A CHILDREN’s author and illustrator helped schoolchildren explore the wonderful world of books this week.

Darlington author Liz Million ran two story illustration workshops at Sedgefield Primary School as part of the school’s annual book week.

During the sessions, Ms Million, who has been writing and illustrating children books for 15 years, taught the youngsters how to draw animals.

She then helped the children use their new skills to create a large mural for the school hall.

“The children have been wonderful and very well behaved,” said Ms Million.

“They are extremely eager to learn. When I came in this morning, the children who took part yesterday rushed up to tell me they had been drawing all night.”

Ms Million’s workshops were part of an action-packed programme of events aimed at promoting the joy of reading among pupils.

Today (Friday, March 21), staff and pupils dressed as their favourite story characters, including Snow White, Peter Pan, the Guffalo and Matilda.

The children have also attended a book fair and taken part in a book review competition.

Headteacher Andrea Cox, also known as Alice in Wonderland, said: “We want to encourage children to develop a great love and appreciation for books.

"This is something we do all year round but during book week we really go to town and celebrate books.”

To find out more about Ms Million visit lizmillion.com