National Share-A-Story Month Launches…

Welcome to the first blog of National Share-A-Story Month 2021, a special post from Diane Gaunt, Chair of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups.

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups has been inspiring and encouraging the sharing of stories since its inception in 1965. In 1974 the then Vice Chair, Pat Triggs, instigated a National Tell a Story Week. This developed into Share-a-Story Month in 1998 and has continued to celebrate sharing stories in the widest way possible.

Across the country, the Federation’s Book Groups hold a range of special events from author visits to book readings, craft activities to treasure hunts. The Federation provides a theme and resources to support them- and, of course, lots of groups and schools beyond the Federation join in this celebration.

This year’s theme is Myths, Magic and Mayhem. What a fantastic opportunity to focus on a bit of fun and on other worlds, including those in our imagination- just what we need after over a year of restrictions! It is a wonderfully positive focus to help us to start to rebuild wider reading communities, most of which have been apart during this time.

We are supported in our mission by very generous authors and publishers, who have provided suggested titles, proof copies, prizes for competitions, bookmarks, posters and postcards, all of which groups can share with their members. Head over to our website (https://fcbg.org.uk/national-share-a-story-month/) to see three curated lists of book suggestions to support this year’s theme across different age ranges. Of course, now you can enjoy a trip to your local independent bookshop or local library and dig them out! Groups will be able to download a number of special resources and encourage their members to enter competitions.

There is an amazing competition this year in which three wonderful authors have each supplied a story starter for youngsters to continue. 750 words is all they need to be in with a chance of a fabulous prize! If illustration is more in keeping with your youngsters’ talents, they may like to design a new mythical creature- with very special judge Matty Long…. There is even a chance for librarians to win a prize with their themed display!

Keep an eye out on Twitter, too, for some great giveaways! And our blog programme will follow the theme with some insightful and talented guests. If you have any questions or ideas you would like to share, contact Erin via nssm@fcbg.org.uk or if you would like to join the Federation, we can put you in touch with your nearest group or tell you about a range of other options. Just contact membership@fcbg.org.uk

Whatever you end up doing, we wish you a very happy National Share a Story Month, in which we hope you have great fun bringing children and books together. Let’s hope it is magical, only causing mayhem in a positive way, and leaves you with some legendary stories to tell!