Children's author Nicholas Allen visits Grafton School

Children’s author and magician Nicholas Allen visited Grafton School last week and spent the day encouraging children under 4-years-old to explore books and improve their reading skills.

The children were particularly impressed with Mr Allen’s story about ‘The Queen’s Knickers’, which was accompanied by a series of brightly coloured garments that magically changed shape and colour as the story progressed.

Mr Allen gave a special performance in front of the children and their parents/carers and presented every reception age child with a ‘treasure chest’ box, provided through Islington SureStart. The packs contain reading materials and activities and are designed to encourage children to read books and collect their favourite stories.

The packs are part of a national literacy campaign called Bookstart, aimed at children aged 36-48 months and contain:

  • Treasure Box with a secret compartment

  • A colourful plastic carrier bag

  • Two picture books

  • 'Treasure' - a book of ideas. A guidance leaflet which focuses on early language and listening skills.

  • A fiction and non-fiction book list for children and their parents, including information on how to access books on specific subjects, such as divorce and bereavement

  • A set of 'Bookplates' – colourfully illustrated stickers for children to place in their books, saying 'This book belongs to … ' encouraging children to build their own book collection

  • A pack of coloured pencils

  • Barrel pencil sharpener

  • An A4 colouring pad

  • The pack has the 'Supported by Sure Start' logo

For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department:

Louise Trewavas
T: 020 7527 5826
E: louise.trewavas.cea@islington.gov.uk
Caroline Rowe
T: 020 7527 5545
E: caroline.rowe.cea@islington.gov.uk

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