We also welcome comment about our author visits to schools and libraries. Write in and tell us about the preparation for the visit, about the visit itself and about any follow-up work you might have done. Or send us your thoughts on a book or series of O'Brien books that you have enjoyed. These pages will be updated at regular intervals: keep watching for readers' reviews.

Also available: The Author Speaks

Children from second and third classes, Scoil Plás Mhuire, Dorset Street, Dublin 7, make witches' hats with Mary Carroll from the Pine Forest Arts Centre

Review by Sam, aged 11 on www.giftedkids.ie

Children are given a real chance to participate in developing their own stories and illustrations.

Display panels prepared by pupils of Ss. John Fisher And Thomas More school, Manchester

Oisín McGann (author) and Robbie Kenny (student) write and illustrate a story together, based on a breakout in a monster's prison: Monsters Clink!

Review of the picture book by Hannah, aged 8, from www.giftedkids.ie

Review by Síobhra, age 10, on www.giftedkids.ie

Comments on the book, with pictures of school children enjoying the mad world of Johnny Coffin!

When Karl and Rosa were taken by the soldiers, as seen by their dog, Goldi. By Megan Ní Mhathúna, Rang a Sé, Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch, Baile Munn

A review of Marilyn Taylor's novel. Contains plot description and picks up on the major themes in the book.

On 11 October 2000, Mrs Marilyn Taylor and Bobby Hackworth visited Primary 7 class in Millisle Primary School, Newtownards. They talked to us about Millisle's history and about Marilyn's book, Faraway Home.

Since the introduction of the Revised Curriculum in 1999, many teachers have begun using a novel with their pupils as well as the more traditional 'reader' or textbook. Some teachers have decided not to use 'readers' at all, choosing instead to use novels with their class. Here two pupils from Stratford National School, who used Marilyn Taylor's novel Faraway Home last term, share their thoughts on the advantages of using class novels.

The pupils of St Matthew's National School in Sandymount, Dublin, describe their impressions of Faraway Home by Marilyn Taylor.

Pupils from Stratford National School in Rathgar, Dublin, describe the characters from Faraway Home who made the biggest impression on them.

Commentary on the football match between the Refugee Camp and Millisle Village, by Colman Hanley, pupil at Stratford National School, Dublin.

Quiz: 101 questions and answers on Faraway Home by Tom Hanley, Principal, Stratford National School, Dublin.