BookTrust Cymru are launching a new digital hub to help entertain children and families at home and share books, stories and rhymes from some of Wales’s favourite writers, illustrators and storytellers.
BookTrust Cymru HomeTime – AmserGartref BookTrust Cymru will include filmed book readings, rhyme and song sessions, interactive picture books and much more. Authors, illustrators and storytellers from across Wales are contributing their work to help children and families through this difficult time when our schools are closed and normal life is restricted.
BookTrust Cymru HomeTime will shine a light on some of the great talent that we have in Wales and share high quality content in both Welsh and English.
The site will be launching with the Children’s Laureate for Wales, Eloise Williams, reading her book Elen’s Islandchapter by chapter; traditional tales told by storyteller Michael Harvey; ‘how to draw’ sessions from illustrator Huw Aaron; and Elin Meek reading her Welsh adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Billy and the Minpins.
As a special Easter treat, the site will also be featuring a fun interactive storybook version of Every Bunny Dance!/ Pob Un Bwni’n Dawnsio! in English and Welsh.
Families will also be able to find listings of regular activities online, including rhyme time and story time sessions run by local libraries, writing challenges from authors and information about where to find great ideas online to enjoy books, stories and rhymes.
Families can also follow the content on social media by using #BookTrustHomeTime and #AmserGartrefBookTrust.
BookTrust HomeTime Wales – AmserGartref BookTrust Cymru will link to BookTrust’s UK-wide, BookTrust HomeTime hub, which hosts an extraordinary menu of ideas created by leading children’s authors and illustrators, in response to the closure of schools in the UK, all designed to keep children entertained and get them reading through this time of change.
Helen Wales, Head of BookTrust Cymru said:
“Families across the country are adjusting to a temporary new way of living and BookTrust are here to support and build morale in the best way we know how – having fun with books, stories and rhymes! We’re really proud to be hosting this free content hub to share resources, ideas and activities from some of Wales’s amazing writers, illustrators and storytellers.
There’s such a wealth of talent in Wales, in both Welsh and English, and we hope BookTrust Cymru HomeTime will help many more children discover a new favourite.”
Eloise Williams, Children’s Laureate for Wales said:
“Stories give us magic and hope. A laugh or a lift in a time of crisis. An increased sense of empathy and understanding of other’s lives. I’m contributing to BookTrust HomeTime because now, more than ever, we need that feeling of togetherness which stories bring.”
