To mark World Book Day 2021 (Thursday 4 March), Royal Mail has unveiled five special postboxes across the UK, honouring authors and illustrators who have been doing amazing things to help children during lockdown – one of which is Children’s Laureate Wales, and Firefly author, Eloise Williams.
Eloise’s postbox is situated in Cardiff, the setting of her middle-grade Victorian novel Gaslight, and where she spent a lot of her childhood. Painted with the gold stars and deep blue of the much-loved novel, the newly decorated post box has appeared on The Hayes in the heart of the Welsh capital and will remain for one month.
Eloise has been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, encouraging children with her writing challenges, videos, and resources for schools across Wales and the UK. We couldn’t be prouder of what she has achieved, and are delighted to see her honoured in this way.
‘It is without a shadow of a doubt that the UK is home to some of the world’s best children’s authors, and it is heart-warming to see how so many have been focused on keeping the magic of literature alive for children during lockdown. As one of the guardians of the written word, Royal Mail relishes the opportunity to celebrate some of Britain’s most treasured writers during these unprecedented times, so it seems only fitting that their amazing work is honoured on some of our iconic postboxes.
Mark Street, Head of Campaigns at Royal Mail
Eloise said, ‘I am absolutely delighted to have this very special postbox unveiled in Cardiff on World Book Day. The author community in Wales has really risen to the challenge of supporting young people during the past year and I am proud to have played a small part in that. To see how children have engaged with the Children’s Laureate Wales’ writing activities has been wonderful.
Creativity has never been so important. It has a proven positive impact on well-being and mental health and gives young people a voice and a way to express themselves. I hope the Children’s Laureate Wales’ activities have enabled young people to be playful, creative and imaginative.’
Eloise is also launching a new Children’s Laureate Wales initiative today, with Literature Wales, called Letters of Kindness. Find out more here.