On Tuesday 18 January thousands of children across the country, including 370 from Doncaster, tuned in to an author event celebrating Winnie-the-Pooh day. 1,000 Doncaster children will also be gifted a free book.
The national event featured Jane Riordan, author of Winnie-the-Pooh: Once There Was a Bear, published by HarperCollins division Farshore. Jane took thousands of children back to where it all began as her book, illustrated by Mark Burgess, explores the time when Winnie-the-Pooh was originally purchased for a baby Christopher Robin. All schools attending the event were given access to a brand new activity pack created and generously donated by HarperCollins.
Five of our regional campaigns, including Doncaster Stories, also received 1,000 copies of the children’s classic Winnie-the-Pooh: The Best Bear in all the World. The books are being gifted via local schools, foodbanks, and the children’s ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Doncaster Adult, Family and Community Learning also ran a week of Winnie-the-Pooh workshops across local Family Hubs. Doncaster Stories provided all those who attended with a free book and an activity pack to help support children’s literacy from home.
Families in Doncaster can still join in with celebrations by downloading the Winnie-the-Pooh day activity pack here.
“It was great to see so many Doncaster children take part in the national event as it was an exciting opportunity to meet an author. Lots of us enjoyed Winnie-the-Pooh as a child so this is a story that can bring families together and spark a love of reading among young children today. ”
Phil Sheppard, Senior Project Officer for Doncaster Stories