In the charming town of Swindon, a heartwarming story is unfolding. Kerry Molson and her eight-year-old son Parker, both avid bookworms, have embarked on a delightful mission. Their goal? To scatter over 200 children’s books across Swindon, turning the town into a giant treasure hunt for young readers.
This dynamic duo began their literary quest on Tuesday, July 30, with the noble aim of sharing an act of kindness. Their mission also serves to ensure that children who may not have easy access to books can pick one up for free.
Kerry and Parker’s love for reading extends beyond this book hunt. They also run book stalls together, and Kerry has her own book club for adults, while Parker has started one for children. Their shared passion for books is inspiring and infectious.
Kerry explained, “Myself and my son Parker love going on walks together and thought it would be a fun way to make it more exciting for families.” After leaving her job during the Covid-19 pandemic, Kerry started her own book business, fulfilling her dream of getting books into the hands of as many children as possible.
This summer’s book hunt is a step up from last year’s successful endeavour. The campaign has been made possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses such as Huntly, Let’s Create Art Club, Swindon Story Shed, Ms Heron – English Tutoring and BeAdvised Mortgage Solutions. These businesses share Kerry and Parker’s passion for promoting literacy among children.
The books hidden around Swindon are all brand new, and the hiding spots are varied. From popular parks like Lydiard, Coate and Old Town Gardens to unexpected nooks and crannies, the book hunt promises to be an exciting adventure.
To keep the community engaged, Kerry has created a Facebook group called Found It with Parkers Books. Here, she announces where she’ll be hiding the books and encourages finders to share their joy and re-hide the books for others to discover.
In a world where screens often dominate, Kerry and Parker’s book hunt is a refreshing initiative. It not only promotes literacy but also encourages exploration, community spirit, and the simple joy of reading a good book. So, if you’re in Swindon, why not join the hunt and spread the joy of reading?
Image: Kerry Molson
