We’re going on a bear hunt.
Have you seen that giant inflatable opposite The Hilton in L1? Rumours were circulating of a giant bouncy castle and as exciting as that initial though was, when we eventually went down to find out what it is, this idea might just be better. Bear Hunt is a baby book inspired by one of the best-loved children’s books ever – to be treasured by parents and children who will look back on it time and time again. It has since been brought to life, quite literally, in a beautiful pop-up inflatable in Liverpool One by The Reader organisation. Immerse yourself in a world where you become the hero of the story and welcome to a world for kids (and big kids at heart) that gives you the chance to step into the book.
The Reader is an award-winning charitable social enterprise working to connect people with great literature through shared reading. They’re here to bring books to life, creating welcoming environments in which personal feeling is recognised and valued, forming vital connections between people and literature through which everyone can feel more alive. The ethos and purpose were originally forged in shared reading groups, which is where most of their activity still takes place. More than just books, they’ve recently opened a beautiful Ice Cream Parlour in Calderstones Park and an interactive children’s centre, The Storybarn, on their allotment, in a community play, at a public reading or even at a conker festival.
Step inside a huge Chocolate Cake, swishy swashy through the Bear Hunt trail and bravely explore the Bad Things and Uncle Gobb’s Dread Shed. Discover hidden rooms and clues that reveal the inspiration behind some of Michael Rosen’s most beloved books and poems. This interactive exhibition explores the fantastic stories and poems of the former Children’s Laureate and best-selling author, bringing some of the nation’s favourite stories to life. Walk through the enchanting forest, search for the sneaky bear in his cave, cross the river and more. They say this is for kids but we’re not going to lie, we had a pretty incredible time ourselves.
For many of us, how often can we recall on being lost in a book? A world far more interesting than our own that left us with better knowledge of the world and in the end, ourselves. This generation growing up have iPad’s and Kindles before they can even say the words J.K Rowling and this a new and interactive chance to actually step into the pages of the book. To immerse yourself in the world where you’re not just a reader anymore, you’re the main character and the possibilities are endearing and endless at the same time.. Amazing work by The Reader for doing something so important on an phenomenal scale, we look forward to hearing about more of their plans. Book yourself in here. Tickets are £7 or £25 for a family of four. The experience lasts around 45 minutes and is led by a speaker. The adventure will run from now until end of April.
