THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY WAS CELEBRATED BY A LITERARY MARATHON

Today, by a literary marathon in Sliven was celebrated the International Children’s Book Day. The Marathon was organized organized by an initiative of the Regional Library with the support of “Egmont Bulgaria" and "Pan" publishing houses. More than 500 pupils from Sliven II elementary school "Hristo Botev", IV elementary school "Dimitar Petrov", V elementary school "P.K.Yavorov", X elementary school "Yordan Yovkov", XI elementary school "Konstantin Konstantinov", XII elementary school "Elisaveta Bagryana", primary school "Vasil Levski", and elementary school ”Nikola Prokopiev” took part in it. The marathon dedicated to the 130 anniversary of Alan Milne – the author of the book "Winnie the Pooh". For one hour more children read excerpts from the book about the famous teddy-bear.

 The marathon was officially launched in "Sava Dobroplodni" Regional Library by the mayor of Sliven Mr. Kolyo Milev. At 10.00 a.m. sharp he welcomed some of the most ardent readers of "Winnie the Pooh" – the pupils from the IV „v“ grade of primary school "Vasil Levski" and he read his favorite passage from the book. After him all the children and their teacher Ms. Kina Dimitrova, took part in the reading.

At the same time in primary school "Vasil Levski" to the marathon also joined pupils from III „a“grade for who the time determined was insufficient and they continued reading after the official announcement of the end of the marathon too.

 Also in II elementary school "Hristo Botev" children willing to take part in the reading were many - 85 children from IIIrd grade. And they also proved that the time determined for the marathon is insufficient and they continued reading after the official ending time.

 In IV elementary school "Dimitar Petrov" in the marathon took part fifty-six children - students from I, II, III, IV forms. In honor of the event exhibitions of children's drawings and modeled figures with characters from the book were expposed in the classrooms.

In V elementaryschool "P. K.Yavorov" 26 students from fourth grades took part in the marathon. For them, reading was after the classes and their love for the book brought them in the hall.

The most participants took part in the marathon of reading in X elementary school "Yordan Yovkov". Two hundred children from I, II and III grades, located in several rooms and in the hall for games at the school, read for an hour from their favorite book. A special exhibition of children's drawings showed their love for the unforgettable Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga, Rabbit, and Owl. Children also shared their desire to present infront of an audience their performance based n the book "Winnie the Pooh" quite soon.

 In the XI secondary school "Konstantin Konstantinov" marathon was held at "Winnie the Pooh" club, which operates within the school. More than 40 children from I and III grades were involved in reading. Ms. Krasimira Bakalova had prepared a special presentation about the author of the book - Alan Milne, and the children presented their favorite characters. All participants wore badges with the image of Winnie the Pooh. With a gong – a bell the beginning and end of each participant in the reading marathon was announced.

In XII primary school „Elisaveta Bagryana“ the reading took place infront of an audience - curious students and more thatn 50 participants in the marathon enthusiastically supported readers with applause. Children were made also special cards with favorite thoughts of Winnie the Pooh.

Each participant in the marathon received a colorful illustrated booklet with information about the author Alan Milne and some of the most memorable thoughts and phrases of the famous bear included, and to the school libraries of the schools which took part in the marathon "Sava Dobroplodni" regional library gifted a copy of the book.

The marathon ended. For the organizers and for the participants, it turned into a real celebration of reading and it brought a lot of pleasant emotions.