The sun shining on the leaves, the sky blue, the leaves underfoot dark and peaty - it was glorious weather at Harlow Carr Gardens today, when I went to meet the YEAR 6 CLASS from ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, WETHERBY.

Thanks to the childrenfor being such great listeners, and to all the grownups who helped with the trip. (And hope there were no strange twiggy trees on your coach drive home . . . )

Tomorrow I must Get On with my story revision, especially as I have discovered that one of my hero's methods of escape at a critical moment (ie. down a drainpipe) may not actually have been possible, 'cos drainpipes were not part of ordinary house "furniture" around mid-Victorian times.

So my poor hero is currently plunging downward to his doom! Aaaaaagh!  ¶ 4:53 PM

To LEEDS today, in search of one Starbuck's coffee shop out of the many in the city. Trudge , trudge all the way from West Yorkshire Playhouse Car Park almost to Leeds Station, carrying my bag of "talk stuff". I eventually discovered the place, and was very pleased to be greeted by children from the School Council of SHAKESPEARE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

The children and staff had come to listen to me talking about my book THE THIRD ELEPHANT (published by Walker), and to add a copy of my story to the books already waiting in the Starbuck's "Bookdrive" box. The collection will eventually be given to worthwhile causes, along with any unwanted, enjoyable and good quality children's books coffee shop customers bring along to the "Bookdrive Box" themselves.

The children helped me waith my talk and heard me read, and saw my antique carved elephant, and my model of the TAJ MAHAL, and then, as I went on my way, they all sat down for lunch! *
Big smile - almost as big as the smiles we had to give for ALL the photographs - to the following:
LAURA, OLIVER, LEEROY, DEMI-LEE, ALEX, ANNA, LAUREN, PAIGE, MILLIE (and anyone I've missed out) plus Mrs FLANAGAN & MRS COOK from the school, EMMA FLYNN, ALISON at Starbucks, and also NIGEL RODDIS who took all the pictures.

*Actually, I did not mind too much as I went to have lunch with EMMA BARNES, another children's writer, to chat about our work and all sorts of other bookish things!  ¶ 5:10 PM

Lots of schools to greet this time! Hello to all the children I met on Harlow Carr's enjoyable TREE DAYS. Who were they? They were YEARS 1&2 from NORTH RIGTON PRIMARY; YEAR 1 and Reception from ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S PRIMARY, LEEDS; Year 6 from LADY HASTINGS PRIMARY, COLLINGHAM. Thanks for listening to my stories!

Looking forward to seeing GREEN LANE PRIMARY, GARFORTH, and Year 6 ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY WETHERBY this week.

Also a big wave to everyone at CHAPTER HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL, Thorpe Underwood. Thank you for two exciting mornings!

Having to do this big catch-up because I'm busy trying to get something finished! Bye for now. On I go . . .  ¶ 7:02 PM

A terrific evening over at the Yorkshire heat of the 2007 KidsLitQuiz, which was held tonight at the North Light Gallery, at Armitage Bridge, near HUDDERSFIELD. Over 37 schools sent their teams of four year 7 / 8 players to the event, who have to answer all sorts of intriguing questions about children's books, ranging from popular picture books through to longer novels, comics and illustrations. Even the adults had to answer questions, though luckily not me as I was being a Visiting Author and had to help give out prizes.

I couldn't catch all the school's names, though I know some won't be home till very late tonight, but very well done, all of you! The grand Question Master is WAYNE MILLS, who actually originated this quiz in his own New Zealand, though the Quiz looks as if it's growing into a world-wide event. (Look at http://www.kidslitquiz.com if you want to find out more.)

The organisers on the ground - and score keepers -were booksplus, Kirklees Educational Library Service team. I came away feeling full of admiration for everyone involved. A great evening and a great atmosphere, with lots of enthusiasm for books and reading. ps. There was chocolate cake which I was invited to cut, which I did very politely, and I ate some too - afterwards!  ¶ 8:52 PM