The Book Detectives
In 2019, we were approached by Delight about working collaboratively to devise a new Delight in Libraries programme aimed initially at year 2, and now at year 3 primary school children at selected primary schools in Surrey.
The Delight in Libraries programme uses dance and movement as a way of learning how to build a story. The programme is designed to strengthen children’s educational and social outcomes along with encouraging participation in dance. It is aimed primarily at children who may not usually engage with their local library service, and encourages them to find out more about the imaginative possibilities of the library space.
Children visit their local library at the beginning of a half term and see a professional dance performance there called The Book Detectives. After this, they work together with Katie Green and the performers from the show to create their own response to The Book Detectives, and to stories they have been reading in class. At the end of the half term they return to the library to perform their own work for their friends and family and to celebrate everything they have done, including achieving a Discover Arts Award qualification through the programme.
The Book Detectives was devised in 2019, originally created at Guildford Library, and developed through collaboration with year 2 children from Weyfield Primary School, Guildford. It is being supported in 2020 by the Heathrow Community Fund and the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Creative team
Directed by Katie Green
Choreographed and performed by Amarnah Amuludun and Hannah Rotchell (and Megan Griffiths in 2020)
Writing: Anna Selby
Original Composition: Max Perryment
Design Consultation: Lucy Starkey
Developed in consultation with Kathryn Mills and Jessica Clarke from Delight.
About Delight
Delight creates intensive arts programmes to increase the social, academic and artistic development of primary aged children.
Delight co-creates its arts programmes with arts partners and works in close partnership with selected primary schools across Surrey.
