Author SF Said encourages Thatcham primary pupils at Francis Baily to not give up on dreams

An award-winning author inspired pupils at a Thatcham primary school for its book week.

Author Sabah Falah Al Said, better known as SF Said, signed books, answered questions and spoke to the Francis Baily KS2 pupils about his journey as a reader and writer.

As a child, he was left in awe of Dr Seuss’ Cat in the Hat and now he has his own feline inspired novel.

His new kitten became the inspiration for his now award-winning, book Varjak Paw – a story the pupils study in Year 4.

After five years, draft 17 became the final book, being awarded Gold for the Nestle Smarties Book Prize.

His first two books were met with 80 rejections but that didn’t stop him from chasing his dream.

He told the pupils he still wanted to write a novel for children, one that he would have loved to read as a child.

Commenting on the visit’s success, Francis Baily staff said they had a very memorable day.

They said the children had been fascinated to find out, first-hand, the resilience, aspiration, courage and respect that is needed to be successful writer – all qualities the school instils in its pupils.

He said: “I hope the children enjoyed it as much as I did.

“I thought they were brilliant kids, and it was so nice to see their enthusiasm for reading and books – a tribute to the great work you've clearly been doing in your school.”