2 minute read
BUSINESS & BABIES
PRIMARY YEARS Business Babies&
The Lost Art
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of Letter Writing.
How letters from her childhood inspired Kate Boyle to bring back the magic of letter-writing for a new generation (with the help of Banjo Robinson, a globetrotting CAT!). Words: Kate Boyle
When I was a kid, my dad used to send me beautiful letters. I remember the feeling of the delicate writing paper and thick brown envelopes - the delight of seeing my full name written out in his looping handwriting. A unique gift on the doormat just for me.
Fast forward a few decades and I was working in the film industry in Los Angeles, and using every spare moment to write. My friends’ children back in the UK were growing fast and I didn’t want to miss it, so I started to correspond with them. Receiving their thoughtful responses ignited a spark in me which just wouldn’t go away. I kept coming back to the joys of proper, paper post- and the importance of sharing stories. And so, Banjo Robinson -global explorer, penpal and cat - was born!
As we speak, Banjo is travelling to exciting destinations across the globe, sending personalised letters and creative activities to children (ages 5+), twice a month, from everywhere he visits. Banjo brings the world into our homes, nurturing young imaginations and encouraging written responses from his penpals. Banjo’s letters prompt written replies which children are asked to leave under their sofa for overnight collection by ‘Cat Mail’. Then you can supercharge the magic by adding a personalised PS message to the end of Banjo’s next letter - answering any questions they may have or referencing something they’ve done recently!
We know that reading with young children can be transformative - allowing time for reflection, helping them to express feelings and increasing their vocabulary. Creative writing too is amazing for developing selfesteem, empathy and communication skills.
My hope is that Banjo’s enthusiasm for travel and his kindness and compassion will be a little bit contagious and that kids will find a pleasure and comfort in their penpal which will stick with them for years to come.
I’ve still got the post which dad sent me and I still believe there’s nothing quite as special as a letter which has been written with love (and nothing quite as magical as a globetrotting cat).
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