By BRIDGET COOK
STUDENTS at Cranbourne East Primary School were treated to a visit by a renowned children’s author and illustrator last month.
Michael Salmon ran four sessions and a book-signing with all 800 students at the school on Friday 26 April.
Mr Salmon, who has been touring schools for more than 40 years, is the author of more than 160 books including The Monster That Ate Canberra, The Pirate Who Wouldn’t Wash and The Laziest Crocodile in Australia.
Cranbourne East Primary School assistant principal Michelle Wrigley said Mr Salmon’s message to the students focused on nurturing their creativity and following their passions.
“I have no doubt that Michael’s visit has inspired the students to, not only write their own stories and draw their own pictures and cartoons, but also reinforce the school’s aim to instil in the students a love and passion for reading,” she said.
Ms Wrigley said Mr Salmon ran a number of activities with the children.
“Throughout each session Michael delighted and engaged the students and teachers with his stories and masterfully drawn cartoons of some of his most famous characters including Surfer Joe, Bert, Alexander Bunyip and Bobo the Superdog,” she said.
“A particularly popular segment of Michael’s sessions was when he drew caricatures of some the students.
“A couple of students even had the opportunity to draw a caricature of Michael himself. This had students in fits of laughter.
“These caricatures are now proudly displayed in our library.
“Michael worked tirelessly throughout the day, continuing with book signings after the sessions for nearly three hours.”
