Letter of support from Natasha Besliev, Managing Director at Hardie Grant Egmont
A Thousand Words Festival is an important contribution to the effort of teaching and encouraging reading in the community.
It is well documented that reading from a young age is directly linked to literacy levels and the impact these have later in life.
For many children, reading is seen as a chore or something you have to do at school.
A Thousand Words brings books out of the classroom and into the everyday lives of children, de-mystifying the ‘educational’ attributes and opening up the world of reading on a level kids can really respond to and engage with.
As a trade children’s book publisher, festivals like this are integral to help us not only connect books with kids, but ensure the community is made aware that there are a plethora of books available for children that are just as (if not more) entertaining as TV and video games.
I fully support the efforts of A Thousand Words Festival.
Any initiatives that assist in the education of the value of children’s books in the community will have a positive impact on so many other facets of a child’s life.
Sincerely,
Natasha Besliev
Managing Director
Hardie Grant Egmont
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Testimonial from Mandy Holland of Glenroy
“My daughter and I had a great day at A Thousand Words Festival. Not being a keen reader I was overjoyed when after having a great time with Dan Jerris, she went on to read and love the “Dragon Blood Series” and has not looked back. She dressed up as a pirate for the festival and loved the Go-Go dancing. It was an amazing opportunity for her to sit and listen to authors and hear them speak of their love for the magical world of storytelling. We are so looking forward to going again.”
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Testimonial from Anneka, 8 years
“My friend Lucy and me had the best time at the thousand word festival. We had our face painted and got tattoos. We listened to some great stories and loved the lady pirate and Anna Go-Go. My dad and I read lots of the Dragon Blood books we loved them.”
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Testimonial from Sally Rippin, Children’s author/illustrator www.sallyrippin.com
“I was very lucky to be involved in the festival’s inaugural program in 2009 and was very impressed by the efficiency and professionalism shown by all the staff and volunteers. The program was diverse and appealing and the activities running alongside the author events were entertaining and child-friendly. While there are many literary events that run all throughout the year in Melbourne, I believe A Thousand Words Festival is unique in that it is aimed solely at children and young adults, as well as lovers of children’s literature.”
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Testimonial from Nick Levy – emerging writer published in the Sleepers Almanac
“I was lucky enough to attend the 2009 Thousand Words Festival and found the high quality of events to be both informative and entertaining. As a writer, I thought the panels of authors in conversation were eye-opening and an invaluable insight into what it means to be an author in the Australian children’s industry, or indeed any industry. I definitely look forward to attending future festivals!”
