The book introduces young readers to the mascots of Stoke City and Port Vale through an engaging adventure designed to spark children's imaginations and make reading fun. Copies will be gifted to children to encourage families to enjoy reading together at home.
Author Tom Watt, known for his role as Lofty Holloway in EastEnders, read the story to reception pupils, while illustrator Matt Buckingham led an interactive workshop, sharing the creative process and helping children develop their drawing skills.
The initiative is part of Stoke-on-Trent's Family Matters programme, which aims to improve outcomes for children through early language and literacy development, supporting reading both in classrooms and at home.
“"Reading is one of the most important skills a child can develop and we want every child in Stoke-on-Trent to have the best possible start in life. This book is a fantastic example of how our Family Matters programme is finding creative ways to support children's learning and development. Pottermus and Boomer are instantly recognisable characters for many local children and this book is a brilliant way of using that connection to encourage young people to enjoy stories, develop their imagination and build a love of reading. It was wonderful to see the children so engaged with the story and taking part in the drawing activities with Tom and Matt."
Author Tom Watt commented on the project's significance, stating, “I've been writing books about football for many years now, but Meet The Mascots has been very special. From being asked to help with the project by Jane Wood, my favourite editor, through to choosing the club's mascots as the lead characters, and then to joining in at Maple Court Academy as the illustrator, Matt Buckingham, and two Reception classes brought the story to life: I've just had the best time all round!”
Publisher Jane Wood added, “Having spent many years as a commissioning editor, I have seen first hand the literacy challenges in Stoke-on-Trent and wanted to help. Sharing books with an adult at home is such a key experience to ignite a child’s reading and I came up with the idea of books that would be bespoke to Stoke-on-Trent. These books have been thoughtfully developed to specifically support local children and I cannot wait to see them enjoy these stories.”
The Best Start in Life project will also include the development of a book aimed at pre-school children.
