Royal Mail unveils special Sheffield post box – decorated to celebrate World Book Day

This Sheffield post box is impossible to miss after being decorated in colourful style to mark World Book Day.
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With pupils yet to return to school, the inventive costumes which are a highlight of the annual literary celebration are a little thinner on the ground than usual this year.

But Royal Mail has dressed up post boxes around the country to honour the occasion, including this parcel post box on Clarkehouse Road in Broomhall, Sheffield.

Children's illustrator Lydia Monks beside the post box on Clarkehouse Road, in Sheffield, which has been specially decorated to mark World Book Day (pic: Tom Maddick/Royal Mail)Children's illustrator Lydia Monks beside the post box on Clarkehouse Road, in Sheffield, which has been specially decorated to mark World Book Day (pic: Tom Maddick/Royal Mail)
Children's illustrator Lydia Monks beside the post box on Clarkehouse Road, in Sheffield, which has been specially decorated to mark World Book Day (pic: Tom Maddick/Royal Mail)
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The bright yellow post box, outside the walls of King Edward VII School, celebrates the work of children’s author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Lydia Monks, who have collaborated on hit books including What the Ladybird Heard.

The post box’s eye-catching livery, which Royal Mail says will remain in place for a month, includes a QR code linking to free services offered by the duo.

It is one of five post boxes across the country getting the special treatment, with the others in London, Cardiff, Belfast and Oban celebrating work by Cressida Cowell, Eloise Williams, Dapo Adeola and Nathan Bryon.

The post box on Clarkehouse Road in Sheffield celebrates the work of Lydia Monks and Julia Donaldson (Tom Maddick/Royal Mail)The post box on Clarkehouse Road in Sheffield celebrates the work of Lydia Monks and Julia Donaldson (Tom Maddick/Royal Mail)
The post box on Clarkehouse Road in Sheffield celebrates the work of Lydia Monks and Julia Donaldson (Tom Maddick/Royal Mail)

The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson said: “I am really looking forward to seeing the finished post box – what a great idea.

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“I hope it brings some cheer to families in Sheffield. Maybe children can post some stories or pictures to their friends and family.”

Mark Street, head of campaigns at Royal Mail, said: “As one of the guardians of the written word, Royal Mail relishes the opportunity to celebrate some of Britain’s most treasured writers during these unprecedented times, so it seems only fitting that their amazing work is honoured on some of our iconic post boxes.”

Cassie Chadderton, chief executive of World Book Day, said: “It’s wonderful that children and families have felt the benefit of shared reading during the lockdowns thanks to many authors and illustrators.

“World Book Day aims to that ensure children from all backgrounds can benefit from the improved life chances reading for pleasure offers.

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“The challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic mean this mission is now more important than ever, and we’re delighted to team up with Royal Mail to recognise the amazing contribution these authors have made.”

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