A class of Auckland schoolkids has learned persistence pays off, after well-known children’s author David Walliams paid a special visit to their class.
The comedian, who’s currently on tour in New Zealand, dropped by Sylvia Park School after receiving dozens of letters from students in Room 6.
Teacher Sarah Gatland told 1News her class was learning about persuasive writing when the idea to write to the celebrity came about.
“We thought, oh, we’ll persuade David Walliams to come to school… Didn’t even think we’d get a response,” she said.
Gatland said she was “ecstatic” when she heard back from Walliams.
“I actually read the email straight to the kids.”
Speaking about his visit, Walliams said: “I knew I was coming to Auckland to do these shows and it wasn’t too far away, so here I am.”
During his visit, Walliams shared stories from his career as an author, actor, and comedian – and read from his most popular novels, including The World’s Worst Children.
Some students were even treated to a signed copy of his latest book, Super Sleuth, a murder mystery set in the 1920s.
Walliams said after decades of writing, it was young readers like the students at Sylvia Park School who kept him motivated.
“These kids know my books, know my characters. It’s a wonderful thing to do,” he said.
“I feel very, very fortunate to have had any success, let alone the kind of crazy success I’ve had with my books.”
Before leaving, he was thanked with a school-wide haka.
“He was just such a nice guy. He’s really lovely,” one student said.
“He’s the best author that I’ve ever seen,” another added.
