A RENOWNED children’s author visited primary school pupils today (Tuesday, November 17), after hearing they had been using one of her novels to learn about parenting.

Award-winning writer, Anne Fine, dropped in to Ingleton C of E Primary School, where children had been given a flour ‘baby’ to look after as part of their science lessons.

About 20 Year 5 and 6 children took part in the two-week project which was based around Fine’s book, Flour Babies.

And the children were so enthusiastic about caring for their bags of flour they even took to changing their nappies, feeding them and making sure they were safe in the school’s ‘crèche’ while they were in lessons.

Class teacher, Leanne Porter, said that although most of the ‘babies’ had now been made into crumbles and pancakes following the end of the experiment; the children were delighted to meet the author who had inspired them so much.

“It’s fabulous. Anne contacted us after seeing the report in the Northern Echo and asked if she could come in and speak to the children and they’ve been so excited,” Mrs Porter said.

“When we talk about the children’s experiences, they were all saying they have enjoyed having them but they realised they weren’t ready to be parents and that’s what it was all about.”

Ms Fine, who also signed copies of her books for the children, said: “It’s lovely when children get involved in a novel and this is a novel that does open their eyes about parenting; I like making children think about the issues around them.”