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The Morrisons Little Library which will be in the supermarket giant’s stores across the UK, aims to promote reading and literacy in children, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Morrisons Little Library was inspired by Canterbury-based children’s author, Rebecca Smith, who approached Morrisons asking for help to tackle the issues surrounding children’s literacy and the lack of availability of books at home.

Little Library exchanges have been set up in stores across the UK from this week.

Morrisons has launched a book donation and exchange station for children in its stores across the UK, including Bulwell. Photo: Mikael Buck

Customers can bring along unwanted books to donate and all children, teenagers and parents can pick up a book for free.

Books will also be donated through the initiative to local schools and community groups, via Morrisons community champions.

David Potts, Morrisons chief executive, said: “The past year has been extremely difficult for everyone and we want to help as much as we can.

"That’s why we’re launching the Morrisons Little Library – so every child has the chance to enjoy reading and brighten their future.”

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Rebecca Smith added: “To think that there are children who have never enjoyed a bedtime story is heart-breaking.

"Stories change lives and every child and every parent should have access to that experience.”

To continue to support children's literacy, Morrisons has created a new book – Cedric The Seed – and will be publishing 50,000 copies.

The book will be distributed nationwide by Morrisons to local community groups and schools to ensure they are reaching those who need them most.

Cedric the Seed has been written for Morrisons by Danielle Corrigan, who began writing children's books last year whilst she was homeschooling her own children.

Danielle began writing positive stories for children to read last year to help them cope with the mental health effects of lockdown.

Inspired by the pandemic and how lives were changed in an instant, the book follows Cedric, a small sunflower seed as he is separated from his family and friends.

His journey is full of unexpected adventure, friendship and fun as when Cedric begins to grow, he realises his friends and family were there all along.

Bulwell Morrisons to be part of new children's reading scheme