Canterbury schools tour with Duffy Books in Homes
For three days in mid-September, Jessica (and her wings!) visited 7 schools in and around Timaru in Canterbury, South Island, as a Reading Role Model for Duffy Books in Homes.
Twice a year, Duffy school students get to choose 2 brand new books of their very own, which are celebrated at Duffy assemblies. Role Models around NZ visit for these assemblies to talk about the importance of reading and to promote reading for pleasure as an enjoyable and important literacy practice. Check out their incredible work at www.booksinhomes.org.nz
This was Jess' 3rd Duffy tour (and her first since Covid)! Her school talks focused on the brain benefits of reading, explaining why reading makes you smarter (including reading audiobooks), and also shared her journey from her own small rural primary school to published author. The wings, as always, were the star of the show.
Thanks to Arowhenua Māori School, Makikihi School, Waimate Centennial School, Waimate Main School, St Patrick's School (Waimate), Timaru South School, and Oceanview Heights School, for being so welcoming during Jess' visit.
Jess would also like to shout out to Fifi and Abby of Waimate Centennial for their wonderful hosting efforts and the follow-up tour of the school (photo posted with permission).
She'd also like to acknowledge the quiet young man at St Patrick's for the gift of 11 daisies. 😊
As an extra thank you, during her visits Jessica donated a copy of The Fairy Hive to every school, as well as a copy of Air Born to schools with intermediate year levels.
After 7 schools and 520km, it was time to pack up the wings and fly back home. Thanks to the airport host and security staff for their understanding, support, and good humour with the unusual cargo!
