Booktime in Thurrock produced a play to bring the story book to life for reception children at 31 schools

What did they do?

• A team of librarians visited 31 schools to present a play about the sloth and his animal friends going to the library
• The librarians used rainforest animal puppets to help them act the play out
• The children were all given their packs and were encouraged to read along. Librarians emphasised to children that the book was theirs to keep and take home to show their parents
• Parents were also invited to attend the sessions

Why does it work?

• Makes a special, memorable gifting event for schools
• Coming up with a set session plan for a Booktime bookgifting event makes it easier to visit lots of schools
• Inviting parents strengthens Booktime’s family reading messages

How can we do it?

• Librarians can work together to develop a bookgifting session idea, which can be delivered in schools across the authority
• Invitations and posters promoting the events can be developed centrally, and provided to branch libraries and schools
• Going directly into schools can be easier for teachers than arranging class visits to libraries: this could help engage with schools