THE VERY Hungry Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter and Alice will be popping up around Solihull this summer as part of The Big Read trail thanks to creative youngsters from across the borough.
Children from Coleshill Heath School, Greswold Primary School, Springfield House School, Blossomfield Infant School, Robin Hood Academy, Widney Junior School, Solihull School and Tudor Grange Academy have designed Bookbenches inspired by their favourite books.
Solihull is host to two BookBench locations – John Lewis and The Core, which is home to ten of the sculptures, plus its own BookBench designed and illustrated by artist Milan Topalovic.
The Deputy Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Glenis Slater, officially launched the BookBench trail at The Core, Solihull.
The Deputy Mayor was joined by representatives from all the local schools that have taken part in decorating the sculptures, which will be on display until September 13.
At the launch the Deputy Mayor said: “I am delighted to launch Solihull’s BookBench trail, which is a wonderful way to celebrate reading.
“I have been very impressed with all the designs created by our local school children.
“I hope that many people will visit these sculptures and that all generations will be inspired to get involved in reading and writing.”
Alongside the West Midlands trail The Core will host its own treasure hunt style trail, with a small prize for every child that takes part.
The BookBench trail is part of The Big Read, a unique arts project designed to promote literacy development, featuring benches shaped as open books.
Following on from the success of last year’s The Big Hoot sculpture trail, there are more than 170 BookBench sculptures located throughout the West Midlands.
The trail officially opens during CBBC’s Awesome Authors weekend at the Library of Birmingham and Centenary Square on Saturday and Sunday (July 16 and 17).
A whole host of literacy themed events and activities will take place around the displays such as poetry slams, story-telling sessions and creative writing workshops, aiming to spark everyone’s interests in reading and writing.
To see the full list of BookBench venues visit or to get a free trail and activities map visit or to get a free trail and activities map visit www.thebigread.org.uk
