Youngsters were inspired to start reading by an extra special guest in Islington Central Library today.
The Duchess of Cornwall visited the library, off Holloway Road, to give an exclusive first reading of a new book and meet pupils.
The rhyming-friendly book, Bear’s Reading Adventure, has been released by the Book Trust charity to encourage reading from an early age.
Camilla read it aloud to nursery pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School, in Georges Road, Holloway.
After each pupil listened intently, they were rewarded with stickers and free copies of the book.
As the class posed for photos, one boy burst into tears, prompting the Duchess to place a comforting arm around his shoulders.
Camilla, known for campaigning about the importance of reading from a young age, then met Year 3 and 4 pupils from Laycock Primary School, in Laycock Street, Barnsbury, and Year 5s from Pakeman Primary School, in Hornsey Road, Holloway.
She heard about their “Chatterbooks” reading clubs, and Sue Davies, head of year at Pakeman, said: “She was very knowledgable, and genuinely interested in the books the children were reading.
“I think they really enjoyed meeting her.”
Before leaving, Camilla joined Islington’s Baby Bounce club to sing nursery rhymes including One, Two, Three, Four, Five.
The club aims to introduce toddlers to learning, and meets every Wednesday and Thursday.
Highbury mum Sylvia Pereira, 34, who sat next to the Duchess with one-year-old son Liam, said: “It’s really good that she supported us. And it was a really interesting visitor!”
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