Royal Mail showcase for World Book Day’s 25th anniversary
Royal Mail has booked its slot to mark the annual celebration of authors and illustrators with the unveiling of four special postboxes across the UK in support of World Book Day’s 25th anniversary.
With one in each of the UK’s four areas, the unique postboxes use special anniversary artwork by World Book Day illustrator Allen Fatimaharan, with lines from authors including Greg James, Chris Smith, Nadiya Hussain, Dara McAnulty and Martin Waddell, alongside images by the likes of Harry Potter cover artist Jonny Duddle.
Cassie Chadderton, ceo of World Book Day, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating authors and illustrators from across the UK to mark our 25th anniversary with Royal Mail. It’s lovely to see some of our £1 book authors and illustrators featured and we hope the postboxes inspire more families to read together and showcase just a few of the wonderful books available for children to explore!”
Located across in Luton, England; Nannerch, Wales; Dundee, Scotland; and Castlewellan, Northern Ireland, the postboxes are close to places of significance to either the writers or their work, and were revealed on World Book Day, Thursday, March 3, while a special postmark featuring the 25th anniversary message was used for the day.
Luton’s postbox features images and quotes from Greg James and Chris Smith, known for their Kid Normal book series and The Great Dream Robbery; Nadiya Hussain, chef, TV presenter and author of several books including Bake Me A Story; and this year’s World Book Day £1 book author Sharna Jackson and illustrator Wumi Olaosebikan of Peak Peril.
In Nannerch, there are images and quotes from Jonny Duddle, also the author of Gigantosaurus: Dino Spot; and The Valley Of Lost Secrets and When The War Came Home author Lesley Parr.
The postbox in Dundee features images and quotes from Pamela Butchart, with The Baby Brother From Outer Space! author Pamela Butchart; author Lari Don and illustrator Eilidh Muldoon of Fierce, Fearless And Free: Girls In Myths And Legends From Around The World; and Greyfriars Bobby: A Puppy’s Tale writer Michelle Sloan.
And in Castlewellan, there are images and quotes from teenage author Dara McAnulty and his book Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature and Diary Of A Young Naturalist; Martin Waddell, writer of Owl Babies and the Little Bear series; The Wild Way Home author Sophie Kirtle; and Flying Tips For Flightless Birds writer Kelly McCaughrain.
David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: “The UK has produced many world-class authors and illustrators who have written books and created characters that have inspired and entertained children and adults for generations.
“We are proud to be involved in the celebration of World Book Day’s 25th anniversary and to honour the works of some of the UK’s best-loved authors and illustrators on our postboxes.”
Top: All booked up – illustrator and author Jonny Duddle with the Nannerch postbox
