#ReadMCR is collaborating with local children’s book illustrator, Ian Morris to bring stories to Wythenshawe Park. Ian will be designing a family Walk and Talk trail around the park which will be unveiled during the October half term holiday.   

Ian Morris drawing with families around

A book giveaway event was held in August in order to chat with local people about what they would like to see in a family trail. Ideas ranged from incorporating bug hunting and tree identification into the trail, to revealing characters at different points on the map. Ian will use these ideas to design the trail which will see families guided around the park by following the story on several posts dotted around the park. The trail will end with a Little Free Library where families can select a free book to take home with them. At the August consultation event, 227 books were given to families visiting the park on the day. 

Ian Morris Drawing on a flip chart with two children watching.
Flip chart illustration with books, witches, waves and dinosaurs.

Ian is the illustrator of The Library Book, written by Gabby Dawnay and published by Thames & Hudson Ltd. It is his debut picture book and it’s sure to become a firm favourite with families!  

Zach isn’t convinced that books are for him – they’re too long, they’re boring and he would rather watch TV. But thanks to his friend Ro’s stubborn efforts, Zach falls for books hook, line and sinker, and loses himself in a world of dinosaurs, princesses, pirates, football and rocket ships – anything and everything the library has to offer.

The library book by Gabby Dawnay front cover.

The Walk and Talk Trail has been generously funded by Mantec Engineering and is part of Read Manchester’s targeted work in Wythenshawe.  Read Manchester is a partnership from Manchester City Council and The National Literacy Trust to raise literacy through reading for pleasure. 

Find more about Little Free Libraries in South Manchester or view a map of their locations.