Independent Usborne partner Sarah Coulson organises book fair for Pilmuir Primary School Nursery, Forres
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CHILDREN, staff, parents and guardians at a local school celebrated a national publisher's 50th birthday with a book fair.
Independent Usborne partner, Sarah Coulson, successfully applied to Usborne Books at Home for one of just 50 event packs across the UK to use at Pilmuir Primary School Nursery book fair.
She explained: "I regularly provide events at schools and nurseries to encourage a love of reading but this one was unique as it’s Usborne’s 50th birthday this year.
"All independent partners were given the opportunity to pitch for one of 50 event packs to use with a nursery. I received a golden duck cardboard cut-out, golden duck bunting, stickers with ‘I found the golden duck’ and activity sheets to use."
Sarah started the event by telling the children about why she loves books. Then she discussed Peter Usborne, who started Usborne books when he found out he was going to be a father. Sadly, Peter passed away suddenly aged 85 last month. He was still working the day before he died.
Sarah's visit was 'Poppy and Sam' themed - characters exclusive to Usborne books.
She explained: "With each Poppy and Sam book, readers have to find a little yellow duck on each page. I read ‘Surprise Visitors’ to the children which led into a treasure hunt activity called ‘Find the Golden Duck’. A limited edition duck was hiding in their play area so the children followed clues to different areas of the nursery, in search of the duck.
"The story includes a hot air balloon, which is the Usborne logo. My dress had books and hot air balloons on it, so the children enjoyed spotting those too!
"We then played ‘hook a duck’ and ‘welly throwing’ because Poppy and Sam are usually pictured in welly boots on a farm."
Nursery manager Bev Ashworth confirmed the event was an ideal opportunity to build positive relationships with attending children, families and the community.
She said: "The children thoroughly enjoyed their day of stories and activities. They were very engaged and excited about being read to by Sarah, and of course about finding the duck on each page.
Hook a duck was particularly popular and the children were completely engrossed.
"It is lovely to see them develop early literacy skills whilst having fun, because that is what early learning is all about."
Sarah followed with a book fair for the parents and guardians. To maximise sales, she also made it available on Facebook through her group ‘Pilmuir Nursery Usborne Event’ at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1760188441049743/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=1769222566812997. The nursery can earn up to 60 per cent of free books, depending on total sales from the book fair.
She said: "The adults also had a chance to find the golden duck and win three boxed sets of books, but for them it was via a game of lucky squares!"
Anyone can support the school, by placing an order, making a donation or buying a lucky square. However, to count towards Pilmuir's total, the books and lucky squares must be purchased by midnight tonight (Thursday, April 27).
"The children had lots of fun and the nursery staff seemed happy with the event," said Sarah. "We are looking forward to choosing at least £100 of free books from the sales so far and hope to work together in the future."
