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The Reading Round the World Programme

World Book Day March in 2009 saw the launch of our 'Reading Round the World' programme

World Book Eve

The launch of the 'Reading Round the World' programme kicked off at a World Book Eve event for adults at the Scholastic London offices in Euston in partnership with the Goethe-Institut London and Scholastic. Axel Scheffler and Jutta Bauer came together 'in conversation' with journalist Nicolette Jones.

Conversation topics were diverse and plentiful, including the artists' experiences of the UK and German book publishing industries and examples of German illustrators and writers to look out for.

Jutta Bauer and Axel Sheffler 'In Conversation' © Photo Alexandra Strick

The first four workshops in schools were run by Axel Scheffler (creator of The Gruffalo) and Jutta Bauer (award-winning author and illustrator of titles such as Selma) and were held in Hounslow and Orpington. Over the two days, a total of over 100 delighted children took part in innovative book-themed activities, developing their interest in books from around the world. The two artists created new children's book characters on giant sheets of paper, before involving the children in a fun art-based challenge to create their own characters. The children also enjoyed the opportunity to quiz the two artists, watch a film of them in action and hear readings from their books.

Axel Scheffler, Jutta Bauer, Mary Barry of British Airways with children from Chatsworth Primary School, Hounslow, Middlesex. © Photos Alexandra Strick

The two artists enjoyed the experience as much as the children.

Axel Scheffler said "It was a pleasure to have been involved - and it could not have been a greater success! The children were very responsive, excited and interested, and produced some fantastic and inventive artwork."

Jutta Bauer was equally pleased to have been involved: "I was delighted that Outside In invited me to the UK. It was wonderful to see how much UK children enjoy books from Germany and other countries."

Deborah Hallford, Edgardo Zaghini, Axel Scheffler, Jutta Bauer and children from Year 4 Leesons Primary School Orpington, Kent. © Photo Deborah Hallford

Spain comes to Hounslow and Tunbridge Wells

Spanish author/illustrator Lluís Farré, author of The Grey Boy, took part in four Outside In workshops (in Feltham and Tunbridge Wells) and an event at Waterstone's in Tunbridge Wells. The workshops held in Feltham Library were supported by the British Airways Community Investment Fund.

Lluís Farré with children from Victoria Junior School, Feltham © Photo Alexandra Strick

In these extraordinary workshops, children were exposed to a visual feast of images of Lluís' life and work, following which they learned about the languages of Spanish and Catalan, and worked with Lluís to create characters. Although most of the children were unfamiliar with the concept of Catalan, by the end of the workshop they were positively volunteering to read Lluís' books aloud to the rest of the group -in Catalan!

Lluís Farré with children from St Barnabus CofE School © Photo Alexandra Strick

A taste of Sweden

A taste of Sweden was introduced to children taking part in workshops with Anders Brundin, author of Dudley the Daydreamer when he visited Folkestone Library and the British Airways Community Learning Centre. Children from St. Eanswythes Primary School, (Year 5 and Year 1) at Folkestone Library and Spring Grove Primary School from Isleworth at the BA Community Learning Centre, (Year 4), enjoyed workshop sessions learning Swedish words, hearing about Ander's work and how he created 'Dudley the Daydreamer' and took part in an activity creating their own 'dreams' for Dudley.

Anders Brundin Folkstone Library © Photo Deborah Hallford

Children from St Eanswythes Primary School, Folkstone © Photo Deborah Hallford

Artists and children explore books in the garden of Eden

French author Timothée de Fombelle and translator Sarah Ardizzone entertained children in Cornwall with a unique workshop experience based on their books Toby Alone and Toby and the Secrets of the Tree. The Eden Project was the ideal setting for the green-themed books and after the morning's workshop, children even had the chance to explore its amazing attractions in the Cornish sunshine.

Timothée de Fombelle, Sarah Ardizzone and children at the Eden Project
©Photo Alexandra Strick

Timothée de Fombelle, Michaela Dungate, FAB Cornwall and children at the Eden Project ©Photo Alexandra Strick

The children's event was followed by a London-based 'in conversation' style event for adults run in conjunction with Walker Books and hosted for Outside In World by Nicholas Tucker.

Hounslow children fly off to Thailand

A hundred children from three schools in West London were given a truly multi-sensory experience of Thailand this week thanks to two days of Outside In World workshops at the British Airways Learning Centre with author Jane Vejjajiva.

On arrival, the children checked in and were 'flown' to Thailand on a British Airways plane housed at the Learning Centre. They were greeted by Jane, author of The Happiness of Kati, who introduced them to her work as a writer and the sights, sounds smells and even tastes of Thailand! Film footage, photographs and music were accompanied by the scent of lemongrass and lime leaves, and the chance to taste a range of Thai snacks and dried fruits.

Jane Vejjajiva with children from Harmondsworth Primary School
© Photo Alexandra Strick

The workshops progressed on to an exploration of the book itself, including an exclusive chance to see the trailer for the new Happiness of Kati film. Children were then challenged to identify the secret of happiness, as they took part in a group writing/drawing activity.

Jane Vejjajiva with children from Hounslow Heath Junior School
© Photo Alexandra Strick

So, what did children identify as being the secret of happiness? Their answers were diverse and fascinating, but just a few of the most popular conclusions were family, friends, football, food - and a good future.

Poland comes to Eastbourne and Orpington

Over one hundred children in schools in Eastbourne (supported by East Sussex School Library Service) and Orpington (supported by Orpington Library) were in for a rare treat when Polish author-illustrator Anna Mycek-Wodecki flew into town. Anna introduced the children to her engaging 'Minutka' books (Minutka the Bilingual Dog and Minutka and Friends), drew a giant Minutka and worked with the children to try naming the different parts of the dog in Polish - not to mention as many other languages as the group could come up with. The children demonstrated an impressive vocabulary of words in other languages, as well as a hunger to learn new languages.

Anna Mycek-Wodecki with children from St Thomas a Becket Catholic Junior School
© Photo Alexandra Strick

Pupils then also tried their hands at drawing Minutka themselves, alongside drawings of their own pets and a few imaginary pets (including sharks, worms and winged horses!)

Anna Mycek-Wodecki with children from St Philomena’s Roman Catholic Primary School © Photo Alexandra Strick

Tales from the Lands of the Gauchos and the Vikings arrive in the UK

Award-winning Argentinean writer and illustrator, and creator of the Outside In World colourful logo, Pablo Bernasconi took part in the workshop programme and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Brompton Library was host to an evening event, in partnership with IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People), with Pablo 'In Conversation' with John Dunne. The audience heard how Pablo goes about creating his unique artwork from collecting all sorts of objects, to building intricate models which he photographs before completing the final pictures.

Pablo Bernasconi and John Dunne at Old Brompton Library, London
© Photo Alexandra Strick

Many children were already familiar with Pablo's wonderful book The Wizard, the Ugly and the Book of Shame published by Bloomsbury, but he also brought several of his other books such as Captain Arsenio: Inventions and (Mis) Adventures in Flight (available in English) and many titles in Spanish.

Pablo inspired a group of children, ranging in age from seven to eleven, who visited the British Airways Community Learning Centre when he did a workshop by showing them how he creates his intricate and stunning artwork. The children were then allowed to create their own collage based on Pablo's unique style.

Year 5 children at St. Martin's Garden Primary School near the city of Bath on 3rd September also had the opportunity to enjoy workshops with Pablo and created some wonderful artwork as a result.

Pablo Bernasconi with children from St Martin’s Garden Primary School, Bath
© Photo Alexandra Strick

A Taste of Iceland comes to the UK

Icelandic author, screenwriter and musician Fridrik Erlings visited the Edinburgh International Book Festival before taking part in an evening event hosted by the Embassy of Iceland in partnership with Meadowside Books. Fridrik and Lucy Cuthew, his editor at Meadowside were 'In Conversation' with Nicholas Tucker and focussed on his two novels Benjamin Dove and Fish in the Sky which have both been translated into English.

From left to right - Haukur Ólafsson Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Iceland, Nicholas Tucker, Lucy Cuthew editor at Meadowside Children's Books and Fridrik Erlings. © Photo Alexandra Strick

This was followed by two very interactive days of workshops with Year 8 & 9 students from Heathfield Community College in East Sussex, supported by the East Sussex Library and Information Services, and Eastlea Community School in Newham.
Students interviewed Fridrik about his life and work and were challenged to come up with a slogan for the possible film of his book Fish in the Sky or to take part in a mini master class where they were presented with three different scenarios and asked to write an 'internal monologue'.

Children from East Sussex and Hampshire learn Scribbling can be fun with French illustrator Hervé Tullet

Award-winning French Illustrator Hervé Tullet led three days of exciting workshops in the South East of England, visiting Hastings, Bexhill and Havant.

The first port of call was Little Ridge Primary School in Hastings followed by King Offa Primary School in Bexhill. Both events were supported by the East Sussex Library and Information Services. Hervé then visited Fairfield Infants School in Havant which was supported by the Havant Literary Festival.

Recognised as the 'Prince of Pre-school books' in France, Hervé Tullet's bold, eye-catching and distinctive books have been translated into many languages. The children had great fun learning about Hervé's work through his books and creating their own special 'scribble' artwork under his guidance. (Many of HervéTullet's books are featured on the website)
Artwork from King Offa Primary School, Bexhill

A Taste from the East comes to London with visiting Japanese author Kazumi Yumoto

Japanese author, Kazumi Yumoto and her translator Cathy Hirano took part in two busy days of workshops with students from across London.

The first workshops took place at the British Airways Community Learning Centre, Harmondsworth which was supported by the BA Community Investment Department. Students from Brentford School for Girls had the opportunity to take an imaginary trip to the artists' homeland in Japan where they had a multi-sensory experience through Kazumi's books The Friends and Letters from the Living and learnt about life in Japan, the first Calligraphy of the Year (similar to a New Year's resolution) and enjoyed some tasty Japanese snacks.

Students from Brentford School for Girls with Kazumi Yumoto and Cathy Hirano at the BA Community Learning Centre. © photo Alexandra Strick

In the afternoon Kazumi and Cathy visited Hampton Hill Junior School, Middlesex where they met Years 5 and 6. The children had a particular interest in Japan and had the opportunity to ask Kazumi and Cathy about their lives and took part in a special writing activity.

The final day of workshops was with Year 9 and 10 from Greenford High School, Southall at the Central Library in Ealing and the afternoon with Year 11, 12 and 13 on the school's campus. Both groups of students are studying Japanese and in the second group, in particular, there was a lively exchange between artists and students in Japanese.

Students from Greenford High School, Southall with Kazumi Yumoto and Cathy Hirano at Ealing Central Library. © photo Alexandra Strick

Translated Across the Globe – Sweden to New Zealand

Swedish author Ulf Stark (1944-2017) with his translator and publisher, Julia Marshall from New Zealand were 'In Conversation' with Wendy Cooling (1941-2020) at the Swedish Embassy in London.

An audience of 130 children, librarians and parents from the Chatterbook groups run by the Bromley Library Service took part in a lively event at Bromley Central Library. Ulf talked about his books Can You Whistle, Johanna? and the 'My Friend Percy' series (My Friend Percy's Gym Shoes, My Friend Percy and Buffalo Bill and My Friend Percy and The Sheik) and showed film clips of some of his books and answered questions from the audience.

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