Gomer and Rowner Junior School pupils enjoy reading during lockdown with Usborne virtual book fair

Usborne Books would normally host their annual book fair in Gomer Junior School’s library but with lockdown restrictions meaning the majority of children are still at home the school and book company have decided to take the joy of reading into pupils’ homes via the power of social media.

Starting on Wednesday July 8, children will this week be able to find out about different authors and books via interactive live sessions streamed through Facebook. There will also be a competition with children having to spot where the Usborne logo has been hidden during each session. At the end of each stream, pupils can ask questions and place orders for both electronic and hard copy books.

While the school sent pupils into lockdown ‘with at least three books’, the children are looking forward to experiencing the virtual fair.

Year 5 pupil, Harry Chumley, 10, said: ‘I’m looking forward to attending the online book fair. It’s exciting that we will be the first school to host the event.’

The fair is being hosted live from the kitchen of Usborne representative, Emma Bailey.

Emma said: ‘I love being able to bring books to life through fairs to give them a purpose and make themes relatable to children’s daily encounters.

‘I get to do what I love most - work with children, get creative and share the excitement and creativity that encompasses books.’

The book fair has been co-ordinated by school librarian, Maria Kidd, who added: ‘We are really keen to keep our pupils reading throughout this difficult time. We are thrilled with the idea of being the first school to try a virtual book fair.’

While the school library has been closed during lockdown, staff have developed an e-library with an e-book and audio book download system using an app on the Gomer website.

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Year 5 pupil, Lucia Ashton, 10, said: ‘I’ve loved the school e-library. I love reading but have enjoyed the audio option because I can do other things whilst listening in the car or tidying my room.’

Executive headteacher, Georgina Mulhall, commented: ‘Reading is a big part of our learning and it will be a lovely treat for children to have a new book in addition to taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge and accessing our e-library.’

As part of the Gosport and Fareham Multi Academy Trust (GFM), pupils from Rowner Junior School are also taking part in the initiative.

Year 6 pupil, Havery Jenkins, 11, said: ‘I'm really looking forward to the online book fair and I’m especially excited about the competition.’

Classmate, Maisy Kendell ,11, added: ‘The online book fair is going to be really fun because we’ve never had one before and I love reading.’

Mrs Mulhall said the fact it was a joint school project showed ‘at a time we are apart we are still together as a school community’.

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