A Nottingham boy is over the moon after hearing his short story will be published online for the world to read.
Samuel Shread, who lives in Clifton, entered a short story competition on the StoryParks website after his auntie, Marsha Shread, heard about it on local radio.
A few weeks later the eight-year-old was informed by The Nottingham Building Society – partners in the StoryParks project alongside Nottingham City Council – that he had won.
As well as winning a Leicester Tigers shirt and rugby ball, Samuel will also have terrific tale published on the StoryParks site in the next few weeks.
Called ‘Sammy Fox and The Sticky Socks’, the charming story features lovable character Sammy, his friends Alex Bear and Rory Hedgehog, and a life-saving invention.
Recounting the moment she told Samuel that he had won, Marsha said: “It was lovely to see such a big smile spread across his face – and it hasn’t disappeared since!
“Samuel loves inventing characters and reading and writing short stories. He watches videos about how famous authors such as Roger Hargreaves and David Walliams structure their words.
“He has a natural flair for storytelling and is really excited that his work is going to be shared with the world. Samuel keeps telling his mum and I that he is going to be a published children’s author – he’s very proud indeed.”
Sue Owen-Bailey, Assistant Communications Manager at The Nottingham, added: “Samuel is an extremely deserving winner. His beautifully written story captures the very essence of the StoryParks project, which we are very proud to be partners of.”
StoryParks is a summer reading and numeracy project that has this year been forced out of Nottingham’s parks by the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of families have been logging on to the digital version of StoryParks, which last year took place in five Nottingham City Council Green Flag parks across the city.
A partnership between Nottingham City Council and The Nottingham, the ‘Summer of INmagination’ has provided education and entertainment at www.storyparksnottingham.com.
The site features new content every week, covering activities from storytelling and music to financial literacy and wellbeing. It includes videos and podcasts hosted by a range of local entertainers such as Rainbow Stripes, Beatfeet and storyteller Nicky Rafferty.
Children can also search their gardens for mini beasts with Ranger Matt, and hear stories read by firefighters from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue as well as Leicester Tigers rugby star Harry Wells.