Excited children had a go at creating their own story when a famous author came to town.

Children from primary schools in Borehamwood and Year 7s from Hertswood Academy and Yavneh College, packed the Ark Theatre in Borehamwood for a talk by writer Emily Gravett.

Her book The Rabbit Problem is at the centre of a week of events called Words in the 'Wood, linked with World Book Day on Thursday.

Children listened rapt as the author described, with the help of interactive illustrations, her path from drawing as a child to becoming one of the authors chosen to headline World Book Day.

The award-winning author and illustrator then helped the children to write their own story about the strange things tasted by a small child and her alien friend, sketching words and illustrations based on their suggestions.

The aim of the week is to celebrate the joy of reading and to raise the profile of both literacy and numeracy.

Hertswood Academy teacher Laura Edgar, who helps co-ordinate the week, said: “We chose The Rabbit Problem because it fits both our literacy and numeracy aims.

“We invited Emily to launch proceedings by offering her a papier mache carrot on a stick. She is incredibly busy and we are very fortunate indeed to have her here.

“She is wonderful with the children, there was a healthy buzz all the way through as they became fully involved in writing the story. I think the children will remember this day for a long time to come.”

Ms Gravett said she was delighted at the way the children had become fully involved in the session and at the imagination they had shown.

She said: “My aim is to encourage children to read for pleasure and show them how books can transport them into another life.”

Throughout the rest of the week, the children will be creating art work based on The Rabbit Problem, which shows how an expanding rabbit family, living in Fibonacci's Field, survives the year.

The children's work will be exhibited at 96 Shenley Road from March 18 to 20.