Pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School have been given a truly memorable World Book Day experience thanks to a growing partnership with Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights.
Working closely with the renowned independent bookshop, the school welcomed visiting authors into the classroom, giving children the chance to hear directly from writers and discover the stories behind the books they love.
Mr B’s, based in the heart of Bath, has built a national reputation for championing reading. Since opening in 2006, it has twice been named the UK’s best independent bookshop and was recognised by The Guardian as one of the ten best bookshops in the world.
Through this collaboration, pupils have not only enjoyed special author visits but have also gained a deeper connection to books and storytelling, reinforcing the school’s commitment to reading for pleasure.
At St Mary’s, reading sits at the heart of school life. Children are encouraged to explore widely, develop strong literacy skills and confidently share their thoughts about what they read. The partnership with Mr B’s adds a powerful real-world dimension, helping bring literature alive beyond the page.
Nicole Pecchia, headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, said, “We are passionate about creating a genuine culture of reading at St Mary’s. Our partnership with Mr B’s has given our children the invaluable experience of meeting authors and hearing first hand about the creative process behind the books they love.
“These visits inspire our pupils to see themselves as readers, writers and storytellers. We are incredibly grateful for the support that has helped make these opportunities possible.”
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, added, “World Book Day is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact reading can have on a child’s life. We are proud to see our schools developing confident, articulate young readers who value books both for learning and for pleasure.”
