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Walker Books launches inaugural Michael Rosen Day alongside 'manifesto for reading'
Walker Books has announced the launch of the inaugural Michael Rosen Day next month, alongside a "manifesto for reading". The day, which is aimed at families, schools, nurseries, libraries and the book trade, will be in celebration of poet and author Michael Rosen. Michael Rosen day will take place from 10am on 12th November 2024.
It will be a special, free-to-attend virtual live event in partnership with literary charity Read for Good, and will be hosted by MC Grammar (the stage name of award-winning teacher-turned-rapper and social media star, Jacob Mitchell). The day will also coincide with the launch of a manifesto for reading.
The live stream event will be supported by free downloadable packs of activities that are aimed at children of all ages and are suitable for use in school, at home and in other settings.
Rosen said: "I hope this day can be a day when we can celebrate any way in which we can put books into children’s hands!"
MC Grammar added: "Michael’s words, poems and stories have ignited the imaginations of children all over the world, opening their hearts to the wonder and magic of reading. I am one of those kids, inspired with every word I write or rap, so to be given this role as ambassador is a true honour. I can’t wait to celebrate his incredible adventure with all of you!"
The day will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Michael’s first ever book, Mind Your Own Business, and the 35th anniversary of We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.
Michael Rosen’s reading manifesto
1. Reading books helps children make the most of what school and the world offer them
2. Books give children language, thoughts, ideas and feeling
3. Books show them places and times and cultures very near and dear to them
4. Books show them places and times and cultures they may not have come across before
5. Books help children walk in other people’s shoes, seeing things from someone else’s point of view
6. Books help children see that they are not alone
7. We have to do what we can to put books into children’s hands
8. We have to do what we can to find space and time for children to talk about books
9. We have to celebrate children’s books
10. Children’s books are for everyone because we are all children at some time or another
Jane Winterbotham, executive editor at large of Walker Books, said: “Stories and poems are at the heart of Walker Books, and Michael Rosen is at the heart of many of the greatest Walker books: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, A Great Big Cuddle, Michael Rosen’s Sad Book, Bananas in My Ears and so many more."
"It will be a day for Michael to share his passion for books with children all over the country, inviting them to pick up a book, to write or perform a poem, and inviting adults too to celebrate books and to put a book into a child’s hands. Because books can change a life. What better way to encourage a child to pick up a book than through Michael Rosen’s infectious enthusiasm! We wish everyone a joyous Michael Rosen Day!”
Justine Daniels, chief executive officer of Read for Good, added: “Michael Rosen has a long history with Read for Good. His words, ‘if you read, the world is yours’, feature on every single Read for Good bookcase in hospitals across the UK, brightening the days of children in hospital with books and stories. We are delighted to be sharing in the Michael Rosen Day festivities, celebrating his passion for the vital role words, stories, rhymes and reading have in helping children and young people thrive in today’s world.”
You can find the virtual event sign up by clicking here. Further information is available here, including a link to download the free resources.
