Simon Bartram's South of Newcastle Tour Day 4

Day 4: Stanford Infant School and West Hove Junior School, Brighton

Bob's second adventure

For World Book Day on Thursday, Simon headed down from London to Brighton and first stop was Stanford Infant School. An alien in underpants met us at reception, and a Shirley Bassey bird took us into the hall. Strange things going on here - we know Brighton has a bit of name for itself but these characters were definitely a little bit different. And they were just the teachers! Inside the hall were over 250 children, all dressed up as their favourite book characters - and it was great to see a fair few astronauts and aliens lurking amongst the Where's Wally's, Alice in Wonderlands and Harry Potters.

After Simon's wonderful and energetic event, the children sang us a lovely song all about opening up a book and seeing what's inside. Very touching and I think the first time we've been sung to.

The children from Stanford Infant School in their alien costumes

Vanessa from The Book Nook in Hove was on hand to help with the book sales as Simon and I looked through some project work on Bob Man on the Moon. I loved the DT work around the patterns on Bob's tank top. There were poems and drawings and even a playground installation. Brilliant work Standford Infants.

Then it was off to West Hove Junior School, where their theme was Shakespeare - so a rather loose connection with astronauts and aliens, but no one seemed to mind. A rather fetching trio of witches met us in reception and we found ourselves in front of another 250 children. Once again their shouts and laughter raised the roof and Simon stayed on to meet parents and talk to the children about his work. They were all so excited with the news of another picture book to look forward to.

More great costumes from West Hove Junior School

Vanessa whisked us back to her charming little bookshop in Hove and Simon valiently read his book to a noisy crowd of children and parents. Prizes were given out to the best dressed aliens (I especially liked the little tinfoil with green spots one) and we said our goodbyes.

Fun and games at the Book Nook

Thanks so much Brighton and Book Nook for making our World Book Day so much fun.