Faraway Friends: Robyn Robin Flies to France - Children's Book Launch

I'm really excited to announce the publication of my first bilingual children's book, which I wrote and illustrated for European Movement UK. The book is part of our campaign to foster the European values of cross-border friendship and exchange as well as the importance of modern languages education. We will be using it as part of toolkit to promote international exchange opportunities for young people such as ERASMUS+ and the proposed Youth Experience Scheme.

The story is written in English, in rhyme, with key words translated into French, illustrated with watercolour paintings. It tells the tale of a young robin who makes a journey across the sea to meet their French pen pal, enjoying French history, culture and food and taking her experiences (and a box of macarons!) back to the UK to share with her class mates.

• 

• 

• 

I wrote the story with input from my colleagues at European Movement, who also helped with proof-reading, print production, promotion and posting the book, as well as organising the launch webinar event. I spent a whole day signing the pre-order copies, as we sold way more than we were anticipating - over half the print run!

• 

• 

• 

Ben Coleman MP and Dr Franziska Kohlt joined me to launch the book on 8th September, in a fascinating discussion about their experiences of international exchange, the role of children's literature in instilling values from a young age and the challenges facing modern languages education in the UK.