Junior Book Club: Tales of Mystery and Magic

Tales of Mystery and Magic proved to be a hit for our recent book club sessions, as we hosted a storytelling spectacular. The book, a collection of short stories, was a nice little change from our standard independent reader books. The group was tasked with reading the collection, choosing their favourite short story and planning to bring the story to life during our session.

So off we stepped into a bewitching world of mystery and magic that awaited us. We met singing elves with magical feet; skeletons that move of their own accord; and a heroic blackbird who outwits a powerful king. Inspired by Master storyteller Hugh Lupton, with his exceptional storytelling we had a fun filled session, full of noise and laughter.

Tales of Mystery and magic is a great book to inspire children to read aloud and understand how they can enhance their storytelling skills and it would also make a great session for parents who are looking to keep older children interested in reading. Our session kicked off with a quick brainstorm on what makes good storytelling and how we can best engage with our audience.

After listening to one tale told by Hugh, on the accompanying audio CD the group were inspired to tell their favourite tales. Everybody had brought their own props but we helped out with a selection of drums, bells, audio clips, plastic bags and general bits and bobs to help create some of the spooky sound effects that the stories conjure up. It was wonderful to see the children getting so involved with their chosen stories and brilliant to see the support given to one and other, as the different reading levels  in the group are embraced. The session ended with the group coming together to share the story of ' The Strange Visitor ', with great repetition and just the right level of scary, it was fun way to bring the group together and end the session. We love book club!

International Book Giving Day 2014

February 14th is, of course, a day of love, romance and gifts. It is also International Book Giving Day, so why not spread a little book love this year and give something that can last a lifetime. International Book Giving Day is aimed at getting new, used and borrowed books into the hands of as many children as possible. The idea was conceived by a 6 year old American boy, who wanted a holiday in which his friends and family gave books to each other. The day has now developed into a 100% grassroots celebration, brought together by enthusiastic volunteers around the world. Book lovers, bloggers, businesses and organisations all over the world will be hosting events and coming up with imaginative ways to celebrate. Think book swaps, fun days, themed play dates, donations to charities or random acts of kindness. If you want to get involved, check out the Book Giving Day website for information and ideas.

Little Scribbles will be hosting a Book Giving Day Event alongside Big You, Little You in Liverpool. We are still ironing out details but there will be a book swap shelf for children and parents, storytelling sessions, book crafts and snacks. We want the session to be free and fun, with a chance to take a new book home to enjoy. As Book Giving day is also about raising awareness to literacy projects across the world, we will also be fund-raising for Book Aid International by taking small donations from those who would like to support the charity. Any books left over on our ' swap shelf ' will be given to local charities.

To add to our on the day fundraising, Little Scribbles will also be donating £1 to Book Aid for every book bought throughout February from either Little Scribbles' Stories or our Barefoot Books ambassador site. Keep your eyes peeled for book reviews and recommendations for books to read on the day, including some great global books that will give children an insight into some of the countries Book Aid support.

International Literacy Day 2013

Today is International Literacy Day. UNESCO have been celebrating literacy on 8th September for the past 40 years to remind the international community that literacy is a human right and the foundation for all learning. This year's International Literacy day is dedicated to " literacies for the 21st century " to highlight the need to realise " basic literacy skills for all " as well as equip everyone with more advanced literacy skills as part of lifelong learning.

Here at Little Scribbles, we are passionate about supporting literacy in our own community but also about giving back to communities around the world. We are are always keen to fundraise for various charities and are great supporters of Book Aid international, a charity that increases access to book and supports literacy, education and development in sub-Sharan Africa. To celebrate International Literacy Day, for every book that is bought over at Little Scribbles' Stories or our Barefoot Books store today and tomorrow, we will donate £1 to Book Aid International. With lots of great stories to choose from, including some lovely African stories, your little one can enjoy a book themselves whilst helping support others.