Local Children's Author to Visit Acton Gardens Primary
Children's artwork incorporated into Mr Whiskers – The Mischievous Cat
Pages from Mr Whiskers - The Mischievous Cat
November 5, 2026
Pupils at Acton Gardens Primary School are set to receive a special visit from local author and filmmaker Lauren Lorenzo later this month, as she returns to celebrate the publication of her new children's book Mr Whiskers – The Mischievous Cat.
Lauren, who lives in Shepherd’s Bush, will visit the school on 30 November to read from the newly released book, present prizes to the winners of a school drawing competition and take part in interactive educational activities with pupils. The visit marks the culmination of a project that has given local children a unique opportunity to become part of a published story.
Last year, pupils at the school were invited to imagine what the mischievous feline hero, Mr Whiskers, might look like and submit their own illustrations. According to Lauren, the standard of entries was so impressive that several winning drawings have now been incorporated into the finished book, creating a lasting legacy for the young artists.
"The children showed incredible creativity," she said. "Including their artwork in the published book gives them a permanent connection to the story and something they can look back on for years to come."
The school visit will include a reading from one of the book's chapters, the presentation of competition prizes and a discussion with pupils about storytelling, creativity and how books are brought to life. Lauren also plans to explain the journey from an initial idea through to publication, offering children an insight into the writing and publishing process.
The winning entries from the Acton Gardens Primary School children
The author is offering free visits to local schools to read from Mr Whiskers – The Mischievous Cat and her earlier children's book, Whispering Woods.
Whispering Woods follows the adventures of Finn the Fox, who leaves the city and discovers a magical woodland inhabited by a group of new friends. Through themes of friendship, bravery, teamwork and environmental responsibility, the story aims to engage young readers while promoting positive values.
Lauren believes meeting authors can play an important role in inspiring children to read and create stories of their own.
"As a local author, I feel strongly that children should have opportunities to meet writers and discover that books are created by real people," she said. "Hopefully it encourages some of them to pick up a book, start writing, or use their imagination in new ways."
The forthcoming event will also shine a light on the work of teachers at Acton Gardens Primary School, where staff have supported pupils throughout the competition and helped foster their enthusiasm for reading and creative expression.
Lauren Lorenzo is currently available to visit schools across the area free of charge to deliver readings, discuss creative writing and speak about the publishing process. Schools interested in taking part can contact the author directly for further information.
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