Magic of books comes alive

Press, 12 April 1988, Page 29

Magic of books comes alive

i With a puff of smoke, a sprinkling of Wizard magic and a teacher’s gentle encouragement, children’s storybook characters come to life, i : !

| Alice in Wonderland, Asterix, the Unicorn from “Puff the Magic Dragon,” a fairy godmother, Bad Jelly the Witch, and Puss in Boots alight from the stage of the St Albans Primary School hall. . [ The 250 pupils! who make up their audience squeal with delight, some not recognising their mothers in disguise. The magic of Book Week has begun. ; The acting deputy principal of the school, Mrs Colleen Young, welcomed pupils, their parents and visitors to the start of the “Hooked on Books” project yesterday. ; ! This year’s reading pro-! motion is aimed at parents as well as their children.

“We want to get parents more involved so that they can become more aware of choosing books — so that they can choose with knowledge,” Mrs

Young said. Six parents who hired costumes from the Children’s Theatre for yesterday’s ceremony had obviously decided It was their turn to have!a slice' of, the fun. i.. J 1 However, the Wizard stole the show when he cast a spell i declaring the Book Week open, and confessed to being “hooked on books" himself. “To me every book you read is a spell — you can pick up a! book in a library or shop and see the magic in it." The Wizard advised the children that while it was important to read and learn school work, they should also have time left for play.

During Book Week at St Albans School, the pupils will visit different libraries throughout Christchurch and have guest readers : tell them stories.

An “In the Bag” show will be held on Thursday when children will compete for book prizes and the “library bag."