Let me tell you a story

THIS Christmas, the magic of books and reading will step out from the page at the territory's first major family carnival devoted to storytelling.

Joy to Story Kingdom, which runs for eight days from Thursday at Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay, provides an opportunity for story buffs of all ages to share their favourites tale on and off stage.

Organised by the Hong Kong Children's Arts Society, a non-profit-making association dedicated to the promotion of children's arts and literature through educational activities, the carnival hopes to address the concern among local educationalists that today's children are not doing enough reading.

Academic research suggests reading plays a vital role in child development. It is hoped the carnival will encourage parents to start reading stories to their children and thus help youngsters get into the habit of reading at an early age.

At the carnival families will have the chance to listen to a range of stories, some from overseas. Tales include Alfie Gets in First by British children's writer Shirley Hughes, the locally-written Hamburger and Cha Siu Bun by P.S. Chu and Swapping Fathers by the late Ho Chi.

Stories will be narrated dramatised and set to music. There will also be poetry recitals. Guests include actress Fung Bo-bo, veteran broadcaster Chung Wai-ming and RTHK's drama group.

A 6,000-square-foot Journey to the West maze will be set up for children under 16 along with over 60 games stalls. Youngsters will be encouraged to go on stage to tell stories together with guest celebrities.