One of our School Aims is 'Ready for Work' and we strive to share the many career opportunities that could be available to children in the future. We aim to do this through our curriculum subjects, trips, and visitors to school.

This week, the children in Units 3&4 were treated to a special visit by local author, Luke Marchant. This was a last minute opportunity kindly arranged by Beatrix, one of our Reading Ambassadors.

Luke published his first book ‘The Narzat’ in May this year. The story is about the Narzat who lives in the Jumble Jungle Wood with his friends, the Looky Lizard (a feisty reptile who communicates through sign language) and the Chatty Chirper (a comically talkative bird who never shuts up). Little is known about how the Narzat arrived there, but he wears a necklace bearing a meaningful inscription.

Luke Marchant studied English and Creative Writing at Cardiff University. He has always had a passion for writing and has himself been influenced by many authors, including Roald Dahl. Luke shared extracts from his book and talked about his inspiration for the characters. The children were very interested to hear his experiences and were inspired by the whole visit.

Luke answered lots of questions and kindly signed copies of his book. If any other children (in any year group) purchase a copy of ‘The Narzat’ during half term, we can also get these signed. Please give your book to Mrs Bastin by Wednesday 6th November, and we will take them to Luke to be signed. Please make sure the book is named.

Thank you, Luke, for visiting Preston, and thank you, Beatrix, for organising the wonderful visit! We are looking forward to Luke’s next book, which will be released in early 2025.