Virtual School Visit with Iqbal Hussain

Schools are invited to join us (free of charge) online for a very special virtual event author Iqbal Hussain as he introduces his children’s debut The Night I Borrowed Time – an uplifting, funny and at times heartbreaking time travel adventure about family, bravery and living in the here and now.

As part of this 45-minute interactive schools’ event, students will learn about the Pakistani history and culture that has inspired the book, including an introduction to the Partition of India and Pakistan, as well as how Iqbal’s family has inspired the character of Zuibar and his six brothers! There will be time travel creating writing exercises for children to get involved in, as well as a supportive message for any children navigating parents’ divorce or family tensions. Schools will also have the chance to put questions to Iqbal during this special event.

Recommended for Years 4-7

Iqbal Hussain has been writing since he could hold a pencil. As a boy, he churned out Famous Five and Hardy Boy pastiches. In his teens, he appeared on Blockbusters, Countdown and The Crystal Maze. He studied Maths at Bangor University, then worked as a journalist for the Guardian, the Young Telegraph and the children's magazine Aquila. Originally from Blackburn, Lancashire, he lives in north London, by Epping Forest, with his partner and uber-friendly labradoodle. His debut adult novel, Northern Boy, about being a butterfly among the bricks, was published in 2024. The Night I Borrowed Time is his debut children’s novel and will be the first book to publish under Puffin’s new literary imprint Puffin Press.

Waterstones Virtual Author Visits are the perfect opportunity to encourage reading for pleasure, introducing children to new books as well as fabulous author & illustrators, and to help inspire a love of reading even in the most reluctant readers. Taking part will support children’s literacy, creative writing and encourage a love of reading for pleasure.

Taking place on Zoom, this 45-minture webinar session will include a live presentation from the author, giving students the chance to hear about the authors book, career, and experiences. There will also be a chance for children to have their questions answered live during the event!

Often pupils are very inspired to read the author’s book after the event, so we have created a special discount on The Night I Borrowed Time, for school account orders. Schools can save 30% on single copy or a class set by contacting accountsalesinfo@waterstones.com. Copies of the book can also be purchased at £7 (RRP £7.99 – incl. £3 UK postage) using the link below between now and the event on Tuesday 21st January.

Once you register with your email address, you’ll be sent a Zoom link to the webinar.

If you have any questions, please contact events@waterstones.com