For the fifth consecutive year, 3,500 “literary magic boxes” are distributed to children in Seine-Saint-Denis, with the aim of encouraging reading at home. This initiative, supported by the Family allowance fund (CAF) and the Book and youth press fair in Seine-Saint-Denisaims to stimulate the imagination and strengthen family ties around words.
These boxes, offered to families in this Department most affected by poverty in mainland France, contain, this year, three albums selected for 8-11 year olds, on the themes of dream and the poetry. They also include a writing kit and drawing, as well as a card game designed by two artists. “When we give them a gift, it’s a magical moment: the children feel pride and wonder at having truly beautiful books at home, like gifts,” explain Laura Pfohlcoordinator of theassociation Lez'arts dans les Murswho participates in the operation.
The association, active in the priority Bel Air – Grands Pêchers district in Montreuilsupports children in their education and offers them a library where they can choose their books. “But this is different: with these boxes, the books belong to them. It’s a very special moment, a real ceremony where we also involve the parents, even those who are not readers.” she adds.
A bridge to dreams and imagination
This initiative was born in 2020, while the pandemic prevented the Children's Book Fair to be held in person. “It worked really well from the start,” rejoices Sylvie Vassolodirector of the Show. “The children take care of it, it means a lot to them.”
The books are purchased in bookstores, then distributed staggered, between October and December, to children benefiting from homework help in 32 cities Seine-Saint-Denis. In Montreuil, 18 boxes were recently given to children supervised by Lez'arts dans les Murs, which manages a shared garden linked to the neighborhood.
This operation is part of the Youth Book and Press Fair, an international event which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. From November 27 to December 2, it will host, Montreuil, nearly 200,000 visitors, confirming its role as the leading event dedicated to children's literature in France.
“These boxes are not just a material gift. They symbolize access to culture and dreams, in families where this can sometimes be lacking,” concludes Sylvie Vassolo. A gesture which, through words and imaginationhelps cultivate seeds of hope and pride among young people.
