Story Makers - Sunny and Rainy Days

STORY Makers’ latest project – Sunny and Rainy Days – is drawing to a successful conclusion.

More than 200 children and their families attended a celebration and book-launch at Dukinfield Town Hall when there were lots of activities to enjoy including balloon modelling, meeting snakes and lizards, and a ball pit.

Each child received a published copy of “Happiness is Like the Sunshine” – by award-winning children’s author Caryl Hart and illustrator Andy Rowland – which focused on the sunny and rainy days theme.

The project, which was made possible by funding from Tameside Community Safety Partnership, was organised by Tameside Libraries.

Fun, interactive sessions with Simon the Storyteller began last September and are suitable for children aged four and under. They identify and explore children’s emotions, feelings and anxieties, breaking down barriers through performance, storytelling, singing and games.

Story Makers is held in three libraries – Hyde, Mossley and Stalybridge – with more than 200 families attending. Fifty early years settings and primary schools join in via Zoom adding a further 1,212 children.

Schools also joined Caryl Hart and Andy Rowland on Zoom to celebrate the launch of the new book and participate in a draw-along session.

All children taking part in the project, which ends on Wednesday, May 3, have received a free copy of the book.

A Tameside Council spokesman said: “Story Makers has been a huge success since the first project was launched almost six years ago. Hundreds of unique picture books have been given away in that time, hopefully engendering a life-long love of reading.

“There was a lively and happy atmosphere at the celebration event. Everyone there, both old as well as young, seemed to be really enjoying the attractions and there was a huge demand for autographed copies of ‘Happiness is Like the Sunshine’.”

For more information visit www.tameside.gov.uk/Libraries/Bookstart/StoryMakers