A Magical Morning with Author Sangu Mandanna

On Tuesday March 10^th, the Prep School teamed up with Waterstones Bookshop in Norwich to hold an author event. This event accompanied our very successful World Book Day celebrations the week before. We were delighted to welcome the accomplished author, Sangu Mandanna, to speak with our younger pupils about her new fantasy novel, ‘Vanya and the Wild Hunt’ which is the Waterstones ‘Book of the Month’ and a clear bestseller.

Fireborn meets Greenwild in this enchanting magical adventure about a neurodivergent heroine, a mysterious school, and a world of magical creatures, inspired by Indian mythology and British folklore. This book is recommended for fans of the Rick Riordan and the Skandar series.

A Brief Synopsis of the Book

Eleven-year-old Vanya Vallen can talk to books. But more importantly, the books talk back. When her family is attacked by a monster she believed only existed in legends, Vanya discovers that her parents have been keeping secrets, and that monsters do exist. Soon, she is whisked off to the enchanted school of Auramere, where she joins the ranks of archwitches and archivists. Auramere is full of magic . . . and monsters. And the Wild Hunt is on the prowl. It’s up to Vanya to unmask its leader and stop them from destroying the only place she’s ever truly belonged.

An Interactive Session for Prep School Pupils

In this event, for Years 3-6, Sangu talked about the book, neurodiversity and her writing life, and there was also an interactive creative task all about idea generation and planning stories, where pupils were tasked with writing about, and sketching, their favourite monster or creature from mythology. There was then a Q&A session where the children asked some very insightful and mature questions. At the end, some pupils were able to purchase her new book and get it signed by the author.

It was lovely to hold the session in our new Wensum Room and the School Library. The event was a great success and the children were extremely focused and enthusiastic throughout. Many were inspired by her comments and they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Such opportunities like this are integral to school life, supporting our belief that reading strengthens curiosity, empathy and academic growth. Read more why we believe reading is one of the most transformative gifts we can give a child.