I first visited the wonderful Norwegian school in Wimbledon back in 2010 just after the third in my Special Operations series – Wolf Squadron – was published, and I remember meeting a great group of students who loved my Norwegian characters, Finn, Loki and Freya, and who in return educated me about Norwegian life with a really amusing and entertaining film. So when I was invited back this year, I leaped at the chance, and included it in my Daniel Tour (although to be honest I did spend more time talking about my Norwegian characters and stories, and some famous Norwegians who inspired them, than about Daniel).

I am happy to report the school is as wonderful as ever! A Reading Circle of older students had been hard at work reading and discussing Dogfight and their enthusiasm was infectious. They are a remarkable bunch with even many of the younger students tackling books like mine despite English being their second language (or third in the case of one student I met).

A fantastic total of over £100 was raised on the day in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, including the purchase of some copies of Daniel that will be donated to other schools. A huge Thank You to Jenny Jefferis for inviting me, and to all the staff and students.

In case you’re wondering about the school’s logo, above, it shows the tree of knowledge topped by books, and the bird represents the freedom such knowledge brings. The school’s motto is Optimum duo mundi – The best of both worlds.