Manifesto for reading by national treasure, Michael Rosen, to launch on inaugural Michael Rosen Day (12 November). A special free-to-attend virtual live event in partnership with literary charity, Read for Good, to be hosted by MC Grammar.
The inaugural Michael Rosen Day - a national celebration aimed at families, schools, nurseries, libraries and the book trade - in celebration of the brilliance of our national treasure, poet and author Michael Rosen, will take place on 12 November 2024.
Launching a manifesto for reading, and more generally celebrating creativity, poetry and reading for pleasure, Michael Rosen Day will be in partnership with literary charity Read for Good.
A free to attend virtual event will be hosted by multi-award-winning teacher turned rapper and viral social media sensation, Jacob Mitchell, aka MC Grammar, at 10am on 12 November. The livestream event will be supported by free downloadable packs of activities that are aimed at children of all ages, and are suitable for use in school, at home and in other settings.
Michael says of the day: ‘I hope this day can be a day when we can celebrate any way in which we can put books into children’s hands!’
MC Grammar adds: “Michael’s words, poems and stories have ignited the imaginations of children all over the world, opening their hearts to the wonder and magic of reading. I am one of those kids, inspired with every word I write or rap, so to be given this role as ambassador is a true honour. I can’t wait to celebrate his incredible adventure with all of you!”
The day will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Michael’s first ever book, and the 35th anniversary of We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.
Michael’s reading manifesto:
1. Reading books helps children make the most of what school and the world offer them.
2. Books give children language, thoughts, ideas and feelings.
3. Books show them places and times and cultures very near and dear to them.
4. Books show them places and times and cultures they may not have come across before.
5. Books help children walk in other people’s shoes, seeing things from someone else’s point of view.
6. Books help children see that they are not alone.
7. We have to do what we can to put books into children’s hands.
8. We have to do what we can to find space and time for children to talk about books.
9. We have to celebrate children’s books.
10. Children’s books are for everyone because we are all children at some time or another.
Jane Winterbotham, MD of Walker Books says: “Stories and poems are at the heart of Walker Books, and Michael Rosen is at the heart of many of the greatest Walker books: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, A Great Big Cuddle, Michael Rosen’s Sad Book, Bananas in My Ears and so many more.
Walker Books is delighted to be launching the inaugural Michael Rosen Day on 12th November as a chance to celebrate the 50 years since Michael’s very first children’s book, and 35 years of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. It will be a day for Michael to share his passion for books with children all over the country, inviting them to pick up a book, to write or perform a poem, and inviting adults too to celebrate books and to put a book into a child’s hands. Because books can change a life.
What better way to encourage a child to pick up a book than through Michael Rosen’s infectious enthusiasm! We wish everyone a joyous Michael Rosen Day!”
And Justine Daniels, CEO Read for Good adds: “Michael Rosen has a long history with Read for Good; his words ‘If you read, the World is yours’ feature on every single Read for Good bookcase in hospitals across the UK, brightening the days of children in hospital with books and stories. We are delighted to be sharing in the Michael Rosen Day festivities - celebrating his passion for the vital role words, stories, rhymes and reading have in helping children and young people thrive in today’s world.”
The details of the Michael Rosen Day live virtual event are as follows:
Michael Rosen hosted by MC Grammar - live for Michael Rosen Day! with Walker Books and Read for Good
10am on Tuesday 12 November – live with Q&A, plus watch later options
You can find the virtual event sign up here: https://storm-virtual-uk.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rXvIJooZQzKnS9KBMoXmJw#/registration
And further information here, including a link to download the free resources: https://www.michaelrosen.co.uk/michaelrosenday/
For further information or to speak to Michael, or MC Grammar, please contact Nina Douglas on [email protected].
For general queries regarding the day, you can also contact project lead Ben O’Donnell on [email protected].