Grade 1s have storytime with children’s author

Kenilworth author Wendy Hammond, 55, read her book, Help! My Mouth’s on Fire!, to Grade 1 pupils at Rosmead Central Primary School, in Claremont, on Friday.

Ms Hammond, 55, has 25 years experience as a teacher and Help! My Mouth’s on Fire! is her first book. It was released in April and is aimed at children aged 4 to 8.

“The protagonist, Sam, is a curious and adventurous preschooler who is looking forward to having supper with his family at his favourite restaurant. He runs into ‘unspeakable’ trouble when he reaches for an unfamiliar bottle of cleaning detergents from the kitchen sink which he mistakes for ‘juice’ and he pours a glass of it and drinks it, then he shrieks and calls his mother,” she said.

“I love the excitement, hope and unlimited beliefs of young children, and I am grateful that I could work with a group of professional individuals to create this storybook for the children.”

Head of the school’s foundation phase, Rihaana Bapoo, said the pupils enjoyed Ms Hammond’s reading.

“It was different and a good experience seeing that it was a story not read by the class teacher.”

Ms Hammond donated her book to the school’s library.

Help!My Mouth’s on Fire! can be purchased at Exclusive Books in Claremont or at the V&A Waterfront. You can also email the author at wendy@thinkandcreate.co.za to request a copy.