Budding young writers are being given the chance to get creative and share their short stories to be in with the chance of winning a prize!
The museum is currently hosting an exhibition based on Judith Kerr’s much-loved children’s book, ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’, which runs until 5 March.
Now, the museum is calling on young writers to write their own short stories inspired by the exhibition. There are categories for children under 7, 7-11 and 12-16.
The stories need to be a maximum of 500 words. They can be illustrated as well, although that isn’t essential to the competition.
The entries can be submitted by email on museum@charnwood.gov.uk or dropped into Charnwood Museum during normal opening hours, marked ‘Tiger Writing Competition’. The name and age of the young writer should be included, along with the contact name and telephone number or email address of a parent/guardian.
The closing date for entry to the competition is 28 February and all entries submitted will not be returned.
Councillor Christine Radford, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: “Generations of children and adults alike have been inspired by The Tiger Who Came to Tea since it was first published more than 50 years ago. The exhibition at Charnwood Museum is hugely popular and is hopefully playing its part in inspiring a new generation of readers.
“This competition will give them the chance to let their imaginations run free and create their own short stories and illustrations – just like Judith Kerr did when she first came up with the idea for The Tiger Who Came to Tea.”
Councillor Jenny Bokor, Charnwood Borough Council lead member for Loughborough, said: “The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a fantastic exhibition, and a fitting tribute to the wonderful imagination of Judith Kerr.
“This writing competition is a superb idea, and I am sure that children will find plenty of inspiration for their own stories. I hope that the team at the Museum are inundated with entries from the children of Charnwood, and I wish everyone who takes part the best of luck.”
The exhibition, originated by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, features facsimile illustrations from the Seven Stories collection and promises to bring this delightful book to life for a new generation of family audiences.
It also includes a reproduction of Sophie’s kitchen, where young visitors can sit down to tea with a 4ft cuddly tiger, a reading area, dressing up, puzzles, games and lots more Tiger-related activities.
Entry to the exhibition is free during museum opening hours. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm. More information is available on the Charnwood Museum website at www.charnwood.museum.co.uk
Loughborough Library is also hosting a Tiger Who Came to Tea Storytime on Thursday 17 February from 10.30am-11.30am. This session is aimed at over-fives who are invited to come and enjoy the full story of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, followed by a crafting session. Booking is essential by calling 0116 305 2420.