- Former BBC Radio Scotland rugby commentator helps inspire a love of reading in children with Children 1st and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- Murrayfield favourite Bill Johnstone records bedtime story to inspire a love of reading among children and families
Former rugby commentator, Bill Johnstone, has recorded a reading of Goodnight Digger by Michelle Robinson to support a charity partnership that aims to give the gift of reading to children and families across Scotland.
Bill has made the recording to encourage people to donate to a fundraising campaign, by charities Children 1st and the Dollywood Foundation UK, to spark the love of reading.
Children and families can enjoy Bill Johnstone’s reading of the Penguin book – a delightful rhyme which help little ones easily drift off to sleep after saying goodnight to all their favourite toys – on the Children 1st website.
Bill Johnstone is the latest in a series of well-known book lovers to record children’s stories for the campaign, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, actor and musician Tom Urie, radio presenter Katy Johnston, actor Jordan Young and singers Michelle McManus and Eddi Reader.
Bill commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to read this month’s bedtime story to support Children 1st and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
“Reading is an incredibly valuable skill, and I am thrilled to support this partnership which helps bring the love and magic of books to children across Scotland. I chose to read Goodnight Digger by Michelle Robinson as it is a lovely relaxing rhyme for young children to listen to as they drift off to sleep.”
As well as encouraging families to enjoy the celebrity videos together, the charities are also encouraging avid readers to donate to the campaign, to help share their love of reading with children in Scotland who may not have access to books at home.
With public support, the charities will deliver a free book to children who might otherwise go without, every month from birth to their fifth birthday. Alongside the books, children and their families are also offered practical and emotional support to keep their children safe and to support their wellbeing and development.
One parent, whose young child has been receiving books, said: “I think all children should get to have a story at bedtime.
“My son is really excited to get books in the post addressed especially to him. Having a new book keeps it fresh and stops him getting bored listening to the same story all the time. It’s been great for my son and for his older siblings too, as they’re enjoying reading the new stories to their little brother.”
Gary Kernahan, Children 1st Director of Fundraising, said: “We’re delighted that Bill Johnstone is supporting this campaign and helping to pass on his love of reading and stories to other children across Scotland.
“Stories are an important part of childhood and Children 1st wants to ensure that all children get to experience the joy of books. If you would like to help support this important campaign and help more children who don’t have access to books at home to develop a love of reading, please donate today at
www.children1st.org.uk/imaginationlibrary.”
You can watch Bill Johnstone at: https://www.children1st.org.uk/get-involved/give-books/listen-to-a-bedtime-story/
