Covid Christmas Parade
1563. Milan Kumar
Milan Kumar, aged 8, from Bolton, has written and self-published his own book, ‘COVID Christmas Parade’, about a young boy spreading festive cheer during the pandemic, which is raising money for the National Literacy Trust to support other children whose literacy and learning have been most affected by COVID-19.
Milan was inspired to write his book after completing a lockdown challenge in the spring of 2020 to read 50 books over three months, which received praise from the patron of the National Literacy Trust, the Duchess of Cornwall. He has also supported the charity by joining their summer fundraising challenge, #FitforLit, by cycling 50 laps a day (one for each book he read) over ten days around the University of Bolton stadium, and has become a Premier League Reading Stars Ambassador for Bolton Wanderers Football Club, as part of the programme the charity runs in partnership with the Premier League to inspire children to get into reading through their love of sport. Proceeds from his book are also going towards the National Literacy Trust.
In a personal letter to Milan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was amazed to hear about the book you have written, ‘COVID Christmas Parade’, which is helping to spread Christmas cheer through these difficult times.
“The money you are raising for the ‘National Literacy Trust’ is making a real difference for other children, helping them to enjoy reading as much as you do.”
Milan said:
“I am greatly honoured that the Prime Minister has recognised my fundraising efforts for the National Literacy Trust.
“My newly published children’s book on Amazon called ‘Covid Christmas Parade’ is all about a young boy who is determined to bring back his town’s Christmas cheer in light of the pandemic.
“I feel proud knowing I have made a difference to the lives of other children affected by Covid-19 because reading promotes health and wellbeing. I love reading and learning about the world through books and I want to help as many children as possible discover the magic of reading and all the great benefits it comes with.
“Thank you for this prestigious award.”
Pictured below: Milan’s book, Covid Christmas Parade
