Author Curtis Jobling inspires young writers across Cheshire schools

The classrooms and libraries of Cheshire recently transformed into hubs of myth and legend as internationally acclaimed author and illustrator Curtis Jobling completed a high-energy tour of the region. Organized by the Cheshire Education Library Service (ELS), the three-day event was a cornerstone of the National Year of Reading, aimed at fostering a lifelong love for books among Year 6 to Year 8 pupils.

Jobling, perhaps best known as the creator of the world-famous Bob the Builder and the Wereworld series, returned to his home roots to launch his latest novel, Vampire Empire: Red Tide. The tour served as more than just a book promotion; it was a masterclass in storytelling that blended live illustration with dramatic readings.

Connecting with students from Sandbach to Ellesmere Port

The tour’s itinerary covered a significant portion of the county, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds could engage with a professional creator. The journey began at Sandbach High School, where the atmosphere was bolstered by visiting students from Holmes Chapel High School and Elworth CE Primary School.

The momentum continued as Jobling moved through Mid-Cheshire and into Warrington. Sessions at Winsford Academy and Bridgewater High School saw pupils captivated by tales of Vikings and vengeful gods. In Widnes, Wade Deacon High School hosted an energetic workshop, while a collective event at Ellesmere Port Library brought together students from three different local secondary schools for a shared experience.

The tour reached its finale at Queen’s Park High School in Chester, where students were joined by peers from The King’s School. At each location, the focus remained on the tangible craft of creation. Pupils did not just listen; they watched characters come to life through Jobling’s sketches, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how a story moves from a simple idea to a published novel or a Netflix series.

From Bob the Builder to Netflix’s Wolf King

For many students, meeting the mind behind Bob the Builder and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion provided a relatable link to their own childhoods. However, it is Jobling’s more recent work that resonated with the older cohorts. His Wereworld novels have recently been adapted into the Netflix series Wolf King, proving to local youngsters that creative careers can lead to global platforms.

Jobling’s message to the students was one of empowerment. Having grown up in Cheshire himself, he emphasized that his journey from a local schoolboy to a world-renowned artist is a path available to them as well. Jobling noted that sharing this creative journey with local young people is vital, suggesting that if he could achieve such a career, they absolutely can too.

The workshops drew heavily on the myths of the North West and the dark folklore of the Brothers Grimm, grounding the fantastical elements of Vampire Empire: Red Tide in a context that felt familiar yet thrilling to the young audience.

Strengthening the region’s literary community

The success of the tour relied on a network of local support. Nantwich Bookshop facilitated the availability of signed copies, allowing many students to take home a personalized memento of the visit. For those unable to purchase books on the day, the Cheshire Education Library Service and Cheshire West and Chester libraries have ensured that copies of Jobling’s work are available for loan across the school network.

Feedback from the participating schools suggests a lasting impact. At Queen’s Park High School, staff noted a surge in library visits immediately following the event, with students eager to explore the genres Jobling discussed. Teachers at Whitby High School observed that the excitement followed the pupils back to their classrooms, sparking immediate discussions about writing and art.

This initiative forms part of a broader commitment by the Cheshire Education Library Service to elevate literacy standards and encourage creative expression. By bringing high-profile authors into the local school environment, the service aims to demystify the writing process and show that literature is a vibrant, evolving field that local students can aspire to join.

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council