PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Use Wednesday 16th January 2008

The book, which is to be launched at 12pm on 29th February at the SCEMES Stand S34, is an anthology of the winning poems entered into the SCEMES 2007 National Poetry Competition, which invited KS2 pupils across the country to write a poem on the theme of ‘The Environment.’

The launch will be attended by prominent author and educationalist Bill Laar, who acted as one of the judges in the National Poetry Competition, and who will introduce the launch event with a short address, after which the books will be sold at a special launch price of just £4.50.

‘The Green Book of Poetry’ was published in December 2007 and contains over 40 of the best poems entered into the competition as well as a selection of stunning illustrations provided by the contestants.

The poems, which are written in widely-acclaimed and often startling verse, reflect a response to climate change that is both disquieting and inspiring, and open a window onto a changing world and the generation that will inhabit it.  

Since its publication, ‘The Green Book of Poetry’ has been selling swiftly from various online outlets, and making waves amongst government ministers, environmentalists and educators.

Phil Woolas MP, Minister of State for the Environment, explained the appeal of the anthology:

“[The Green Book of Poetry] contains a wealth of insightful and affecting writing that shows young people really understand the complexity and urgency of environmental issues far more than we sometimes give them credit for,” he said.

“The Green Book of Poetry works to show anyone who reads it that with future generations the world will be in good hands.” 

Now, following its official launch at The Education Show, the book is to be distributed to bookshops nationwide and made readily available to the public.

Priced at just £6.99, ‘The Green Book of Poetry’ is a fantastic resource for teachers, who can use it as a starting point for teaching on environmental topics, and a wonderful read for anyone who cares about poetry or the environment.

All profits from the book’s sales will be donated to the Charity, PLAN, one of the largest child-centred community development organisations in the world.

SCEMES’ Managing Director Robin Matthias said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to The Green Book of Poetry and inundated with requests for copies of the book.

“We are really excited about the prospect of raising a significant sum of money for the charity Plan, which helps children and families in 46 of the poorest countries, and are looking forward to distributing the anthology to bookshops across the country.”

Copies of the anthology will be on sale at the stand throughout The Education Show at a specially discounted show price.

To find out more about ‘The Green Book of Poetry’ or to order your copy of the anthology visit www.scemes.com/poetry

ENDS

For more information contact Helen Gordon, Marketing and Projects Manager on 01691 664199 helen@scemes.net