This month, on March 2, it was World Book Day, an annual event which puts the emphasis firmly on children’s books and the importance of reading.
Celebrated in more than 100 countries across the globe, World Book Day gives educators and children the chance to really focus on books and reading.
It aims to promote reading for pleasure, as the event organisers rightly believe that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or income. They want to see more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a life-long habit of reading for pleasure with the improved life chances this brings them. Children also get a small voucher to put towards a book of their choice.
As part of World Book Day, children often get to dress up as a favourite story character – something which causes many parents a moment of angst in case their little angel decides on a particularly complicated (or costly) outfit! We highly recommend that children pick Smee in Peter Pan, as most parents can rustle up a striped top and an eyepatch! But we digress…
At Happydesigner, thanks to the children’s books we’ve designed, illustrated and created for hundreds of authors over the last two decades, we’re steeped in the storybook world, so we understand more than most just how much joy and colour, reading brings to children’s lives.
Not only that, Sarah-Leigh has written and produced books of her own, too. Take a look at ‘Start Today With A Smile’ for instance, or watch out for the Gillie Can series, which is due for a relaunch with fresh new titles later this year. You can read more about Sarah-Leigh and her books here.
We also enjoy collaborating on projects designed to help, educate and entertain children and their families in unique ways. We’re extremely proud of the illustrations and books we have produced in our collaborations with The Elephant’s Trunk and Signing Friends as both of these wonderful projects aim to reach children who might otherwise be marginalised. We have other very special collaborations in the pipeline, too, so watch this space!
To find out a little more about these projects and what else we do (there’s lots and lots!) or to talk to us about your illustrated children’s book project, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Written by Jo Smyth (www.wordworker.co.uk)
