Hyland House Pupils Celebrate Reading with Author Visit on World Book Day

11 Mar 2026, 14:14Dr Velma McClymontLondon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Hyland House Pupils Celebrate Reading with Author Visit on World Book Day

"The whole world opened to me when I learned to read.” – Mary McLeod Bethune.

Yesterday morning, I participated in a World Book Day event at Hyland House School in north London. A ‘fireside storyteller’, I was delighted to see so many enthusiastic children dressed as their favourite storybook characters, including Rapunzel and Iron Man.  

Furthermore, I was equally impressed by a talented pupil (aged 7-9 years) who played Brer Anancy in the school play. Moved by this future actor, I felt compelled to gift him a signed copy of my latest children's picture book, A Home for Mr No-Roach, which also features Brer Anancy. 

Hyland House is an independent Seventh-Day Adventist school for boys and girls aged 2 to 11. Having spoken about my five children’s books during the morning assembly and told a short story about “Brer Anancy in Bird-Cherry Land”, I later facilitated a storytelling/creative writing session for the younger children. 

Jamaican-born headmaster, Mr Errol Gayle (left), Windrush Foundation’s resident Calypsonian, Alexander D Great (centre), and author Dr Velma McClymont (right).
Jamaican-born headmaster, Mr Errol Gayle (left), Windrush Foundation’s resident Calypsonian, Alexander D Great (centre), and author Dr Velma McClymont (right).
ab09fe09-c853-4bdf-88d5-101f3b8173c2-1_all_352902

Special thanks to music teacher Yvonne D. Reynolds for organising this World Book Day event, along with the teachers. Good to see photographer Ivy Reynolds again, and to meet the other guest speakers.

Additional articles

Taunton Church Celebrates Investiture of 50 Pathfinders and Adventurers

11 Mar 2026

Taunton Church Celebrates Investiture of 50 Pathfinders and Adventurers

Taunton SDA Church celebrated the Royal Eagles Club Investiture on 28 February, recognising the progress of 17 Adventurers and 29 Pathfinders as they advanced in their classes. Led by SEC Pathfinder Director Pastor Stanley Teixeira, the service encouraged young people to remain faithful and committed in their walk with God, while also celebrating leadership transitions and the growth of the club.