Aaron Blabey inspires reading with tales of Pig the Pug

CHILDREN’S author Aaron Blabey has taken time out from writing 15 new books in a row for a month-long tour of schools. After a visit to Colyton he talks about which of his books will be turned into a film.

Kids author Aaron Blabey reads his Pig the Pug story to Sarah Sinno, 11, librarian Tracy Harris, Ravina Shankar, 12, and Katrina Dike, 12. at Bennett Rd Public School. Picture: Carmela Roche

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THE students of Bennett Rd Public School, Colyton, have gone home with a renewed passion for reading after being treated to a day of master storytelling with Aaron Blabey.

The award-winning Australian children’s author visited the school on Thursday as part of his month-long Book Week tour.

Mr Blabey wrote and illustrated the Pig the Pug series, The Bad Guys series as well as a number of other illustrated books including one about a reluctantly famous pink unicorn called Thelma.

Year 6 student Sarah Sinno said the story time with Mr Blabey made her want to read his books even more.

Bennett Rd Public School students were treated to a lesson in illustration by the colourful children’s author Aaron Blabey. Picture: Carmela Roche

“It was really cool,” she said. “You could imagine yourself in it. I liked when he read Pig the Elf — it was interesting. I haven’t read that one or The Bad Guys.”

Fellow student Katrina Dike said: “I’ve read Pig the Pug; it was really good. It was more interesting when he read it because when I read it doesn’t really feel like you’re actually in the picture.”

Mr Blabey has toured more than 200 schools and inspired more than 80,000 children over the years, but he said some of his favourite memories were made in the schools in Western Sydney.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Western Sydney,” Mr Blabey said.

The cover of Pig the Pug which was written by Aaron Blabey.

“I really mean it — I’ve had some of my best experiences in Western Sydney. The kids are just so excited to have something like this happen.

“I generally drive away from Western Sydney going ‘That was really cool’.”

While Mr Blabey said he enjoyed feedback from schools, he will be taking some time off to work on some new projects.

“I’m writing 15 new books all in a row and my series, The Bad Guys, we’re looking at turning into a film so that’s going to take up a bunch of my time as well,”

“But I will really miss this.”

For more information on his work visit www.aaronblabeybooks.com/people/aaron-blabey