On today’s show I welcomed local author Julie Irwin (aka: J.D. Irwin) into the studio for a chat about her work as a children’s author, school visitor and to tell us about World Book Day.

Born in East Ham, and now based in Leigh-on-Sea, we spoke about her being a “third-generation stammerer” and how it inspired her to write. We discussed the effects this has on youngsters with similar speech difficulties and how writing can encourage creativity.

Julie’s Edwin Spencer book series sees the title character take a journey to another world and, possibly, become a hero by the end of it – all the while having to put up with the class “swot” as a sidekick!

Part 1 : Introduction, having a stammer, the Edwin Spencer books, King of Bling and Nincom-Poop’s Academy.

Part 2 : Visiting schools, the sorts of books that kids like, reading a paper book vs electronic tablet, and the fortcoming World Book Day.

Julie Irwin website … On Twitter @JDIrwinbooks

World Book Day is on the 1st March and is a non-Government charity initiative (partnered with National Book Tokens) which encourages children to enjoy books and their website is bursting with ideas at how to make the event both fun and educational for all youngsters from Nursery, Primary and right up to Secondary school ages.