Year 5 pupils at Tameside Primary Academy enjoyed an inspiring visit from Bethany Waler, author of their class text, How to Steal the Mona Lisa. The event offered a unique opportunity for students to learn about the art of storytelling, sparking excitement and creativity among the school’s aspiring young writers.
Walker shared her passion for art and storytelling, explaining how her character Mia connects with art as a form of communication that transcends words—a sentiment that resonated deeply with everyone.
The author also revealed her personal favourite book, Chocolate Milk, X-Ray Specs and Me, emphasising that picture books can be enjoyed at any age. Her advice to budding writers was straightforward yet impactful: “Read a lot! Write a lot!” She offered insights into her creative process, describing how she jots down ideas in scrapbooks and seeks peer feedback to refine her work.
Waler’s quirky and relatable characters clearly captivated the students, with the writer’s favourite character, Mia, standing out for her toughness and determination.
Mitchell Hill, Principal of Tameside Primary Academy, shared his thoughts on the visit: “It was an absolute privilege to host Bethany Walker at our school. Her enthusiasm for storytelling and art was truly contagious, and the children left the session feeling inspired and excited to create their own stories.
“Visits like these spark a lifelong love of learning and creativity—values that are at the heart of our approach to teaching across the school.”
By the end of the day, pupils were left buzzing with new ideas, eager to channel their energy into writing, drawing, and exploring their own creative potential. Bethany Waler’s visit was a memorable highlight, reinforcing the joy of reading and the power of storytelling across all aspects of our lives, and not just in the classroom.
