Staff at Hunting Raven Books in Frome celebrated a James Patterson Grant with balloons and glasses of bubbly.
The American author has pledged £250,000 to independent bookshops across the UK to engage children with books, authors and illustrators. In this, the first of three rounds James Patterson allocated more than £130,000.
Karin Campagna, Hunting Raven’s manager said, “It’s so exciting for us, and the children of Frome and our surrounding villages. We were one of the 73 lucky, nationwide recipients and we feel very honoured.”
Plans are already underway to extend the annual Authors & Books for Children Day to a five-day event in March 2015 and a new initiative of three Rural Roadshows for local village schools.
James Patterson said, “I have been completely overwhelmed by just how many people have applied for the grants and impressed and enthused by the calibre of the applications.
“It’s been a very difficult decision process and I have worked to identify independent bookshops for whom this money may make a difference. I’m excited to follow their progress and see the proposed ideas in action.”
Karin is currently contacting authors, illustrators and local headteachers to discuss the planned events.
