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Zoe Toft of Playing by the book has two exciting initiatives happening on her blog that you may be interested in:

1. A Children’s Literature Tour of the UK – Part 1 and Part 2

A Children’s Literature Tour of the UK got it’s start when Zoe decided to compile a list of the various museums and centres for children’s literature around the world. “The part of the world I know best is the UK and then I got excited with the idea of a tour around the UK for lovers of children’s literature and illustration,” she says. “There’s quite an industry dedicated to literary tours but apart from one or two focusing on Harry Potter, I couldn’t find one dedicated to children’s books and so this post was born. Join me as we tour some of the best museums, centres, galleries and bookshops in the UK for children’s literature by clicking here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.”

“Here’s the google map to the European tour I’m currently working on and then I will eventually move on to a US tour and a rest of the world tour (will have to come up with a better name). Any suggestions (museums, galleries, bookshops, activity parks etc) would be most appreciated.”

2. Perfect Picture Books by Post

” This is all about sending and receiving wonderful, indeed brilliant children’s picture books.” says Zoe. ” It will be a way for you to spread the word about a picture book you are passionate about, and to discover another equally amazing book through a gift from someone else. Anyone can sign up (whether or not you have a blog, whether or not you have children) but when you sign up you’re agreeing to purchase and post a lovely picture book (something that in your mind is the ‘best of the best’) to your partner. You in return will receive a lovely gift of a book back.” Interested in signing up? Click here  for the details.

Huberta the Hippo is one of South Africa’s most beloved animals. Likely born in Natal, this hippo came to public notice in 1928 when she started wandering for two and a half years down the Natal coast to the eastern Cape — a journey of over 1000 kms. Conspicuous enough to be spotted with some regularity, she gathered something a following, often dogged by curious onlookers who’d poke and prod her when she was hiding in the bushes. No one knew what prompted Huberta’s epic journey, which sadly came to an untimely end on the Keiskamma River in April 1931. By the time of her death, she’d become a popular symbol of courage and fortitude.

Using the story of this well beloved figure of South African animal lore, children’s book illustrator Sarah Garson helped coordinate a children’s picture book project for the Keiskamma Aids and Treatment Centre in Hamburg, South Africa. Hamburg is located on the Keiskamma River and its inhabitants are familiar with Huberta’s tale. Working with patients from the centre, Garson led the group in drawing and doing embroidery about the story. The embroideries were then scanned, text added, and then bound into a picture book. Later, children from the local school contributed to the project by making masks related to the story which were used for performances.

Developing this children’s book using embroidery and drawing is part of the work of the Keiskamma Trust whose vision is to use art in the aid of healing, particularly of those suffering from the scourge of AIDS. The putting together of this children’s book about Huberta the Hippo helped consolidate the bonds of this community in a unique and delightful way. The wandering hippo has found a home in a new interpretation of her journeys in the embroidered artwork of the people of Hamburg.