WHILST ON furlough, Angel Greaves, 30, from Northamptonshire has launched a podcast aimed at children, where she handpicks the best story books to read aloud.

Set up just one month ago, she has had over 1,000 listeners across the UK and from as far afield as the USA, Russia, and India.

Angel tells us how it all began.

“So in March, my nursery decided in the interest of the children and staff
that it was best to close due to the coronavirus outbreak. Unable to work from home, I was reading one day when I was inspired to write a short story.

“I shared this story with a good friend of mine, who helped me to edit the video, adding musing and, later helping to create a logo! That’s when the light bulb moment appeared. I joined various Facebook groups, asking many new authors for permission to read their stories.

“I was so surprised with the amazing response had received, (over 100 books), I was even sent free books as a ‘Thank you’, for reading many authors books!”.

Storytelling

“Soon after, I enrolled on an online Storytelling course which, gave me everything I needed to tell a good story, which others would want to listen to. I was then confident enough to share my voice with others,” Greaves explains.

“I love stories, I’ve always loved stories, not just for the escapism but for the relationships you can create with the characters.

She continued: “I remember as a child, snuggling into bed with my favourite teddy; a Bunny called Bonnet, and getting ready to listen to a story (usually a classic fairy tale) told by my mother. As the years went on, I enjoyed just sitting down with a good book, and letting my imagination take me on a unique and wonderful adventure!”

Relationship

Greaves said: “As a nursery manager, I know stories are so important in a child’s learning and development; children absorb the messages within them, and a good story can transform their relationship with the world around them.

“Recently, there has been an increase in awareness of equality and a question of change, in regard to the Black Lives Matter movement. I have been trying to read stories that reflect this and other similar issues, in order to help educate children who listen to my podcast.”

Diversity

“Most recently I read, ‘Chrissy Doesn’t Like Her Hair’ by Christine Williams, about a little girl with ‘afro’ hair who wishes it was different and the same as her Caucasian friends – and it takes a role model in her teacher to help her appreciate the luscious locks she has,” the podcaster said.

“I remember this feeling as a little girl and I wished mine was like my friends’, it was a huge source of anxiety growing up. It has taken time for me to love mine, and appreciate my difference.

“Telling the story about Chrissy’s hair is helpful in teaching the value of diversity! No child is born with prejudice, it is a learnt trait, which
is why, from a very young age we should teach and appreciate the beauty in diversity, with stories being a key way to start such exploration.

She continued: “I try to find books by all types of writers, it is so important
for children to see characters from all walks of life be they BAME characters, single or same sex parents.

“My goal is to inspire and encourage children and young listeners all around the world to change the way they think! A story isn’t just a story, it’s a way of learning about different people from all walks of life and abilities, it’s a way of learning very valuable lessons which, if told in an inspiring way, will encourage and shape young minds for a better future”

You can find Angel and Bonnets stories here:
• www.facebook.com/Angelbonnetandfriends/
• https://anchor.fm/Angelbonnet%26Friendsstoryt