Author: gretayorke

As an extension to World Book Day, Tartan Witch visited the pupils and staff at Willowbank School, Kilmarnock. There were 3 sessions, infant classes, middle school and transition classes. The children sat patiently and listened to the story and showed their appreciation after the readings. I had prepared 4 follow up activities, there was a matching pairs game, book characters, design your own tartan and make a magic potion. All the activities were participated in with much enthusiasm but I reckon the ‘magic potion’ one took the biscuit. It was such a delight to see the thrills on the faces when the magic potion erupted and foamed over the rim of the glass. The children loved this.
I shall look forward to see receiving some photos of the wonderful tartans created which I hope to display here.
Thank you Willowbank for inviting Tartan Witch (and me!) to your inspiring school.

It’s always good to get feedback and this one I felt I just had to share…..

‘I took a copy of your latest book about the Pirates to my grandson Cameron last month. He loved it and likes to hear t every night before bed. My son is his first choice to read it. Cameron has a lovely teacher who encourages the children to bring in the books they like for Storytime. The Pirates found themselves in a classroom in Littleport Community School. The teacher asked him to introduce the book. Cameron told the class that it was a very good story and that his Grandma had given it to him. ‘My Grandma knows the lady who wrote the book and she has other books about witches and if you sit nicely and listen I will bring those books in for you!’

Here they are in all there splendour……

January sees Scottish schools focusing on Scots language. Addressing this I had a wonderful author visit to Doonfoot Primary School this afternoon where I introduced the P3s to Tartan Witch. Prior to this I read my poem, Learnin’ which is a child’s observation on P1 written in Scots. This was appreciatively received by children and adults.
Then P3 teacher, Mrs Falconer, read the English translation while I adopted the persona of Tartan Witch to read the story.
We had a great Q and A session with the children asking really relevant questions.
The children are now drawing Tartan Witch and hopefully I’ll be able to publish these here in the near future.
A great afternoon, well done children!

Well, Tartan Witch and I have returned from our wonderful holiday in Windermere. The scenery was breathtaking with bright sunshine illuminating the richness of Autumn. We visited the lovely wee school in Hawkshead where William Wordsworth attended. She just couldn’t resist posing there!

Having come to terms with forgetting to take my laptop charger with me and no hope of acquiring one I surprised myself by re-engaging with pen and paper. I started working on submissions for the Scottish Association of Writers’ competitions and, since returning home, I have a few ready to go!

Meanwhile Captain Black, he of the Pirates story, is off to sail the Carribean. No doubt he’ll have many tales to tell when he returns!

I am now preparing for school visits and book fairs, all very exciting.

I am delighted to report that my books are selling steadily at home and abroad. It’s thrilling to see where they journey. I shall treat you reader to some holiday snaps.