International Storytelling Day
International Storytelling Day 2023
"I'm having tea with a Gruffalo!" - Julia Donaldson
This year, we tried to show that books are for everyone - choosing a popular childhood story and asking people to read it in their mother tongue. We chose The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and people read it in different languages. This was wonderful to hear and see different people joining in of all ages.
International Storytelling Day 2022
Stories are a way to share traditions, celebrations and languages. Many people listen to stories around the world - it is a way we can find common ground and share in something fun. Numerous stories are told in different languages and we don't always get to hear them in our mother tongue. A childhood friend of mine has been reading 'The Hungry Caterpillar' to her daughter. As they now live in Germany, she has learned this story in German, so she can share her love of the book in both languages.
Video from Sarah"Stories are a communal currency of humanity." -Tahir Shah, in Arabian Nights
20th March was International Storytelling Day, so we asked people around the world to read some pages from Patrick, written by Quentin Blake. The story is about a man who goes to buy a violin. When he plays it, something magical happens!
This book shows the power and importance of music in our lives. Music can change people's perspectives and emotions, as well as giving people a chance to communicate through a language barrier. This story clearly and beautifully shows how music can have a positive impact on those around us.
People from 6 different countries got involved in this project. People of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. It was great to see interest and participation in this! Hopefully next year we'll have even better numbers. :-)