Children at two Ipswich primary schools will remember, remember the fifth of November as the day their imaginations were sparked by a visit from an award-winning author.
On a date known for lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks, the Born & Read in Suffolk campaign aimed to kindle something longer-lasting: a love of reading.
Year 6 pupils at Clifford Community Primary School and Hillside Primary School explored storytelling, imagination and creative writing during special author visits in partnership with local literacy charity Let’s Talk Reading.
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Children’s author Helen Parry spent the day sharing stories, discussing her path into writing and encouraging young readers to put their own ideas onto paper.
Around 60 pupils attended each session, taking part in an hour of book-based activities.
Helen introduced her novel A Scrap of Moss and Magick and gave pupils the chance to hear a chapter read aloud before trying their own creative writing exercises.
The day was designed to show children that stories begin with ideas and curiosity, and that reading can open doors to new interests and experiences.
Helen said: “It’s such a joy and a privilege to be visiting schools here in Ipswich, talking with children about the stories they enjoy and taking our imaginations for a little wander.
“Comics, verse novels, fantasy epics: you can’t beat curling up with a book you love and travelling outside yourself into new worlds with new friends.
“We are all made of story, and the more stories we encounter, the more we grow as human beings.”
The events also left a lasting legacy at each school. Thanks to the Born & Read in Suffolk campaign, both schools received book bundles supplied through Dial Lane Books, including copies of A Scrap of Moss and Magick alongside a wider selection of age-appropriate titles for pupils to borrow and enjoy.
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Children also received reading and writing-themed gifts, including notebooks and bookmarks, giving them something to take home and continue their reading journey beyond the classroom.
The sessions reflected the wider aims of Born & Read in Suffolk, a year-long initiative encouraging people of all ages to read for pleasure.
The campaign has brought together schools, charities, libraries, authors and community organisations to promote reading across Suffolk and create opportunities for children to engage with books in different ways.
For Let’s Talk Reading, which works with families and schools across Ipswich to support literacy, partnerships such as these help bring books and authors directly to young people.
Leighanna Howes, school liaison officer at Let’s Talk Reading, said: “The 2026 National Year of Reading has given Let’s Talk Reading more opportunities to expand our offer across Ipswich.
“It has been great supporting Born & Read in Suffolk to link schools with authors and create experiences for children that don’t come around often.
“We are hoping that this continues beyond 2026 to help young people engage with reading and stories in more ways.”
The campaign’s headline sponsor, Sizewell C, said reading and writing are essential skills that benefit children long beyond their school years.
Marjorie Barnes, director of regional external affairs at Sizewell C, said: “We are delighted to see more authors heading into local schools to grow enthusiasm and enjoyment in reading and writing, core skills for life.”
By bringing books, authors and creative activities directly into schools, the Born & Read in Suffolk campaign aims to help ignite something that burns longer than just Bonfire Night: a love of reading and the confidence to tell stories.
This story is published as 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, headline sponsor Sizewell C and sponsor Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, 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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