Illustrator Jim Kay talked about his work on the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: Illustrated Edition and the exciting moment he got the call to say J K Rowling wanted him to create the book.

He also spoke about his involvement in a number of hit televisions shows, including the BBC’s Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell series, and being on the set of A Monster Calls with Liam Neeson.

CBA Librarian Amy McKay said: “Jim talked about his career and working on A Monster Calls for which he won the Kate Greenaway Medal. 

“The film of A Monster Calls will come out next year and he created the concept art for the movie and was on set with Liam Neeson.

“He also told us about the moment his agent rang and asked if he was sitting down because J K Rowling wanted him to do an illustrated Harry Potter book.

“He talked about the research that went into the illustrations and the fact he wants an illustration of his dog in all the books and he had based the illustration of Harry Potter’s friend Hermione on his niece.”

Mr Kay, of Kettering, also shared tips with the students about the techniques he uses to create certain effects.

Before he left he signed about 100 books and pieces of artwork for the students and even stayed behind after they had gone home to make sure everyone got something.

Miss McKay added: “We are so grateful that Jim came to see us. We can’t thank him enough.”

More than 70 students from CBA and its fellow Brooke Weston Trust schools, Corby Technical School, Kettering Science Academy and Brooke Weston Academy, attended the event on Tuesday 1^st December.