NICK BUTTERWORTH AND HIS CREATION Q POOTLE 5 HIGHLIGHT THE MAGIC OF STORYTELLING AND IMAGINATION AT MANCHESTER CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL
Nick Butterworth, the creator of hit CBeebies series Q Pootle 5, will be hosting storytelling sessions at the Manchester Children’s Book Festival Family Fun Day on Saturday, 24 June, as part of the brands latest marketing initiative.
The award-winning children’s author and illustrator will present two sessions. The first will be an interactive storytelling session for the under 5’s and will include fun space tales and live illustration. The second, for the over 5’s, will see Nick bring alive the adventures of some of his favourite creations, including Q Pootle 5 and Percy the Park Keeper, to highlight the magic of storytelling and imagination. There will also be meet and greets with the Q Pootle 5 costume character.
In addition, the event will be supported with social media activity and branded activities will be available to download from http://www.qpootle5.com/.
The Manchester Children’s Book Festival is a Laureate Education project. Its aim is to celebrate children’s books in the city of Manchester through a year-long programme of projects, competitions and workshops in schools and libraries. In addition there is a 10 day programme of events for families, schools and professionals which centres’ around a free Family Fun Day on Saturday, 24 June, at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Commenting on his appearance Nick Butterworth said: “I was very pleased to be invited to Manchester especially at this time. My family on both sides hail from villages in the Bury area (Holcombe Brook and Greenmount!) and I grew up speaking with a Lancashire accent. The view of Holcombe Hill with Peel Tower sitting on top is a hugely emotive sight for me. I’m so looking forward to being at the Manchester Children’s Book Festival. The Festival was created to foster a love of books, storytelling and imagination and I want to connect with families and share the importance of reading and imaginative play for children.”
Kaye Tew, Festival Director for the Manchester Children’s Book Festival adds: “My children were huge fans of Percy the Park Keeper, many moons ago, and I love Nick’s illustrations, so I can’t wait to meet the man behind the books and be introduced to Q Pootle 5 and his friends at our Free Family Fun Day on Saturday 24 June.
Q Pootle 5 is based on the best-selling books by children’s author and illustrator Nick Butterworth and follows the adventures of the friendly little alien and his pals, as they tackle the everyday problems of the final frontier. The series, which is produced by Snapper Productions, animated by Blue Zoo and distributed internationally by ZDF Enterprises, has to-date been sold to over 70 countries worldwide. The brand has also secured a number of licensees in the UK and Germany.