Bookstart Bear’s picnic in Springfield Park

Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Springfield Park

Join in National Bookstart Week 2015 with Bookstart Bear’s picnic in Springfield Park.

Children up to four years old, with their parents or carers, can bring along a picnic from 12pm to 2pm on Thursday 11 June and enjoy free activities, including story-time with songs, rhymes and games, jungle animal crafts and a fire engine. A miniature train will also be available for rides around the park.

The event is a good way for parents to get into the habit of sharing stories, books and rhymes every day and shows children that reading is a fun activity that helps them bond with family, understand their world and get ready for school and beyond.

Councillor Daalat Ali, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “The Bookstart programme is a brilliant way for children to start reading and to develop a love of books. 

"Previous picnics have been fantastic fun and I hope as many families as possible will dress up in jungle costumes, bring their favourite picnic food and get involved in National Bookstart Week.”

This year’s theme, Jungle Adventures, is based on Giles Andreae’s beloved picture book Rumble in the Jungle. A free special mini edition of the book will be given away to every child who attends the picnic.