Doncaster’s Great Green Read is back for another year, bringing storytelling to life and encouraging children across the city to celebrate British Wildlife and the many ways we can help protect it.
Developed by the National Literacy Trust in Doncaster, the festival is packed with events and activities that help children to develop their literacy skills whilst understanding the world around them. From insects and invertebrates to badgers and birds, children will discover how they can use literacy skills to creatively change the world around them.
Launching on 2nd October, the festival kicks off with a storytelling event at Potteric Carr Nature Reserve led by author and illustrator Paul Morton, known for the Bug Belly the Frog books. Other highlights include virtual events with authors of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction:
- Ade Adepitan, TV presenter, Paralympic medallist, and climate champion, launching Neil Griffith's new book, Seanna the Seahorse and Friends: The Secret Garden Under the Sea, published by Zurich, Tuesday 3 October, 9:30am
- Jackie Morris, the talented illustrator behind the phenomenal children’s book, The Lost Words on 17 October, 10am
- MG Leonard, the bestselling author of The Ice Children and the Twitch series on 6 November, 10am
- Nicola Davies, zoologist and author of The Magic of Flight and One World: 24 hours on Planet Earth, on 17 November, 9:30am
Schools are also invited to take part in a creative writing competition, the Great Green Escape. Entrants will develop a story based on the world of our local wildlife for the chance to win £750 to put towards their own Eco Zone. This prize is generously donated by The Rotary in Doncaster.
In the community
A series of family-friendly events will also take place in Doncaster parks across October and November. Hosted by local volunteers, there will be storytelling sessions and Look for a Book events, as well as a Wild Words challenge inviting children to collect a word for each event they attend. Three Wild Words can be submitted to receive a free book. Families will also take home fun and free activities to help their children to continue developing their literacy skills.
Find out more about the Wild Words challenge, and download the activity sheet here.
Phil Sheppard, Hub Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Doncaster, said, “We know that having strong literacy skills can change a child’s life; helping them do well in school, opening up job opportunities in the future, as well as improving their physical and mental wellbeing.
“The Great Green Read combines the benefits of reading with the great outdoors. Every year, it inspires children to learn more about the environment, and discover creative ways to use their words to make an impact.”
Make sure to follow The National Literacy Trust in Doncaster on Facebook to keep up with the Great Green Read and all of our other local events and activities!