More than 100 pupils across two Monklands schools received a super-spud-tacular surprise when award-winning author and illustrator Sue Hendra brought the world of Supertato to life.
The visit to New Monkland Primary in Glenmavis and Airdrie's Golfhill Primary featured an interactive storytelling session and creative Supertato-themed activities, inspiring children to explore their imaginations and discover the joy of reading.
National Year of Reading 2026
The visit and Albert Bartlett's Supertato on-pack promotion support the aims of the government's National Year of Reading 2026 programme by encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. The promotion features the superhero potato on packs of Albert Bartlett Red Rooster and Butter Gold potatoes in major UK retailers until October.
Reflecting the programme's message, “If you're into it, read into it”, the visit showed pupils how their favourite characters can leap from the page into their everyday lives. It also highlighted Albert Bartlett's commitment to supporting literacy and its local community.
Author and brand reactions
Sue Hendra, author of Supertato, said: "I was absolutely delighted to be invited up to Monklands; meeting children that enjoy the Supertato books is always such a treat. I love an opportunity to be silly, have fun being creative and celebrate reading for pleasure"
Thomas McInally, senior brand manager at Albert Bartlett, added: "Supertato is a much-loved character across the UK, so it's fantastic to bring Sue and the Supertato fun to our home town. The children had a brilliant time, and so did we; it was great to see reading, creativity and plenty of superhero spirit in the classroom."
On-pack competition
Families can continue the superhero fun at home through Albert Bartlett's on-pack competition, with Supertato-themed prizes up for grabs until early October.
