Debbie Perry discusses the book club’s latest chosen books, ‘Look into my Eyes’ by Ruby Redfort and ‘The Graveyard Book’ by Neil Gailman with the Year Six pupils from Harriers Class.

Marden Lodge School in Caterham Valley has joined forces with Caterham Valley Library to launch a new book club called ‘Chatterbooks’ for the Year Six pupils. The club meets at lunchtime once every six weeks when the children discuss the latest books they have been reading, loaned to them by Caterham Valley Library. Teacher, Mrs Debbie Perry, who runs the book club said: “The book club was the children’s idea. When they heard that I belong to a book club they asked if they could start a book club of their own. Caterham Valley Library have helped greatly by giving the children lists of books that enable them to make appropriate selections. They have also allowed the children to select books that have ten or more copies within the library system. The staff at the library are very encouraging because they feel the club is a great initiative.” Library Assistant at Caterham Valley Library, Jane Keynes, said: “Book clubs are good for primary school age children from age 8 to 9 upwards. Oxted Library is the only other library in East Surrey involved with a local school’s book club and we would like to encourage more schools and libraries to start a club.” After reading their books at home, the children take their books along to the book club to share their thoughts about the story and its author with each other. Year Six pupil, Olivia, said: “I think it is a good thing for children to express which authors they like and I would recommend a book club to other schools.” Teachers wanting to start a book club for their pupils can visit Caterham Valley Library for more information.