An Inspiring Day with Author Éric Simard at the Lycée Français International de Kyoto
As part of this year’s Reading Rally dedicated to science fiction, students from CM1 and CM2 had the opportunity to meet Éric Simard, author of the famous Les Humanimaux series.
The morning began in Mr. Poulain’s classroom, together with Ms. Jeanson, with the CM2 students. The author introduced his literary universe and offered students valuable insights into reading his books. Each title, he explained, is linked to an emotion he experienced during his childhood. He shared his doubts and questions as a student, as well as the importance of daring to express one’s feelings. The students were also able to ask him many questions about his novels, which they are currently reading in class.
Éric Simard then led an original writing workshop: imagining that a new student arrives in the classroom… a Humanimal, half-human and half-animal, who would sit beside them and become their friend. This creative exercise stimulated their imagination while encouraging reflection on difference, tolerance, and friendship.
The author then continued his meetings with the classes of Mr. Gachignard and Ms. Pelladeaud, again accompanied by Ms. Jeanson, following the same guiding theme. Everywhere, students were curious, attentive, and highly enthusiastic, delighted to be able to interact directly with their favorite author.
The CM1 students began writing their own Humanimal stories in a collection that they also illustrated.
The students were thrilled to learn that there might be a future story centered on “l’Enfanteau,” a character who appears in one of his novels.
Following the writing workshop, Éric Simard presented several book covers illustrated by other children.
To conclude these encounters, the author offered a signed dedication and a personalized drawing, a collective keepsake of a moment filled with emotion and inspiration.
A huge thank you to Éric Simard for his visit and for sharing with the students a love of reading, writing, and dreaming.