Archie Calls on School Pupils to Bring Book to Life
We are on the lookout for primary school classes to put their creativity to the test and illustrate pages for a new children’s book, Archie and Amanda’s Amazing Adventures, which will be published at the end of the year.
The front cover has already been designed by Clare Mackie, the highly accomplished illustrator behind our logo and now we are asking primary school teachers across the north east are being encouraged to register their class’s interest in helping to co-illustrate the remaining pages for the book.
Author Alec Franks, a keen supporter of the charity, was inspired to pen the story after seeing the charity’s new logo featuring a smiling Archie bear, while collecting collection cans for his office at AVIS Car hire at Aberdeen Airport. Archie instantly came to life in Alec’s imagination and the whole book flashed before his eyes.
Cassie McGunnigle, Regional Fundraising Officer said: “We really hope that teachers will get behind this exciting project, all to support local sick children and their families. I am sure there will be school children who have spent time in hospital themselves, it would be so lovely to have a book illustrated by children for and in support of other children.”
Alec Franks said: “I am so delighted to have handed Archie and Amanda’s Amazing Adventures over to The Archie Foundation. I know it is in safe hands and I can’t wait to see some of the designs the school kids come up with.
“I have been writing now for the best part of 12 years but have never been brave enough to show anyone other than my late father-in-law, who always encouraged me to get my stories out there. I decided to get the better of my nerves and pass the book over. The pandemic has had such an effect on charities, I just want to do what I can to help and I am a massive supporter of all that The Archie Foundation do.”
Cassie said: “Alec is a creative genius, he has a mind that can take you to places you could only go in dreams. He has created an incredible story about a little girl in hospital so that children here at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital can read it and not feel so alone. Not only will the book comfort and support the children here, but all proceeds raised through sales will go to Archie. We are incredibly grateful to Alec.”
The Deadline for entries is July 1st, for further information about how to get involved, please email hello@archie.org.