We are over the moon that bestselling authors, Greg James and Chris Smith, chose to officially launch their new children's book here at King's!

Not only did the creative duo visit us on publication day (September 24th) of their new novel, 'Secret Santa', but we are also honoured to be the only school included in their tour.

Greg, who many of you will also know for hosting the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show, and Chris took to the stage in the Hayward Theatre, wearing Santa hats, for a fun and action-packed afternoon with King's Ely Prep pupils and staff, as well as children and staff from Fairstead House School, Lantern Community Primary School, Downham Feoffees Primary Academy, and Robert Arkenstall Primary School.

The exciting event was organised by Mrs Rachel Axten-Higgs, Year 6 Teacher and Head of Key Stage 2 English at King's Ely Prep, following Chris' hugely successful three-day residency during Adventure Book Week here at Prep back in March.

Mrs Axten-Higgs said: "Greg and Chris were an instant hit, sharing insights into their new book, reading entertaining extracts using an array of character voices, and treating us all to a reading from 'The Twits Next Door'. Children then enjoyed a fantastic question-and-answer session, learning more about the authors, their love of all things reading and writing, and the unique partnership that allows them to write so successfully together.

"The excitement continued afterwards as Greg and Chris generously signed books for hundreds of eager readers. Thanks to the support of families, an incredible 250 books had been purchased ahead of the event. Before leaving us, the authors enjoyed a tour of our wonderful Porta Library, where they heard about some of the school's reading initiatives, including the much-loved Harry Potter sleepover evenings.

"We are incredibly grateful that Greg and Chris chose King's for what was their only school visit on their launch tour, particularly given Greg's busy radio commitments. Events like this remind us what a special place King's is. To host a publication-day book launch of this calibre was a privilege and a wonderful opportunity to inspire a love of reading in children. A huge thank you goes to everyone involved in making the afternoon such a success, including our catering team, administrative staff, minibus drivers, and teaching staff, with special thanks to our Librarian at Prep, Mrs Alison Inskip, for organising the book orders and supporting the event planning. It was a truly memorable afternoon and a brilliant celebration of books, reading, and storytelling."