#BooksBeyondWords: Snuggle up with the kids for an online puppet show on Saturday morning

Back by popular demand, Shmeezle will once again grace Books Beyond Words online storytelling event this weekend to help parents and children welcome the easing of some restrictions.

Last week, the adorable puppet had the audience engaged in genuine and hearty laughter.

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National Book Week brings puppet show to Books Beyond Words

Also back this weekend is Martelize Faber who will narrate one of her own stories. Children can also look forward to colouring-in a page from the story and will be able to download and print the picture.

The weekly event hosted by South Africa’s annual reading awareness week, NBW, dedicated to encouraging leisure reading and promoting the importance of books, has been inviting storytellers every weekend since the lockdown began in March for a live event to tell children an interesting story, including from their own books.

NBW is a joint initiative of the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) and The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

“Normal life has been on hold for many adults and children with the former juggling many parenting responsibilities besides working a day job from the kitchen counter or living room. And for many children, despite being at home, the day neither has the semblance of a holiday nor does it feel like a weekend with grandparents,” said Elitha van der Sandt, CEO of the SABDC.

“The online storytelling event was initiated to create an activity where the whole family could be involved in and be absorbed into. The live format of the event helps to take the children?s mind off the current realities and into a safer space where they are free to make friends with new characters every week.”

The puppet show story for this weekend is called Surprise for Freddie and will be presented by Margaret Auerbach and her Spellbound Puppets. The Afrikaans story by Martelize is called Maanpêrels, the children’s story from her short story collection, Al wat ek het, is WOORDE, which is now available on Amazon.

“Most of the activities available online throughout the lockdown centred around books and their positive impact is undeniable. We hope our efforts are helping children feel less alone and gives parents a little respite during this difficult time. Children will inevitably be feeling a little lost in lockdown, missing friends and the outdoors, and stories can be a source of such comfort,” said van der Sandt.

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