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Rhyme with Rosen - Oxfam records exclusive poetry CD for children

Posted: 12/06/08
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Twenty-three of the UK’s most prominent poets are joining Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen to record an exclusive children’s CD for Oxfam at the Museum of Childhood on Saturday (June 14th).

Families are invited to join the poets at the event for a day of rhyming, rapping and readings of poems from the CD, which is designed to entertain and amuse primary school children. The new CD – which will be out in Oxfam shops in October will be a mix of fun, fantastical, and humorous poems written and voiced by more than forty UK poets – half of whom will be at Saturday’s recording.

As well as Michael Rosen poets taking part in Saturday’s event will include Welsh Children’s Laureate Ifor ap Glyn, the City of London poet John Mole, Judith Nicholls, John Foster and Wes Mcgee. Alongside traditional readings many of the poets will present their work in flamboyant styles ranging from Brian Moses on the drums, Jacob Sam-La Rose rapping to James Carter on the guitar.

It follows the massive success of Oxfam’s previous poetry CDs, the Life Lines Anthologies, which raised £75,000 for Oxfam’s work and became UK bestsellers.

Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen said:
“What are we? A crowd of poets? A herd? A flock? A gaggle of poets? Whatever we are, Oxfam have assembled more poets who write for children than have ever been squeezed together in the history of the universe. The result will without doubt be a stunning display of dreams, fun, fantasy and reflection. Truly a historic moment for poets and listeners alike.”

David McCullough, Oxfam’s Director of Trading said:
“Forty leading poets are donating their time and talent to provide poems for this CD. It will be an absolute feast for the ears and at the same time help Oxfam to continue its work lifting people out of poverty around the world.”

The CD is intended to introduce poetry to a wider audience providing families with hours of enjoyment and teachers with a creative resource for lessons whilst at the same time raising money for Oxfam’s lifesaving work.

Oxfam’s 130 specialist bookshops will stock the CD from National Poetry Day on October 9th and it will also be available online at www.oxfam.org.uk/shop

ENDS

Media invitation:
To attend the London recording at the Museum of Childhood or for further details please contact:
Georgette Ginn, Oxfam, tel:01865 472334, mob: 07798 656562
email: gginn@oxfam.org.uk

Recording Location: The V & A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA
Date: Saturday 14th June 2008
Time: 1000 – 1600 (group photo opportunity at 1145)

Editor’s notes:

Poets recording at the Museum of Childhood: Michael Rosen, Brian Moses, Catherine Benson, Chrissie Gittins, David Harmer, Fred Sedgwick, Gerard Benson, Grace Nichols, Ifor ap Glyn, Imitaz Dharkar, Jacob Sam La Rose, James Carter, John Agard, John Foster, John Mole, Judith Nicholls, Kit Wright, Lindsay Macrae, Paul Lyalls, Robert Hull, Roger Stevens, Tony Mitton, Wes Magee
Poets are available for interview prior to the event on request including John Mole, City of London Poet
All 23 poets attending the Museum of Childhood recording event will be available for interview at different times during the day.
Children from local schools in London have been invited to enter a nationwide competition to create the cover for the CD and will be encouraged to get their creative juices flowing when they visit the museum.
Copies of the CD to review will be available from October 9th, National Poetry Day

About Oxfam:

Oxfam GB is a development, relief, and campaigning organisation dedicated to finding lasting solutions to poverty and suffering around the world. There are 730 shops in the UK and over 130 specialised bookshops. More information is available from www.oxfam.org.uk
Oxfam is the second largest hand bookseller in Europe

Georgette Ginn
Essential Services Press Officer
Oxfam GB
(mob) 07798 656562
(landline) 01865 472193

Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England No. 612172.
Registered office: Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2JY.
Registered charity No. 202918.

Contact Name: Georgette Ginn
Company: Oxfam
Contact Phone: 01865 472193
Company Website: http://www.oxfam.org.uk

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oxfam | poetry | michael rosen | museum of childhood |