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

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

Hyland House School in North London celebrated World Book Day 2026 with a special storytelling event featuring guest author Dr Velma McClymont. Speaking during the school’s “Funday Fridays” morning session, Dr McClymont shared stories from her children’s books and led a creative storytelling workshop for younger pupils. The event, organised by music teacher Yvonne D. Reynolds, also featured guest performers and celebrated the joy of reading among pupils dressed as their favourite storybook characters.

"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).
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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.

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