Joseph Elliott brings monster-hunting fun to Maggie’s Day 2024

Maggie’s Day 2024 welcomed donors, supporters and family members of the fund back to The Story Museum on Thursday 3rd October, for a vibrant celebration of storytelling and creativity. Each year, the event highlights the work of the Maggie Evans Fund, which helps children across Oxfordshire discover the joy of reading and supports projects with schools, particularly those in less affluent areas.

The fund was set up by Maggie’s family to honor her love of books, especially children’s literature. Maggie’s passion for imagination, learning and lively stories inspires the spirit of the fund, which supports The Story Museum’s programmes.

This year’s guest author was Joseph Elliott, known to many children and families from his work on CBeebies’ Swashbuckle and CBBC comedy shows, as well as for his award-winning writing for young readers. Joseph is celebrated for his energetic storytelling style, background in children’s television and his ability to connect with young audiences.

A class attended Maggie’s Day as a Spellbound School participating in the museum’s annual Spellbound Schools programme. Joseph’s session was designed especially for them, giving pupils the chance to hear him talk about his 2024 children’s novel Nora and the Map of Mayhem and take part in a lively, interactive introduction to the story. The novel follows eccentric great-grandmother Nora, a retired monster hunter, and her great-grandchildren Atticus and Autumn and is filled with imaginative creatures, humour and dramatic escapades.

The pupils particularly enjoyed Nora’s Infinity Bag, the magical bottomless bag that appears in the story. Joseph invited them to guess what might be inside, prompting inventive suggestions and plenty of laughter. He also ran other engaging activities including a short quiz about the book. Joseph also shared insights into his childhood and how he became an author, and how these experiences helped shape his approach to writing for young readers.

After the session, the pupils went off to explore the Story Museum’s interactive galleries, rounding off an afternoon that encouraged curiosity, creativity and a love of reading.

Guests at Maggie’s Day heard an update from the Head of Learning, who shared developments across the Spellbound Schools programme and plans for the year ahead to support children who may feel less confident or engaged in reading.

We are grateful for donations of any size to the Maggie Evans Fund, which helps more children experience the joy of reading and take part in creative learning opportunities. If you would like to contribute to the fund’s work, you can make a donation here.