The Owl and the Pussy-Cat

Aim

To enable children to explore Edward Lear's Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany and Alphabets in creative and empowering ways.

We are a community group of volunteers who care passionately about children's creative exploration of books. 

Every year, there is a festival - A Town Explores A Book - in the spring school holiday which focuses on a chosen book. This year it is Edward Lear's Nonsense anthology of 1871 which includes the first publication of the nation's favourite children's poem (poll of 2014), The Owl and The Pussy-Cat. 

We want to fundraise so children's art is made and exhibited out on the streets of St Leonards on Sea, on street corners and in every day places. The money raised will fund artists to work with a wide range of school children in local  primary and secondary schools. The artists will engage with schoolchildren in lively and accessible ways and empower all young people to embark on a journey with Edward Lear's wonderful words and images.

Our Crowdfunder gears up to celebrate the 150th anniversary of The Owl and The Pussy-Cat with a brilliant currency exchange. We invite you to swap your tiny polymer Bank of England fiver for a beautiful limited edition blue and pea green Bank of Edward Lear five pound note big enough to wrap up honey and plenty of money.

If you can make a larger donation, the rewards include a special Festival edition of the Nonsense anthology for you - and the opportunity to give copies of the book to children across the town.

By supporting our Crowdfunder you can empower every child to become a joyful and enthusiastic reader.

This project successfully funded on 15th October 2020