A special picnic has been booked in for little ones at Swansea’sNational Waterfront Museum.
The Sali Mali picnic is taking place on Thursday February 11 at the attraction to mark Welsh book Cacen Mali becoming part of Early Years Bookstart Packs.
The free event is aimed at children aged five and under and takes place between 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Bookstart is a national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with their children from as early an age as possible.
The scheme aims to provide a free pack of books to every baby in the UK to inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading that will give children a flying start in life. It also aims to show that books are fun.
Welsh book Sali Mali is now being given to all two-year-olds. Sali Mali is a popular Welsh children’s book and television character originally created by author Mary Vaughan Jones and illustrated by Jac Jones during the 1960s and 1970s.
Bookstart is promoting the Welsh language by including bilingual books in the packs.
Sali Mali is the first Welsh only book to be included.
Anna Westall, Swansea Council’s Bookstart and Flying Start Co-ordinator, said: “Speaking two languages can give children a headstart in life and it’s often easier for young children to learn two languages.
“Both the English and Welsh languages are like treasure troves full of stories and songs, history and fun.
“The new addition to the Bookstart scheme means children will now have the best of both worlds. Many Welsh-speaking children learned to read thanks to Sali Mali books.”
The free picnic event will include lots of arts and crafts, stories, rhymes, birthday cake and a special guest.
People are invited to bring along their own picnics so everyone can enjoy lunch together.
Parents will need to accompany their children at all times.
Email [email protected] for more information or call 01792 637179.
