BookTrust gives away over 50,000 copies of picture book My Pet Star to help families during lockdown

Published on: 14 May 2020

Photo: My Pet Star author Corrinne Averiss. Illustration by Rosalind Beardshaw.

BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity is giving away free copies of the charming children’s book My Pet Star by Corrinne Averiss and Rosalind Beardshaw (Orchard Books/Hachette) to libraries, foodbanks, children’s centres and refuge centres as part of its Pyjamarama campaign.

On 1 May, families across the nation donned their PJs and joined a host of the UK’s best-loved authors, illustrators and well-known faces, featuring the likes of Floella Benjamin, Cressida Cowell and Candy Gourlay, for an online festival of stories, drawing, crosswords, interactive dance sessions and more.  The proceeds from Pyjamarama are helping BookTrust get copies of My Pet Star to families in need.

Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust, said: "Our recent research showed that during lockdown, 22% of families are not doing any home education with their children and 14% of parents are not reading with their children at all. Reading together isn’t just about improving educational outcomes, it also increases confidence, improves social skills, builds resilience, and helps open up conversations on difficult issues.

With schools closed, reading together has never been more important, which is why BookTrust is trying to reach as many families as possible, especially those who are more vulnerable or who may not have access to books right now. It’s our mission to make sure that no child misses out on the life changing benefits of a bedtime story.”

In addition to distributing copies of My Pet Star, BookTrust is providing extra reading support for communities, dedicating Thursday 14 May as a special feature day for the book on its social channels and website.  On the day, BookTrust will share a reading from the author, Corrinne Averriss, arranged by Stockport Libraries, and provide links to rhymes and other activities linked to the book. The illustrator, Rosalind Beardshaw has also created a lovely drawing lesson for children to celebrate which will be on BookTrust’s website - all you need to join in is a pencil or pen and a piece of paper!

Author of My Pet Star, Corrinne Averiss said: “Ros and I are thrilled that My Pet Star has been chosen to be part of BookTrust’s Pyjamarama campaign!  Most books play it cool on the shelf and wait to be found but, thanks to BookTrust, some stories fall straight into your arms, just like My Pet Star. We hope our story will be equally cherished.”

Click here to make a donation to BookTrust’s Pyjamarama campaign or find out more about the work BookTrust does to help support families on their reading journey.

 

Download the press release