Award-winning author and illustrator Ed Vere is visiting schools in North Ayrshire to speak about tolerance through the power of picture books.

The events feature interactive storytelling and draw-along activities and is part of the Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour, which is sponsored by Scottish Friendly and run by Scottish Book Trust.

His books include the Max series featuring the fearless kitten Max and Banana and Bedtime for Monsters which both encourage readers to think about the themes of friendship, tolerance and sharing.

The tour has previously visited East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire.

Vere stopped off at St Mark's Primary School in Irvine and St Anthony's Primary School in Saltcoats on Thursday before heading to St Winning's Primary School in Kilwinning and St Bridget's Primary School and Early Years in Kilbirnie on Friday.

The author said: "I'm thrilled to be on the road for an exciting week of reading and drawing with children in schools around Scotland."

Scottish Friendly community manager David Strain said: "Ed is certain to deliver powerful and thought-provoking ideas to pupils, as well as inspiring them with his amazing illustrations."

Scottish Book Trust chief executive Marc Lambert said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to meet an author and illustrator whose stories are excellent examples of friendship and tolerance.

"It's also a great chance for the pupils to learn how to draw Ed's well-known characters and create their own stories."