On Tuesday 18 January thousands of children across the country, including 1,086 from 18 Peterborough schools, tuned in to an author event celebrating Winnie-the-Pooh day. Hundreds more attended an outdoor event in Ferry Meadows for a morning of sensory play, book gifting and literacy activities.
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 Peterborough Reads, also received 1,000 copies of the children’s classic Winnie-the-Pooh: The Best Bear in all the World. 230 of them were gifted to families and childminders at Ferry Meadows, where Peterborough Reads staff hosted scavenger hunts, sensory play, and gave out activity packs to help support the learning of little ones at home. The remaining books will be donated to local schools and children’s centres to ensure they go straight to the children who need them most.
Families in Peterborough can still join in with celebrations by downloading the Winnie-the-Pooh day activity pack here.
: “We had an amazing turnout for Winnie-the-Pooh day on Tuesday and it was great to see so many families brave the cold in the name of literacy! We talked to hundreds of parents and caregivers about simple ways they can support their child’s literacy at home to help make them happy and be ready for school.”
Sally Atkinson, Manager for Peterborough Reads