Fylde coast author inspires Lancashire primary schools during National Year of Reading
Children’s author Matt Davies visited primary schools in Preston and Fylde coast areas, delivering assemblies and interactive workshops through activities based on his published books: ‘Inspector Earwig and The Garden Thief’ (2024) and ‘Beyond The Hive’ (2025).
The children got to hear in person from a local author – who once sat where they now sit in a Lancashire school – understanding why reading is so important and how writing is for all ages, as well as hearing the inspiring message that “anyone can be an author”.
Activities included ‘create your own character’, allowing the children to use their incredible imaginations, fuelled by a fun reminder that, when you’re writing, there are no rules! “The crazier the better” was well and truly embraced, with characters such as rainbow-breathing unicorns and magical, dancing centipedes being created!
Matt ended up working with over 400 children across 4 schools with the goal of encouraging each of them to go and write their own stories. He explained how writing is such an accessible hobby that can be enjoyed anywhere by anyone and how the possibilities are endless.
It was especially important for Matt to visit schools in the area given how proud he is of his Lancashire roots. Matt grew up in Freckleton, attending the village primary school before going to Kirkham Grammar School for GCSEs and A-Levels. During this time, he played rugby for Preston Grasshoppers and was part of Preston Harriers Athletics Club, also representing Lancashire in both sports.
Since the beginning of 2025, Matt has carried out over 20 free school visits around his day job as an IT Consultant. His 2 young children are the inspiration behind his stories and, after deciding to take his writing more seriously, he was longlisted for the 2025 WriteMentor Novel and Picture Book Awards. With the help of his amazing friend and illustrator, Anastasia Wright, the pair have plans to publish a third book in the coming months.
Matt is living proof of the message that he promotes which is that “anyone can be an author”. With 2026 being the National Year of Reading, it is especially important to continue to spread this message, particularly across primary schools.
Matt’s books are available via his website www.mattdaviesauthor.com.
Instagram – @matt.davies.author
Facebook – Matt Davies Author
Who was involved?
Ribbleton Avenue Infant School, Barton St Lawrence Primary, Kirkham Grammar Junior School and Freckleton C of E Primary.
Where and when it happened?
During the week of World Book Day 2026 (5th March)