Children in state-funded primary schools across the United
Kingdom will, from mid-May, begin to receive a free commemorative
book to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
Designed as an official once-in-a-lifetime commemoration of the
Platinum Jubilee and written in collaboration with royal experts
and historians, the book will tell the story of a young girl,
Isabella, visiting her Great Granny Joyce’s house who tells her
about the Queen and this year’s Jubilee.
In the story, Isabella sifts through Great Granny Joyce’s
treasure box of souvenirs, that act as introductions to the
contents of the book. These include recent and historical events
across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, inspirational people,
landmark innovations and inventions, and a selection of our best
art, design, and culture.
The book will also include famous quotes from the Queen, facts on
the coronation ceremony, content on the lives of famous
Commonwealth figures such as Nelson Mandela, notable kings and
queens and a timeline of Queen Elizabeth’s life.
Children will be invited to personalise their individual copies
of the illustrated reference book, by signing a ‘this book
belongs to’ section at the beginning of the book. The page reads:
‘During [the Queen’s] reign, the world has changed in so many
ways… [This book] will help you understand the amazing life and
times of our Queen and the magic of the unique, unshakable bond
she shares with the people she serves.
The book will also help children understand how the four nations
came together as one United Kingdom, including details such as
Owain Glyndwr’s rebellion against the English in 1400 to take the
title of ‘Prince of Wales’, on the journey to the Queen’s reign
which continues to this day.
Education Secretary said:
“Queen Elizabeth II is the first British Monarch to celebrate a
Platinum Jubilee and Her Majesty’s dignity, commitment and grace
continues to inspire people all over the world.
“Millions of children will soon receive their own commemorative
Jubilee book, celebrating and showcasing the Queen’s incredible
living legacy. I hope all our pupils are as excited as I am to
read about Her Majesty’s amazing life and the people and events
that have shaped history during the last 70 years.”
On the request of the Scottish and Welsh Governments, schools in
Scotland and Wales will be asked to opt-in to receive copies of
the book, which will then be delivered in late September.
‘Brilliant bookmarks’ from the Reading Agency are to be
distributed with every book, to support and encourage reading for
pleasure amongst children at school and over the summer. The book
is also featured within the National Literacy Trust's Platinum
Jubilee Royal Reading Challenge.
The book also goes on private sale from 23 June.
Schools can expect to hear from the Department for Education (in
England) or DK Books (in Northern Ireland) in the coming days
about delivery details, and those in Scotland and Wales should
already have had information on how to place their book orders.
The book was commissioned by the UK Government and is being
published by DK Books. It has been designed for a reading age of
9-10 years, but will be accessible to all primary school age
children, for example if parents, carers or teachers read with
them.
It forms part of the wider programme of events and activities
planned for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including a concert,
street parties, and an extra bank holiday for the Jubilee weekend
itself from Thursday 02 to Sunday 05 June 2022.
