Design a new kit for football-playing chicken to win Irthlingborough Library competition

The competition coincides with National Story Telling Week
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A county library has hatched an egg-cellent idea for a competition to encourage children to join in National Story Telling Week.

The creative challenge, launched by Irthlingborough Library, is for young artists to design a new football strip for a fictional soccer star, who happens to be a chicken.

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Youngsters are being urged to put pen, crayon, paint or chalk to paper to be in the running to win the top prize in the library's competition.

The winning design will be picked by Little Harrowden author Shaun McMahon, the creator of Bert who starred in Fowl, his children's book about a soccer-mad chicken that was published last year.Claire Steptoe, customer adviser, said: “During these strange times, we want children and their families to remember that you can escape the everyday stresses and strains of life by delving into a story. What better way to escape than by reading about a chicken that plays football?"

Fowl is the story of Bert, a chicken who dreams of playing for his local football team. The story follows his adventure as he tries to make his dream come true.

Claire said: "The competition is to design a new football shirt for Bert to wear. We want you to be as creative as you like. Use paint, pens, chalks – anything you like.

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"Libraries are still here to help families. We are still offering a click and collect service to our customers and that includes children’s books. It’s amazing what escaping into the work of a good book can do for your mental health - whatever your age.”

Bert needs a new footy stripBert needs a new footy strip
Bert needs a new footy strip

During National Storytelling Week, Shaun will be appearing on the library's social media pages to in a 'meet the author' event. Further children’s activities will be available on social media pages for families to enjoy.

Shaun will be choosing his favourite design and the winner, announced the week after the closing date, will receive a signed and personalised copy of his book, Fowl.

The competition will coincide with the start of National Story Telling Week, January 30 to February 6, and will run until Friday, February 19.

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Designs should be emailed to [email protected]Retailing at £7.99, Fowl by Shaun McMahon can be purchased direct from publisher Troubador, and from other stockists including Amazon, and WHSmith.

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