A local housing association donated funds to help publish a book of the children’s stories written as part of a literary festival for kids
By Mark Cantrell
A local literary festival in Merseyside fired up the imagination of young minds on and off the page, when it invited children to come up with their own mythical tales.
Young people across Sefton took part in a competition to write modern fairy tales, rewrite classic fables, and create their own stories about fantastic beasts.
The competition was held as part of Bootle Children’s Literary Festival, last month, organised by the charity, YKids.
The organisation has some high ideals: it is dedicated to encouraging kids to believe they can make a difference and change the world. It’s the fourth year it has run the festival for young people in Bootle and North Liverpool; encouraging their interest in stories.
As the charity says on its website: “At Ykids we are passionate about changing the lives of the children in and around Bootle. Education and especially reading, are really important factors in a child’s life. Bootle Children’s Literary Festival is one of the ways we hope to create and champion positive change for young people.”
In 2021, the festival saw 35 schools take part, and 16,500 people participate in author workshops, competitions, book singing, and theatrical performances.
This year, a local housing association – One Vision Housing – provided grant funding from its Community Development Fund to publish stories written by the young authors involved.
YKids published and distributed 800 copies of the resulting book, which included the magical tales created by young authors in Sefton. It was distributed to local schools and community groups.
To celebrate the publication of the book, the child authors were invited to sign copies alongside special guest and acclaimed children’s author Frank Cotrell Boyce.
“We were delighted to work with One Vision Housing to deliver the Bootle Children’s Literary Festival,” said Claire Morgans, a YKids spokesperson. “Thank you for supporting the festival and making the publication possible.”
Ian Mitchell, the housing association’s managing director, added: “As part of The Sovini Group, we are committed to creating opportunities and changing lives. We are thrilled to have supported Bootle Children’s Literary Festival, which supports our vision of a better future by encouraging children to get creative.
“The stories told throughout this book are incredibly imaginative and have been a joy to read – well done to everyone involved.”
MC
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