Nottinghamshire pupils join Laura Henry-Allain MBE for storytime event
Pupils from three Nottinghamshire schools enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime Storytime experience with children’s author Laura Henry-Allain MBE, creator of JoJo & Gran Gran, during a special event hosted by TTS Group.
The exclusive event, held at TTS’s Nottinghamshire headquarters during National Storytelling Week, saw 14 local schoolchildren from Dalestorth Primary, Holgate Primary and Flying High Academy Ladybrook take part in an interactive reading of Maya and Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up.
The visit formed part of celebrations marking the 2026 National Year of Reading and ahead of World Book Day on Thursday 5 March 2026.
During the event, pupils listened to Laura read from her book, asked questions about becoming an author, and used their imaginations to create ideas for a brand-new Maya and Marley adventure.
Each child received a specially prepared goody bag of classroom resources, and their schools were presented with signed copies of the book.
Now, to help more children celebrate World Book Day, TTS is making the exclusive Storytime recording available to schools across the UK free of charge.
Schools that register to watch the recording will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a signed copy of Maya and Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up for their classroom library.
Tanya Wilson, Marketing Director at TTS, said: “We understand that reading builds the foundations for learning and we were thrilled to welcome children from local schools and celebrate with Laura Henry-Allain MBE.
"The enthusiasm, engagement and imagination shown on the day was truly inspiring.
“At TTS, our aim is to give every child, every day, a reason to love learning, and we look forward to sharing Laura’s exclusive Storytime recording with schools across the country ahead of World Book Day.”
Laura Henry-Allain MBE added: “I had a wonderful time at the Storytime at TTS event during National Storytelling Week. It was a joy to read to the children and see them develop their own ideas for a new Maya and Marley story.
“As 2026 marks the National Year of Reading, I am passionate about helping children read for pleasure. Understanding that print carries meaning - and that stories can inspire their own ideas - is so important.
"We must do all we can to encourage young people to pick up a book.”
The exclusive Storytime recording will be available to schools free of charge in the lead-up to World Book Day on Thursday, 5th March, 2026.
To access the recording and enter the prize draw, visit https://www.tts-group.co.uk/blog/2026/02/26/enter-our-storytime-competition-to-celebrate-world-book-day.html