Hello!
Thank you for arriving at my fundraising page for this Summer's 2024 Look for a Book in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
Who is behind Look for a Book Hatfield?
I am Katie, a Mum to 3 children and an independent Usborne partner. I live and work in Hatfield and am passionate about children's literacy, especially given the continued challenges to children's reading ability stemming from the disruption to education as a result of COVID-19.
Why am I running this project?
I work with schools and families to promote children's literacy and the Summer is particularly problematic as children do not tend to read as frequently as they do in term time and their reading ability drops - referred to as the "Summer Slide". Experts believe that up to 2 months worth of a child's reading skills can be lost over the summer.
To encourage children to keep picking books up during their time away from education, I will be running a Book Treasure Hunt in Hatfield throughout the Summer holidays which is a fun way to get children out in the fresh air, getting them off their screens, and getting a bit of exercise too!
How does it work?
I will be hiding books for the children to find, and clues will be given out on social media. The child who finds the book, takes it home to read and then re-hides it if they wish or keep it.
The Treasure Hunt is not for profit, and all of the books I am supplying for sponsorship will be at cost. It will be me using my own time to hide the books to simply spread some book love over the school holidays. I will be funding the packs for the books to be hidden in, to protect them from the British Weather and any printing costs associated with the project.
Each book will have a book plate in it - identifying the individual or business who has donated the book - if you would prefer to be anonymous that is absolutely fine too. Your books would go into many households, and it would be some lovely recognition for you or advertising for your business. Businesses will also be promoted on The Reading Railway Facebook page where I will be posting the clues.
How can I help?
I will be hiding a variety of books suitable for children up to 13 years. From traditional tales and phonic readers, to our popular middle-grade fiction from our Unipiggle and Billy and the Mini Monster series to our thought provoking fiction for those aged 10+. I am aiming to hide over 300 books across the summer - 50 per week.
As I want to support the older age group too - the inclusion of chapter books means the average price of a book for the hunt is £1.53. Any support towards the target of £520 (includes card processing fees charged by Crowdfunder 2.4%+20p) is much appreciated. You can choose to sponsor 1 book or make a donation towards the target amount. I will then make sure your book plates are added to the appropriate number of books. Should you wish to make the donation by Bank Transfer or via invoice, please get in touch - [email protected].