across the county to compete in a series of book-themed challenges, all in the hopes of winning titles from the Federation of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) Book Award.

NCW students made a unique contribution with their own display table, where they spoke enthusiastically to others about Braille and Large Print books. They demonstrated the differences between formats using a large print title spread across two volumes—compared to the same title in Braille, which stretched across eight volumes. Their engaging presentation sparked curiosity and discussion among other attendees.

At midday, all students gathered to hear from the guest author, Lauren (Wren) James. Wren shared how their childhood love of reading didn’t immediately lead to writing. Instead, their time studying science at university helped shape their passion for writing speculative fiction, often exploring themes of climate change and futuristic technology. Wren impressed the audience with insights into the accuracy of their spaceflight calculations—down to light years and delayed communications with Earth.

Wren also spoke about their work as a scriptwriter on the hit Netflix series Heartstopper, a role that grew from a longstanding friendship and creative collaboration with author Alice Oseman. The Q&A session that followed offered students a rare glimpse into the different facets of being a professional writer.

After a quick photo opportunity with Wren and a selection of delicious cakes provided by the organisers, the group returned to college. In recognition of their efforts as Library Helpers, students and staff were treated to a well-deserved lunch in the LRC, complete with sandwiches and cake.

It was a day filled with learning, laughter and literary inspiration.