IMAGINATIVE pupils put their creative skills to the test for a poster competition inspired by a book from a Scottish children’s author.

Youngsters from Craigbank Primary School studied Wee Granny’s Magic Bag as a mini-topic at the beginning of term.

Not only did they read the text, they took part in several crafty activities and their work was spotted on Twitter by the author, Elizabeth McKay.

Impressed by their efforts, she agreed to judge a poster competition for the P2/3L class.

The schoolchildren were tasked with predicting what would be in Wee Granny’s magic bag in the next book, Wee Granny’s Magic Bag and the Pirates.

The writer selected the top design and penned them a note praising their illustrations.

Zoe Lindsay, class teacher, said: “The children loved taking part in the poster competition. It really captured their imagination.

“They came up with fab predictions of what might be in Wee Granny's magic bag, including the Ochil Hills, Disneyland, a magic unicorn, a sunset, rainbows, dolphins, butterflies and cake.

“Some of the children chose to work in pairs and trios and they worked really well as a team.”

Eilidh Strachan was over the moon to be chosen as the winner and is now thinking about becoming an illustrator one day.

And the task has motivated the youngsters at the Sauchie school to continue reading and learning.

Ms Lindsay said: “This project has inspired the children to read more widely and has reminded them how much they love their own grannies.

“They went on to choose Gangsta Granny for our class novel.

“For the first few chapters, some of them didn't like the book as they felt the boy was mean about his granny but, fortunately, we have now got to the part where his feelings start to change.

“The children went on to create granny characters of their own – Princess Granny, Swimming Granny, Football Granny and Cake Granny!”

The children have also made a film about their Wee Granny reading journey, working together as production cast and crew, to enter into the First Minister’s Reading Challenge.

Overall, it has been a hugely positive experience for the class.

Ms Lindsay said: “The children are extremely proud that such a talented author noticed their work and they were especially delighted to receive the letter.

“Elizabeth said she loved their ideas and the way they'd all used lovely, bright colours.

“In fact, she was so impressed with the children's work that, as well as giving Eilidh a signed copy of the book, she will also be donating a signed copy for our class library.”