LOCAL author Philip Reeve attended a special event at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton in collaboration with independent book shop The Bookery.

Philip Reeve, bestselling award winning author of the “Mortal Engines” series and “The Legend of Kevin” introduced his new book “Utterly Dark and The Heart of the Wild” to Year 7 students in the school hall.

Philip, who lives on Dartmoor, talked to the students about his work as an author and then answered their questions.

Students were then able to collect their pre-ordered books which Philip signed for them.

Vicky Hopkins Bond, Director of English and Performing Arts at QE School said: “Students were so excited to hear Philip talk about his new book and have the opportunity to get their copies signed.”

This session was followed by a second session where Philip talked to 200 Year 5 and 6 children from Bow, Landscore, Sandford, Brampford Speke and Hayward’s primary schools.

Cathie Holden, head of The Bookery Schools Team said: “Teachers tell us that meeting an author in person and taking home a copy of their book is often the catalyst that inspires a child to read.”

“Utterly Dark and The Heart of the Wild” is the second book in the “Utterly Dark” series - the first “Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep” was launched at The Bookery last year. Signed copies are available at the bookshop.

The new book “Utterly Dark and the Heart of the Wild” is an enchanting story of magic, adventure and friendship, featuring Utterly Dark a young orphan girl who was washed up as a baby on the island shore of Wildsea, somewhere in England and a wild boy named Egg.

The Bookery manager, Dee Lalljee, said: “Books have the power to change lives, particularly for children.

“Reading for pleasure has a direct link to a child’s academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.”

To inspire and engage local children with reading The Bookery is arranging for nationally acclaimed authors to visit local schools and is looking for local support to make these author visits even more impactful and memorable by funding a signed copy of the book for every pupil to take home.

If you would like to support this important work please contact The Bookery on 01363 774740, email [email protected] or visit https://thebookery.org.uk/giving-the-gift-of-reading/ .