The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

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Authors set to entertain children on holiday

30.07.08 Caroline Horn

Random House Children’s Books and Thomas Cook have announced a joint initiative to introduce "Reading Zones" into all Thomas Cook resorts that feature its KidsWorld clubs.

The Reading Zones will include libraries and author events and provide an area for children to read in. RHCB will support two author weeks during the summer and provide books to support the libraries and KidsWorld club initiatives such as football clubs.

Tony Hopkins, director of product at Thomas Cook, said: "Our new Reading Zones will help encourage youngsters to pick up a book while they’re on holiday. We want to help them to understand that reading isn't just something to be done at school—it can be enjoyed wherever you are."

The initiative will launch with two author weeks this summer. Steve Cole (Astrosaurs), has just returned from a week at Thomas Cook resorts in Majorca and Janey Louise Jones (Princess Poppy) has a visit planned.

The relationship between the two organisations is ongoing and discussions are underway for the 2009 holiday season, including filming authors for inflight entertainment and author events in Thomas Cook branches in the UK.

Philippa Dickinson, m.d. of RHCB, said, "Holidays are a great time to read and this is an excellent way to encourage the habit of thinking of books alongside the sunscreen and the swimsuit."

Childrens Caroline Horn Random House Children's Books Thomas Cook