JESSICA Souhami was in great demand after her sell-out show at The Courtyard, Hereford on September 21.

Jessica signed her picture books for the youngsters who had enjoyed her show. In her show the renowned author talked about how stories have been around for thousands of years. Long before printing was invented people were telling each other stories.

It is these traditional tales, handed down from storyteller to storyteller that have always fascinated her. But how do you capture the rhythms of a traditional oral tale between the pages of a printed book? From preliminary research, to preparing a rough layout; from choosing the colour palette, to tips on how to create suspense and excitement, Jessica took children through the process of creating a picture book as she shared some of her own favourite stories.

The Children's Bookshow, an annual tour of children's authors and illustrators from the UK and abroad, brought Jessica to Hereford.

Some schools were also lucky enough to have a free workshop with Jessica including Lugwardine Primary, Bartestree Hereford, Stoke Prior Leominster, Much Marcle Primary, Ledbury, and Pencombe C of E Bromyard.

Children who went to the theatre and took part in a workshop also received their very own copy of Honk, Honk! Hold Tight! to keep.

Further information on the Children's Book Show thechildrensbookshow.com