Up for Reading News

Bid for original bookmark artwork donated by Up for Reading supporters

Up for Reading supporters Lucy Cousins, Nick Sharratt, Korky Paul, Steve Weatherill, Vivian French and Eleanor Updale have donated original bookmark artwork that is being auctioned on eBay with proceeds donated to DownsEd.

Other leading authors and illustrators have donated artwork, including The Mighty Boosh, Daily Telegraph cartoonist Matt, Jasper Fforde, Lydia Monks, Paul Howard and Karen Wall. The bookmarks are on sale at an online charity auction, organised by award-winning bookseller The Book Depository and hosted by eBay, starting at 8pm (BST) on Thursday April 23rd 2009.

Leading online bookseller The Book Depository partnered with Down Syndrome Education International to ask a number of high-profile writers and illustrators to design an original bookmark that could be auctioned in aid of the charity.

The response was fabulous and the organisers received 21 exclusive designs from an impressive list of contributors. All of the bookmarks can be viewed online at: www.bookdepository.co.uk/bookmarks 

Kieron Smith, Managing Director of The Book Depository, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the wonderful designs we've received from so many artists and authors, both to share with our customers worldwide, and so we can support DownsEd, a charity of great importance to me. I'm thrilled at the prospect of helping them with their work."

The bookmark artwork went under the ‘virtual’ hammer on eBay at 8pm (BST) on Thursday 23rd April 2009. The auction will close at 8pm (BST) on Sunday 3rd May 2009, by which time The Book Depository hopes to have raised a five-figure sum. To place a bid for any of these unique bookmarks visit eBay: http://shop.ebay.co.uk/merchant/thebookdepositoryltd

The Book Depository has also printed one million bookmarks featuring the original artwork, which it is distributing with its orders worldwide to help raise awareness of the auction and the charity, as well as publicising The Book Depository’s new website.

Frank Buckley, Chief Executive at the charity, said: “We would like to thank The Book Depository and all of the authors and illustrators for their fantastic support. This brilliant range of bookmarks will raise awareness and funds to help us to deliver vital services for young people with Down syndrome across the UK and around the world.”

Schools and nurseries use Up for Reading to mark World Book Day 2009

Many schools and nurseries are using Up for Reading to mark World Book Day on Thursday 5th March 2009 - why not join them and raise money to support children with Down syndrome?

World Book Day - 5th March 2009

World Book Day was established by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. It is now marked in more than 100 countries worldwide.

This year, World Book Bay is on Thursday 5th March 2009. Many of the schools and nurseries taking part in Down Syndrome Education International's Up for Reading campaign have selected the week starting Monday 2nd March 2009 as their Up for Reading week.

This way they can celebrate World Book Day and at the same time raise money for the charity's work to further improve support for young people with Down syndrome, including helping them learn to read!

Each year, World Book Day produces a range of special £1 books - this year's selection includes a Winnie the Witch book illustrated by Up for Reading supporter Korky Paul.

Take part in Up for Reading

If your school or nursery would like to join in and sign Up for Reading, you can request a fundraising pack online - today...

 

The Portsmouth Grammar School leads the way with Up for Reading 2009

The Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS) is the first school to participate in the Up for Reading 2009 fundraising activities.

Nearly 500 children in the Junior School at PGS have been taking part in Up for Reading over their Autumn half-term break, reading books and raising money for Down Syndrome Education International. This support from the pupils at PGS makes a fabulous start to this year's Up for Reading fundraising.

The Portsmouth Grammar School is located just a few minutes' walk away from The Sarah Duffen Centre in Portsmouth, home of both Up for Reading and Down Syndrome Education International.

 

Up for Reading fundraising resources now available

Fundraising resources for schools, nurseries, support groups and families who want to take part in Up for Reading are now available.

This year we have a wider range of designs available, including Maisy illustrations by Lucy Cousins, drawings by Quentin Blake, cover illustrations by Nick Sharratt from Jeremy Strong's books, and Alex Rider illustrations from the books by Anthony Horowitz.

You can order, view or download these resources at www.up-for-reading.org/fundraising/

 

More authors back Up for Reading

Steve Weatherill - author and illustrator of the much-loved Baby Goz books - is one of the latest children's authors backing the Up for Reading campaign. 

Leading children's author and illustrator Steve Weatherill is one of the latest supporters to back Up for Reading. Steve is best known for his lovable Baby Goz character for young children.

Steve says, "I’m so pleased to be able to help the Up for Reading campaign. On my school visits with Goz, the baby goose, I’ve met many children with Down syndrome. They’ve taught me a lot."

Steve has also generously donated an exciting school visit as one the Up for Reading prizes.

Many other children's authors have also announced their support for Up for Reading over recent months, including Val Tyler, Eleanor Updale, Anne Colledge, Rachel Anderson and Ann Pilling.

These authors join alongside Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo, Anthony Horowitz, Jeremy Strong, Nick Sharratt, Quentin Blake, Korky Paul and Justin Somper in backing Up for Reading.

Find out more about Up for Reading at www.up-for-reading.org

Anthony Horowitz, Jeremy Strong, Nick Sharratt and Korky Paul are Up for Reading

Best-selling authors Anthony Horowitz and Jeremy Strong have teamed up with award-winning illustrators Nick Sharatt and Korky Paul to support Up for Reading 2009.

They join the renowned authors and illustrators already supporting Up for Reading including Lucy Cousins (creator of Maisy), Michael Morpurgo, Quentin Blake and Justin Somper.

“I'm one of the many writers who are supporting Up for Reading ”, said Anthony Horowitz (top photo), known around the world for his children’s books including the 'Alex Rider' series, “Children born with Down Syndrome face many difficult challenges and anything we can do to help support these young people must be worthwhile.”

Fellow author Jeremy Strong (lower photo) added, “I'm really pleased to support Down Syndrome Education International and their Up for Reading campaign. It's such a BRILLIANT IDEA. It's going to help RAISE MONEY for a very important cause AND it's such a great way to do it!”

Building on the success of Up for Reading’s first year, Up for Reading 2009 is now supported by many leading authors, illustrators, literacy experts and celebrities. Find out more on our Up for Reading supporters pages.

 

Education experts back Up for Reading 2009

Educational experts Sue Palmer and Pie Corbett are backing Up for Reading 2009. Up for Reading encourages reading and raises vital funds to improve the education of children with Down syndrome.

Pie Corbett is a literacy consultant and author of many books promoting creative approaches to literacy in the classroom.

Former primary headteacher Sue Palmer is an independent writer, presenter and consultant on primary education, notably literacy. She is well known to primary teachers around the UK and, increasingly, worldwide for her in-service courses and articles in the educational press, especially the Times Educational Supplement and Child Education.

Sue and Pie are both supporting the Up for Reading campaign – not only as a way of encouraging young children to read, but also as a way of raising much-needed funds for a good cause that promotes reading for children with Down syndrome.

Sue Palmer commented, “I’m thrilled to add my name to the supporters of Down Syndrome Education International's Up for Reading campaign.

“Over my ten years as a travelling literacy specialist, I’ve come across many children with Down syndrome flourishing in mainstream schools, and know they’re definitely Up for Reading!", she added, “The charity’s work in developing practice and materials to help them master literacy skills is valuable not only to the children themselves but to the wider educational world.”

To find out more visit the Up for Reading website.

Up for Reading 2009 announced

Down Syndrome Education International has announced Up for Reading 2009 – the second year for our sponsored reading campaign. Building on the successes of the first year of Up for Reading, this year’s campaign aims to involve even more schools, children, families and support groups across the UK, the USA and around the world.

Announcing Up for Reading 2009, Frank Buckley, the charity’s Chief Executive, said, “Up for Reading 2009 will be bigger and better. We will be building on the tremendous momentum achieved during our first year and on the amazing support we saw for the campaign. We will be introducing new ways of supporting in the campaign at home, through support groups and from preschools to high schools."

"We are delighted by the success of Up for Reading", he added, "not just because it raises vital donations, but particularly because it draws attention to some of the abilities of young people with Down syndrome and emphasises the importance of reading in supporting their language development.”

This year, schools, nurseries and Down syndrome support groups taking part are being offered the opportunity to keep a share of the funds raised through Up for Reading for their own activities. We are also introducing Up for Reading activities to support secondary schools’ participation.

Up for Reading 2009 has the support of many more leading children’s authors and illustrators – including Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo, Quentin Blake, Anthony Horowitz, Jeremy Strong, Nick Sharratt, Korky Paul and Justin Somper.

Thanks to the generosity of these supporters, Up for Reading 2009 offers a fantastic array of prizes that you have a chance of winning by taking part. These prizes include an original illustration by Nick Sharratt, a visit to your school by 'Alex Rider' author Anthony Horowitz, signed books by Jeremy Strong, and a school visit by 'Vampirates' author Justin Somper.

Up for Reading 2009 will run from September 2008 to July 2009 - so there are plenty of chances to plan your Up for Reading week and get involved. The all new Up for Reading 2009 fundraising pack will be available in September 2008 – register your interest to receive a pack now!

 

Up for Reading 2008 winners receive fabulous prizes

The winners of the Up for Reading 2008 prize draw have received their great prizes. To win in 2009, plan your Up for Reading event now!

The prizes won included:

• Anchors Nursery in Hampshire and Toddington St Georges School in Bedfordshire both won £500 in National Book Tokens.
• Emily from Essex won the original signed Maisy painting (see photo) generously donated by Lucy Cousins.
• Alex from Ayrshire won the amazing opportunity to have his name featured as a main character in one of Michael Morpurgo's next books.
• Four other children won £25 in National Book Tokens - Finn from Somerset, Rory from Hampshire, Max from Warwickshire and Komal from Buckinghamshire.

These prize winners were all selected at random from all those children who returned an Up for Reading 2008 sponsorship form and all those school and nurseries raising more than £50.

Among the fabulous prizes donated for Up for Reading 2009 are the chance to win a visit to your school by top author Anthony Horowitz, signed Jeremy Strong books and an original Nick Sharratt illustration.

To be in with a chance of winning one of these prizes, all you need to do is take part in Up for Reading 2009 – find out how.

Up for Reading 2008 raises over £50,000

In its launch year, Up for Reading has raised vital donations totalling over £50,000 to support Down Syndrome Education International’s work improving education for young people with Down syndrome worldwide.

The first year of Up for Reading has been highly successful thanks to the fantastic support of thousands of nurseries, schools, teachers, children and families across the UK, alongside the backing of leading authors and illustrators Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo, Quentin Blake and Justin Somper, and sponsorship by Waterstones.com.

We are thrilled that all of our founding Up for Reading supporters have again offered their support for Up for Reading 2009. Joining them for the 2009 campaign are also many other top authors and illustrators.

A huge thanks goes out to all the families, schools and supporters who made Up for Reading 2008 such a success!

Up for Reading 2009 is going to be even bigger and better - to find out more visit the Up for Reading website.

Up for Reading raises thousands

Schools and nurseries across the length and breadth of the UK have raised thousands of pounds by taking part in the Trust's Up for Reading campaign.

Children everywhere are Up for Reading!

The Trust has been delighted by response to its Up for Reading campaign. More than 200 schools and nurseries requested the special Up for Reading fundraising pack, and now the sponsorship money is really starting to add up.

The Trust has already received thousands of pounds of vital funding that will support the charity's work to further improve support for young people with Down syndrome, including helping them learn to read.

Many schools chose to run their Up for Reading activities alongside World Book Day on 6th March 2008. Up for Reading has also provided the perfect opportunity for schools and nurseries to celebrate National Year of Reading and also raise money for the Trust'

Up for Reading prize draw results to be announced soon

All of the children returning an Up for Reading sponsorship form are being entered into a prize draw to win either an original Maisy painting signed by Lucy Cousins, their name featured in a Michael Morpurgo book, or runners' up prizes of National Book Tokens.

All schools and nurseries that raised more than £50 in total are also being entered into prize draws for £500 in National Book Tokens.

The lucky winners will be notified by post by 1st May 2008.

About Up for Reading

Up for Reading is a sponsored reading event organised by the Down Syndrome Educational Trust that can be easily completed alongside everyday literacy activities at nursery, school or home.

Supported by favourite children's character Maisy Mouse and leading authors and illustrators, Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo, Quentin Blake and Justin Somper, the Up for Reading campaign also supports the Trust's work to improve development and education for people with Down syndrome everywhere.

Up for Reading simply involves encouraging children to read for just a few minutes every day for one week and asking family and friends to sponsor their efforts. Children can read or listen to books in a group or by themselves, at school or at home.

The Up for Reading campaign promotes the benefits of reading and literacy for all children, including children with Down syndrome, as well as raising money for The Down Syndrome Educational Trust's work.

• Visit the Up for Reading web site

More than 150 schools and nurseries sign Up for Reading

Over 150 schools and nurseries across the UK and overseas have now signed up to take part in Down Syndrome Education International's Up for Reading campaign

Up for Reading continues to grow

Since the launch of the Up for Reading campaign in November 2007, more than 150 schools and nurseries have requested the special Up for Reading fundraising pack.

"We have been delighted by the response from schools and nurseries," commented Howard Hurd, the charity's Director of Funding and Development, "It is fantastic that so many children will be taking part in the Up for Reading campaign, and supporting their peers with Down syndrome by reading."

The charity has received requests across the length and breadth of the UK - from Aberdeenshire to Armagh and from Hampshire to Halifax. Requests have also come in from other countries - including the Ascension Islands, Gibraltar, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Turkey and the USA.

About Up for Reading

Up for Reading is a sponsored reading event that can be easily completed alongside everyday literacy activities at nursery, school or home.

Supported by favourite children's character Maisy Mouse and leading authors and illustrators, Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo, Quentin Blake and Justin Somper, the Up for Reading campaign also supports the Trust's work to improve development and education for people with Down syndrome everywhere.

Up for Reading simply involves encouraging children to read for just a few minutes every day for one week and asking their family and friends to sponsor their efforts. Children can read in a group or by themselves, at school or at home.

The Up for Reading campaign promotes the benefits of reading and literacy for all children, including children with Down syndrome.

Further information

• Up for Reading web site
• National Year of Reading web site

Celebrate National Year of Reading 2008 by taking part in Up for Reading

2008 has been designated as National Year of Reading by the UK government - why not celebrate by taking part in Down Syndrome Education International's Up for Reading campaign?

National Year of Reading 2008

The National Year of Reading 2008 aims to promote the benefits of reading for everyone. It has been set up by the UK government, the National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency.

Down Syndrome Education International's Up for Reading campaign provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate National Year of Reading and also raise money for the charity's work to further improve support for young people with Down syndrome, including helping them learn to read.

About Up for Reading

Up for Reading is a sponsored reading event that can be easily completed alongside everyday literacy activities at nursery, school or home.

Supported by favourite children's character Maisy Mouse and leading authors and illustrators, Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo and Quentin Blake, the Up for Reading campaign also supports the Trust's work to improve development and education for people with Down syndrome everywhere.

Up for Reading simply involves encouraging children to read for just a few minutes every day for one week and asking their family and friends to sponsor their efforts. Children can read in a group or by themselves, at school or at home.

The Up for Reading campaign promotes the benefits of reading and literacy for all children, including children with Down syndrome.

Further information

• Up for Reading web site
• National Year of Reading web site

Up for Reading campaign goes from strength to strength

In less than one month since the launch of Down Syndrome Education International's Up for Reading campaign well over 100 nurseries and primary schools across the UK (and beyond) have requested fundraising packs. And another successful children's author - Justin Somper - has come on board to back this sponsored reading initiative.

Schools and nurseries sign Up for Reading

Up for Reading is an enjoyable and educational way for children, schools and nurseries everywhere to engage in reading and to support the additional needs of young people with Down syndrome by raising money for The Trust's work.

In less than one month since the charity launched the Up for Reading campaign, well over 100 schools and nurseries have requested the special Up for Reading fundraising pack. over was launched by at the start of November 2007. The charity has received requests from all over the UK - and even from some schools and nurseries around the world.

Another leading author lends support

The charity is also thrilled to announce that another leading children's author is backing Up for Reading. Justin Somper, up and coming author of the incredible Vampirates series of books, has come on board. "I'm really delighted to support the Up for Reading campaign," said Justin, "As someone who  loves books and reading, I can't think of a more enjoyable way of  raising money than through a sponsored read!"

About Up for Reading

Up for Reading is a sponsored reading event that can be easily completed alongside everyday literacy activities at nursery, school or home.

Supported by favourite children's character Maisy Mouse and leading authors and illustrators, Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo and Quentin Blake, the Up for Reading campaign also supports the Trust's work to improve development and education for people with Down syndrome everywhere.

Up for Reading simply involves encouraging children to read for just a few minutes every day for one week and asking their family and friends to sponsor their efforts. Children can read in a group or by themselves, at school or at home.

The Up for Reading campaign promotes the benefits of reading and literacy for all children, including children with Down syndrome.

All of the donations received from the Up for Reading campaign will help Down Syndrome Education Internationalfurther improve support for young people with Down syndrome.

Further information

• Up for Reading web site

Charity launches nationwide sponsored reading campaign

Down Syndrome Education International has launched Up for Reading - a nationwide sponsored reading campaign to involve all children in literacy activities in engaging and fun ways. Supported by favourite children's character Maisy Mouse and leading authors and illustrators, Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo and Quentin Blake, the Up for Reading campaign will also support the Trust's work to improve development and education for people with Down syndrome everywhere.

Up for Reading is a sponsored reading event that can be easily completed alongside everyday literacy activities at nursery, school or home.

Up for Reading simply involves encouraging children to read for just a few minutes every day for one week and asking their family and friends to sponsor their efforts. Children can read in a group or by themselves, at school or at home.

The Up for Reading campaign promotes the benefits of reading and literacy for all children, including children with Down syndrome. Up for Reading is a fun and enjoyable and educational way for children, schools and nurseries everywhere to engage in reading and to support the additional needs of young people with Down syndrome.

All of the donations received from the Up for Reading campaign will help Down Syndrome Education Internationalfurther improve support for young people with Down syndrome.

Further information

• Up for Reading web site