What a wonderful way to conclude our week-long celebrations of World Book Day! Last week, we were delighted to welcome Julian Sedgwick and Chie Kutsuwada for a lively and engaging presentation about their work and creative journeys. The pair introduced students to two of their books, Tsunami Girl and 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café, sharing insights into how the stories were inspired and developed.
During the interactive session, our Year 8 students had the opportunity to explore elements of Japanese culture while learning about the powerful natural forces that shape life in Japan. Through discussion and storytelling, Julian and Chie explained how earthquakes and tsunamis affect both landscapes and communities, helping students understand the real-world context behind some of the themes in their work.
The presentation also introduced students to the fascinating world of Yōkai – supernatural creatures and spirits from Japanese folklore. Students listened to several eerie and entertaining tales, which brought a touch of mystery and excitement to the assembly and sparked plenty of curiosity about traditional storytelling from Japan.
Events like these play an important role in strengthening the vibrant reading culture here at WHS. Meeting authors in person allows students to see how stories are created and encourages them to explore new genres, cultures, and ideas through books.
A huge thank you to Julian and Chie for delivering such an engaging and memorable assembly, and for helping us end our World Book Day celebrations on such a high note.
By: Mrs Sherwood, Librarian
