Local families are set for a morning full of fun as Frome Library invites the community to join together and celebrate ‘Pyjamarama’, BookTrust’s inaugural celebration aimed at getting more children reading, on Friday 7th June.
Families can expect to see stories, rhymes and fun activities at 11am to inspire families to have fun reading together, anywhere and anytime, and to share the magic of books. Families are encouraged to wear pyjamas and/or bring teddy bears to join in Library’s ‘Pyjamarama’-themed Toddler Time.
As part of Pyjamarama (Monday 3rd – Friday 7th June), BookTrust is working with Somerset Libraries and other community partners to ensure as many children as possible have their very own story to read before bed.
BookTrust says, “Over 1 in 4 children in the UK aged between 0 and 5 are not read to regularly. This means over 1.4 million children are missing out on the vital benefits of regular reading in the early years – it’s our job to make sure every child has an equal opportunity to have a bedtime story.
“To help, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity is giving out over 450,000 free copies of the picture book Car, Car, Truck, Jeep by Katrina Charman and Nick Sharratt (Bloomsbury Children’s Books) at libraries, children’s centres and foodbanks across the UK who are getting involved with Pyjamarama-themed events happening throughout the week.”
Sue Crowley at Somerset County Council said, “Reading a bedtime story together can be an important bonding experience for parents and carers to share with their children and helps children grow their love of reading from their earliest years, Somerset Libraries are delighted to be involved in celebrating our first Pyjamarama!”
Diana Gerald, chief executive of BookTrust said, “We are thrilled that so many children will receive a copy of Car, Car, Truck Jeep and join the festivities for BookTrust’s first ever Pyjamarama celebration. It’s so important for parents and carers to find the time to read with their children and introduce their little one to the magical world of books.
“Reading for pleasure has a dramatic effect on many life outcomes for children such as their wellbeing, confidence, creativity and educational achievements. Quite simply, those children who read for pleasure are more likely to be happier, healthier and do better in life than those who don’t.”
On Friday 7th June, schools, nurseries and workplaces will also join the fun by putting on their PJs and donating £1 to BookTrust so that no child misses out on a bedtime story. If families are unable to make it along, they can join in the fun at home, with plenty of PJ-themed arts and crafts at booktrust. org.uk/pyjama rama-books/
