And the avid bookworms took away a copy of a children’s classic in the latest phase of a town-wide literacy drive.
Early Years Foundation Stage Lead Emma Enderwick had her audience at Sunnyside Academy enthralled as she read from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo.
And the young readers each took home a copy of the book from a total of more than 1,700 given away to children at 37 primary schools across the town.
The giveaway was made possible thanks to a partnership between the National Literacy Trust, WH Smith and Macmillan Children’s Books to make The Gruffalo’s 25th anniversary.
Research shows that one in 12 children aged eight to 18 in the north east say they don’t have a book of their own at home, while up to one in three parents admit to buying fewer books for their children due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Emma said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the NLT and their partners for gifting our children a copy of The Gruffalo - it is an absolute masterpiece, which the children and I adore!
“At Sunnyside, we’re passionate about nurturing a lifelong love of reading, which is why The Gruffalo features proudly on our list of recommended reads for our Reception class.
“Thank you, and as I always say, you can never have too many books!”
National Literacy Trust in Middlesbrough Manager Allison Potter said: “It’s so important that we get more children reading because children who have access to books are more likely to enjoy reading.
“And when children enjoy reading, it changes everything - from school attainment to confidence and overall wellbeing.
“Where better to start a young person’s reading journey than with a classic like The Gruffalo, so it’s exciting to think this wonderful book will now be in homes across Middlesbrough for this and future generations to enjoy.”
Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Education & Culture, added: “There’s nothing more magical for young minds than a brilliant story with fantastic illustrations, and there are few better examples than The Gruffalo.
“Thanks to the National Literacy Trust, WH Smith and Macmillan Children’s Books that joy is being shared with thousands of children – and their parents and carers – across Middlesbrough.
“It’s truly something that money can’t buy, and the gift of reading is one that keeps on giving throughout childhood and beyond.”
