Children’s Author Supports Sensory Reading Workshop

Children with vision impairment gathered at the British Library in London to take part in a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed sensory reading workshop to celebrate World Book Day®.

The children, aged between six and 12, took part in a hands-on workshop led by bestselling children’s author Sibéal Pounder (pictured above), whose latest book ‘Chaos at the Chocolate Factory’ - inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic tale, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ - takes children on a wacky return to Wonka’s fabulous factory – only this time Charlie is in charge!

The event was organised by The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the British Library, together with World Book Day, Puffin, The Roald Dahl Story Company and VICTA which supports children and young adults who are blind and partially sighted.

Sibéal read to the children from her exclusive World Book Day story explaining how Charlie finds himself in charge of the factory when Willy Wonka goes on holiday to discover new edible creations.

“I was so thrilled to be a part of the Wonka bar-making workshop event for World Book Day,” said Sibéal.

“RNIB is a truly wonderful charity and to have my book available in an accessible format for visually impaired children is so important – especially this year as we promote The National Year of Reading and the drive to make sure all children can enjoy reading for pleasure, with no child left out.” 

Sibéal also picked the winner of a special RNIB writing competition in which children with a vision impairment were invited to submit stories based on their favourite books, but from the point of view of a minor character.

“My story was about the book Claude in the City, but I changed it so the main character was Mr and Mrs Shiny Shoes,” said seven-year-old winner Ernest Mozakka who has optic nerve atrophy was the proud winner on the day.

“I really like World Book Day. I dressed up at school as Saucepanman from The Magic Faraway Tree. Reading inspires me and makes things much more interesting. I might be an author one day!”

RNIB is working to ensure children with vision impairment have access to books in accessible formats such as braille and audio and can delve into the stories they love.

To find out more visit https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/independent-living/leisure/reading-and-books/books/