Authors Live with Michael Rosen for World Book Day

Yesterday was not only World Book Day, but is was the launch of our fantastic new programme Children's Authors Live. The first event in this series of virtual events was with poet Michael Rosen. Heather from the children's team tells us all about it.

I've had the pleasure of working here at Scottish Book Trust for 9 months now, and I absolutely love my job. I get to work at lots of brilliant author events either here at Sandeman House, or out and about in Scottish schools. Most days at work are pretty great but I have to say that yesterday was one of the best days at work I've had so far.

After a sleepy train journey we arrived at the BBC in Glasgow at 9am - I was amazed at the fantastic offices they have. The building is incredible and was such an exciting space to be in.

We watched Michael Rosen, and his wonderful chair Janice Forsyth, have a quick run through before we went live to over 100,000 around the UK. It was fascinating watching the BBC Scotland Learning production team in action.

Pupils from Garscadden Primary School in Glasgow came to the BBC to be our live studio audience. I took a seat at the back so I was able to experience the event from their perspective. At 10.30am we went live. It was pretty mind-boggling, waving down a camera lense to over 90,000 children.

As all of you who tuned in to the primary session know, Michael was hilarious!! We all had a great time joining in with his poems and stories, pretending to break our toothbrushes and learning a little Yiddish. I can't wait to watch the video on www.bbc.co.uk/authorslive next week to see what it was like for all of you watching from the comfort of your own classrooms and libraries.

We had a very lovely lunch in the very lovely BBC canteen. It made the Scottish Book Trust kitchen with its two microwaves and a toastie machine look pretty poor. Lunch time is going to be such a disappointment today!

After lunch pupils from Knightswood Secondary School in Glasgow arrived. They were our studio audience for Michael's second session, and once again I sat at the back. It was interesting to see how Michael adapted his session for his older audience. I found the tales of his family both moving and amusing.

Both sessions were superb. Michael is such a pro and I'm sure that everyone who tuned-in live enjoyed it just as much as we all did. If you missed it make sure you watch the videos next week!

This morning I opened my email inbox to find many many lovely emails from teachers and librarians who just wanted to tell me how much they'd enjoyed it. Here are a few of our nicest comments...

"A big thank you from Coleraine High School who really enjoyed the Michael Rosen webcast yesterday.It was wonderful to be able to provide an event for World Book Day." Jane, Coleraine High School, County Londonderry.

"It really felt as if he was talking to us in the classroom and the class was totally involved. The video feed was very successful and I hope to take part in many more events like this." Jane, St Mary's Music School, Edinburgh

"Thank you for the wonderful session with Michael Rosen. My P2 class were entralled and inspired, and desperate to hear more of his work. That's what it's all about!" Val.

"Just wanted to drop a quick note to say how much my class and I enjoyed this afternoon's event. They were all captivated and I think they'll be very motivated to do some writing themselves tomorrow after hearing what Michael had to say. It was inspirational!" Lisa.

This is why I love my job. Now I can't wait for all of our forthcoming Children's Authors Live events. The next one is with Julia Donaldson on 26th May. I hope you'll all watch it.

If you can't get enough of Michael Rosen...

If you don't already follow Michael Rosen on Twitter Chris and I suggest that you do! He keeps us entertained all day long with his seemingly crazy Tweets about a host of weird and wonderful characters.

@MichaelRosenYes
@scottishbktrust
@meetourauthors

To give you an insight into Michael's Twittosphere