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Free books from Uber and Puffin!
ANYONE having to deal with World Book Day prep right now? I’m literally printing off (fake) money as I write this for my daughter’s outfit tomorrow..!
Well, to celebrate World Book Day on March 7, Uber has joined forces with Puffin and the National Literacy Trust to launch a free mobile book service.
The idea is aimed at parents rushing home to read their child a bedtime story after new research has shown ‘that 43% of British parents admit that working schedules prevent them from reading a bedtime story with their children’.
The mobile libraries, curated by Puffin and the National Literacy Trust, will see a range of books available in select cars for parents to take home.
They include Charlotte’s Web, Mrs Pepperpot, Goodnight Peter Rabbit, Little Leaders and Wonder.
It’s being trialled in London and Manchester, with 1,000 books available until they run out.
Anything to get parents and children reading together sounds great to me, so it’s definitely a thumbs up from The Media Mummy.
Tom Elvidge, Uber’s UK General Manager said: “We know modern life is busy and getting home for bedtime can be a challenge for many parents. To mark World Book Day, we want to make life just a little bit less stressful and make it easier for families to enjoy some special time together.”
While Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, added: “By encouraging a love of reading at home, parents can help their child develop the language and literacy skills they need to flourish at school and in all areas of their life.
“Amid increasingly busy family lives, research shows that finding just 10 minutes a day to read with your child can make all the difference – whether that’s sharing a story at bedtime, over breakfast or even on the school run.
“We are delighted to support Uber’s campaign; we hope it will succeed in bringing families together and stories to life.”
#Goldilocks – How to talk to your kids about oversharing online
HAVE you ever tried to talk to your children about the dangers of oversharing online?
Well, Vodafone UK and Andersen Press have joined forces to publish a lively retelling of the classic story of Goldilocks, this time giving it the title #Goldilocks A Hashtag Cautionary Tale.
And they haven’t cut any corners, getting among the best in the business to write and illustrate the tale – children’s author Jeanne Willis and celebrated illustrator Tony Willis (Gangsta Granny, Horrid Henry).
The book makes it soo much easier to explain the downfalls of sharing too much on social media and in a totally light-hearted manner.
We were treated to a reading of the story by Jeanne herself at the launch in London at Foyles bookstore. Plus, the children had a chance to take part in a drawing masterclass by Tony which my daughter loved.
My kids are still young and are nowhere close to having their own social media accounts but my eight year old daughter is very aware of things like Facebook and Instagram so it doesn’t hurt to educate her on the dangers.
Research shows nearly half (48%) of children are aware of social media by age seven, according to their parents. Plus a third (33%) say they have used or looked at social media by this age.
Best of all the book is available to download FOR FREE at www.vodafone.co.uk/digitalparenting. The book also marks the launch of Vodafone’s new Digital Parenting website, which is simply billed as a go-to-guide for parents on the latest digital safety and wellbeing issues – something useful to have close to hand in this day and age.
Have you heard about #mylondonphotoproject?
I’M not one for picking up calendars but during one of my – MANY – markets over the Christmas period, I couldn’t resist this one from @cafeartuk 👌🏾
The amazing snaps featured were the result of 100 single use cameras being handed to homeless people or those at risk of homelessness whether through addiction or mental health issues.
It was great to hear about the project so just thought I’d share 😁
You can read more about #mylondonphotoproject on their Instagram page or visit the website www.cafeart.org.uk
Newton Faulkner and Andy Jordan launch RNIB’s See Through Sound Gigs
There’s nothing I hate more than not being able to see clearly – I’m the one who complains if I have to eat in the dark, or I’ll be the one muttering if I can’t see the performers on stage at a concert – I’m definitely a visual kinda gal!
But, this didn’t stop me from heading to the launch of the RNIB’s (Royal National Institute of Blind People’s) See Through Sound gigs, where music lovers are given ‘sim specs’ (glasses that simulate reduced vision) to wear to provide an insight into what it’s like living with sight loss.
With the fabulous Newton Faulkner and former Made In Chelsea alumni Andy Jordan taking to the stage at The Venue in Great Portland Street, while wearing the ‘sim specs’ I had the opportunity to simply focus on the music.
Grabbing a quick chat with Andy following his performance he explained he was supporting the cause as many of his family suffer from eye defects.
Happy to use his musical talents for the RNIB launch, he told me: “I’m just enjoying life. I think I’ve moved away from Made In Chelsea now – I’m just me! Enjoying doing my music – and surfing.”
He even admitted: “I don’t watch MIC – I never did even when I was on it.”
And his thoughts on the recent fallout between former MIC besties Stephanie Pratt and Lucy Watson?
“I didn’t know Stephanie and Lucy had fallen out but to be honest I don’t give a f***. They’ll do whatever they can to get more Twitter followers and Instagram likes.”
Ouch!
Well, concentrating on putting the days of MIC well and truly behind him, Andy will be among performers at the See Through Sound gig at Cadogan Hall on October 14.
Get your ticket at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.cadoganhall.com.