We can no longer count the heroes of children's literature who take on the appearance of prankster wolves, spectacular whales or cunning bees. In 2025, the event will pay tribute to these small and large beasts which enliven our tales, albums and novels. The call for projects is open today.
Partir en Livre invites young audiences to discover reading outside the shelves and libraries, by investing in their places of leisure and relaxation. Through thousands of events organized throughout France, the CNL initiative aims to transmit the pleasure of reading to children, adolescents and families, with workshops, shows, author meetings, and outdoor readings. As summer approaches, this festival is establishing itself in the national cultural landscape thanks to the commitment of many local and national actors, determined to make books accessible everywhere.
Children's literature explores our relationship with animals and animality by offering, over the centuries, an animal figure in constant evolution. As Michel Pastoureau shows, the image of the wolf, for example, has come a long way, going from a fearsome monster to an endearing character in children's albums.
We also find domestic animals, faithful and caring companions, who share the adventures and emotions of the young protagonists. Other stories give life to humanized animals which allow readers to develop their imagination and cultivate an openness to otherness.
Wild or captive animals, through the distance they introduce, open up space to address powerful themes such as environmental preservation and animal protection. Between fascination and mystery, animals also occupy a special place in fantasy and science fiction stories, embodying figures that resonate with the desires and fears of adolescents.
With the theme “Animals and us”, Partir en Livre highlights these children’s works which explore our complex link with the animal world and celebrate this relationship with the living.
To encourage initiatives around reading, the CNL is now opening its call for projects for Partir en Livre. Any structure — municipality, association, bookstore, library, cultural or sports center, school, museum, historical monument, performance hall, etc. — can submit a project and obtain certification, i.e. financial support that can cover up to 70 % of costs related to “literary activities”. In 2024, 199 projects benefited from this aid.
Requests are made online via the CNL portal, from today until February 7, 2025. The evaluation criteria relate to the originality of the literary program, the involvement of actors in the book chain, the promotion of bookstores and libraries, territorial anchoring, mediation with the public and the ability to mobilize young people. Itinerant projects, particularly in rural areas, or offering reading aloud and practical workshops, will be particularly appreciated.
At the same time, any structure can join forces with Partir en Livre by proposing a project around reading and writing, listed from March on the dedicated site. At the same time, communication materials, Read Checks and numerous resources will be available. In 2024, more than 2,000 municipalities hosted Partir en Livre, with 6,300 free events in mainland France and overseas.
READ — Going as a book: some 300,000 children encounter reading
The terms of the call for projects can be consulted on the CNL website by clicking here.
Photo credits: Partir en Livre
By Dispatch
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