Children's author Sue Graves grateful for time studying in Chester as she collects MBE honour

Susan Graves, who in 1973 qualified from Chester Teacher Training College (now the University of Chester), earned the accolade in recognition of writing books for, and teaching children with special educational needs (SEN).

The children’s author has penned more than 400 books by a variety of mainstream publishers under the name of Sue Graves. Included in those titles are many educational titles under different ‘Matters’ series, each featuring an animal having an experience, emotion and/or issue which parents and children can discuss.

Titles in the ‘Behaviour Matters’ series, for example, include Tiger Has a Tantrum – A book about feeling angry, and Zebra Can Cope – A book about resilience. The ‘Experiences Matter’ series features stories such as Little Leopard Learns to Swim, Elephant Has a Brother and Grandpa Sloth Needs Help.

The MBE was announced in the King’s Birthday Honours last year, and recently Sue was proud to be honoured at a ceremony hosted by Prince William at Windsor Castle.

Sue said: “It is thanks to the superb training that I received there that I have been able to enjoy both my teaching and writing careers and hopefully to have helped the many children I have met along the way.

“I have many really happy memories of studying at Chester. First and foremost was the long-lasting friendships I made. However, a really important aspect of my time there was the first-class training I received. The tutors were second to none and I left college feeling well prepared for my life as a teacher.”

For budding writers, Sue said: “I would tell everyone to keep writing. Never to give up and to be prepared to allocate a great deal of time to honing their craft. It is truly time very well spent!”

Sue said the MBE ceremony at Windsor Castle was “such an exciting day” and one she will remember forever, adding: “Thank you once again Chester. I couldn't have done it without you!”