Award-winning children’s author Trish Cooke will visit the University of Essex Day Nursery on Tuesday 22 November to read to children and give staff her top tips on storytelling techniques.

Trish, who has won the Smarties Book Prize (category 0-5) and the Kurt Maschler Award for her book So Much, specialises in multicultural children’s books and also writes theatre, television, film and radio scripts. She will spend a day at the Nursery holding storytelling sessions with the children, signing and selling books, and working directly with staff.

The event is part of the Nursery’s programme of activities marking Black History Month which has also included a visit from an African drumming group and a celebration of the Hindu festival of light Diwali.

Day Nursery Manager, Elaine Dixon, said: “We are very lucky to have an established team of fully trained staff who build close relationships with every child helping them to feel happy, safe and relaxed by using appropriate learning materials and stimulating toys and activities. However, we are always looking for ways to improve and by drawing on the expertise of people like Trish, our carers can enhance their own skills and understanding.

“Every child enjoys being read to and storytelling is a simple yet vital way of helping them develop at their own pace and build their confidence.”

The University of Essex Day Nursery offers top-quality day care for children aged between three months and five years and is open to members of the public as well as the University community.

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Notes to editors

You are invited to send a photographer/reporter/crew to meet and/or take photographs of Trish Cooke between 2.00pm and 3.00pm at the University of Essex Day Nursery. Please confirm your attendance in advance by contacting the University Communications Office, telephone: 01206 873529 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk.

For further information about Trish Cooke, see: www.trishcooke.co.uk/index.htm.