WORLD BOOK DAY COMES TO SCHOOLS ACROSS THE UK WITH THE BIGGEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH!

-          Brand new pre-record format makes taking part even easier!   -

-          Authors and illustrators share tips, give readings and answer questions for budding writers and illustrators -

Building on the success of last year’s The Biggest Book Show On Earth, World Book Day 2014 sees the launch of an exciting and brand new pre-recorded TV show format. Available online for the whole of March it includes all the wonderful World Book Day authors and illustrators.

Schools, parents and children across the nation can register to register, log on and enjoy watching it together at a time that suit.

Compared by CBBC’s Dick and Dom, the show features World Book Day authors and illustrators:

-          James Patterson

-          David Melling

-          Emily Gravett

-          Jill Murphy

-          Jim Smith

-          Lauren St John

-          Terry Deary

-          Martin Brown

-          Alex T Smith

-          Sarah Lean

-          Robert Muchamore

-          Maureen Johnson

How does James Patterson keep people turning the page? What does Terry Deary recommend for making facts fun?  How does David Melling decide what his characters should look like?  All this and more will be answered along with other fun and useful hints and tips.

Filmed at Stanley Park High School, each of the £1 authors also answer questions submitted from children across the country as well giving an excerpt from their World Book Day book and talking about their inspirations. 

Kirsten Grant, Director of World Book Day, said: "We are very excited about yet another fantastic line up for this year’s show, which will now be even more accessible with the new download option that’s lets schools, partents and children watch together at a time that works best for them. The Biggest Book Show on Earth is a great way to introduce children all over the world to some of the country’s best authors and illustrators. We can't wait to spark the creativity of millions of children!"

For the second year running The Biggest Book Show On Earth will also be broadcast, into Picturehouse Cinemas across the UK. Schools who go along to one of the screenings will also be treated to an extra special 20 minutes of exclusive content, including readings and a Q&A session.

Marc Allenby, Head of Commercial Development at Picturehouse, said: “We are delighted to bring World Book Day to cinemas up and down the country once again. Engaging with local schools and the community is key for our cinemas.”

Schools, groups and parents can find out more by registering to watch on www.worldbookday.com/biggest-book-show. 

Half a million children from more than 75 countries logged on to watch the Show in 2013, which this year is just one of a number of events and activities in schools, bookshops and libraries set to excite youngsters about books and reading for World Book Day 2014.

Ten new books including titles by performers from this year’s Biggest Book Show on Earth line-up can be exchanged for free with a special £1 World Book Day Book.

Visit www.worldbookday.com for more information, the latest news and to subscribe to the free monthly World Book Day e-newsletter.

THE FOUR STAGES & SYMPTOMS OF XMAS SHOPPING – WHAT STAGE ARE YOU?

1. Mildly Concerned (until the end of November)

You’ll have a nervous feeling, knowing if you don’t start shopping soon, you’re going to get worried – Christmas is coming and you need to start buying gifts.  You’ll be noting possible presents to buy but not actually purchasing, thinking you still have plenty of time and you’ll come back later.

TOP TIP – When you see something you like, make a note of who it’s for, where you saw it and the cost so you can compare later on.   Get the basics in - wrapping paper, scissors, sticky tape (lots) and on a roll, labels (stick on = easier) with string (more fiddly but prettier), bows and ribbon (nice have, not a must have).

2.       Worried (First week December)

You’ve progressed to feeling worried.  Christmas is on your mind and rather than filling you with excitement, you’re thinking about all the things you still need to do.  Typically, you’re trying to remember those presents you thought were a good idea and trying to recall where you saw them.  You’ll also be conscious of trying to limit spending and get gifts at the best possible price.

TOP TIP – Compartmentalise your gift buying to ease pressure.  Get all nieces, nephews, friends and grandchildren bought before the end of the week. www.compare4kids.co.uk/gifts will direct you to the best gifts for children 0 – 16.

3.       Anxious – (Week 2 December)

You’re feeling uncomfortable, bordering on frightened that someone will be left disappointed.  It’s getting difficult to make decisions and you’re questioning some of the gifts you’ve already bought.

TOP TIP – Know what and who you’ve bought for and who’s left to buy for.  Wrap and label those gifts to prevent double buying in a moment of uncertainty. 

4.       Blind panic – (Week 3 - last full week of Xmas shopping)

The day you wake up with a strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought and action.  Budget goes out of the window, you’re looking dishevelled and wide eyed as you dash through the aisles and displays, stuffing a myriad of gifts that will always “come in” when you inevitably overspend and over buy. 

TOP TIP – you’re a sales persons dream – stay away from the shops!  Have a shower, get a cup of tea, make a list of who you need to buy for and set a budget.  Start with the youngest and work up.  Go to www.compare4kids.co.uk/gifts to cover everything you need for kids.  Only hit the shops once you have a plan (and not too much left to buy!)

Compare4kids.co.uk has done the hard work for all last minute Laura’s and Lenny’s – they’ve researched the best kids gifts from over 50 retailers and put them together on one website, a bit like having your very own online personal shopper.  Stressed out shoppers can now relax with a cup of tea and a screen and select great kids gifts based on age, gender and price.

Catering for girls and boys aged 0 – 16 – there’s a vast range of presents available, catering for budgets of £5 to “blow the budget”.  Not only that, the site aims to offer the best price available on the internet, meaning no last minute ‘expensive’ panic buys or the disappointment of finding empty shelves.

As advent calendar windows open with alarming speed, panic-stricken, time-poor shoppers can simply click on the gift they want, which takes them directly to the individual retailer’s website.  The site works great from both a desktop and mobile device.

Compare4Kids founder, Rachael Ede, said: “Whether you’re shopping for your own children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren or friends, we have gifts to suit everyone and all budgets.  It’s super simple to use and means you can get the Christmas shopping for the kids done quickly and without any hassle, all from the comfort of your armchair.  Or, if you wake in the middle of the night with crushing realisation that you literally have no time left, Compare4kids.co.uk is the site to come to.”

Retailers listed include Mothercare, Hamleys, Argos, Amazon, I Want One Of Those, Not On The High Street, John Lewis and many more.  Go to www.compare4kids.co.uk/gifts

 

Barclays Reveals Financial Concerns of the Nation’s Parents

- 8 out of 10 mums and dads are fretting about their finances over the next 12 months -

- Cost of family holiday biggest cause of concern –

- Kate Garraway gives 5 top tips to get family finances on track -

Around eight in ten parents (82%) of children aged 18 and under are concerned about what they can afford in the year ahead, with the top worry for a third of parents being able to afford a family holiday². The research has been revealed in the new Barclays Your Bank report³, looking at parents’ attitudes to managing their finances and money management concerns.

However, while parents’ financial concerns may make them feel like they need a degree to handle day-to-day household finances, the report reveals that many are overlooking the fact that they already possess valuable business nous to run their home. The Your Bank report reveals that one solution to help parents better manage their finances is to adopt a business brain. 

Kate Garraway, Ambassador for Barclays Your Bank report said, “The Your Bank report found that many, many parents are really worried about their finances. However it’s clear that the more we bury our heads in the sand, the more worried we become. It’s not surprising that keeping track of our finances is not always a priority given our busy lives and in some cases aversion to financial planning. But the research actually found that our working lives have taught us a great many skills that when applied in the home, could really help.

With more than 7 million⁴ parents (56 per cent) admitting their family budget is under more strain than it was  in July 2012, the Barclays Your Bank reports shows that these problems are exacerbated among parents with more than one child in the household (58%).  In addition, parents are still fretting in the longer term (July 2015 onwards), with parents worried about how they will send their children to university (28 per cent), save enough into a pension (25 per cent) and pay off their mortgage (22 per cent).

Kate Garraway continues “In addition to our apparent business acumen and transferable skills, there are a number of great tools and services out there to help get financial planning firmly back on the family agenda. What’s more, the nation can now share its ideas on what would make their everyday money management easier at www.barclays.co.uk/yourbank”.

1. All aboard! Get the family together and assess your outgoings from the past year and the year ahead. It’s important to understand the whole family’s needs and ambitions – whether that’s a school trip or a new family iPad. Taking time out as a family can help you to balance essentials and luxuries and most importantly – keep everyone happy!

2. Know your budget – It’s all too easy to spend subconsciously but track your income and expenditure doesn’t have to be a time consuming chore.  Find out what free tools and services your bank has on offer to help you manage a monthly family budget and before you know it you’ll be able to spot any unused direct debits and non-essential spend.

3. Get online – Check out what the internet has to offer to keep on top of family finances from easy to use money saving tools to budget planners to help you keep track of your spending. Most banks now also offer free online or mobile banking services so you can quickly access up to date information on the go. Free text alerts are also a great way to help stay one step ahead of going into the red, so you no longer have to worry!

4. Market research - collect prices online on your everyday shopping and longer-term purchases, such as insurance.  Retailers are constantly looking to attract new customers through offers and search engines, so shop around. To save even more time and money, check out price comparison sites for the most competitive offers.

5. Get the best deal - assess where your family spends the most money and start making some essential changes, from switching electricity supplier to moving to PAYG.  It’s all about what you actually need and use. Don’t forget to haggle, there is often room for more savings to be made as well as ‘price – match’ deals. Why not make it into a playful competition and give out a prize for the family member who finds the biggest money savings?

The Barclays Your Bank report is published as Barclays launches a new commitment to listen to customers and make changes.  For more information visit www.barclays.co.uk/yourbank  and follow #YourBank on Twitter for the latest updates.

Here's the link to see the full video with Kate Garraway http://bit.ly/1b5cBXF

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