Boutique Care Homes Celebrate World Book Day with Intergenerational Storytelling and Resident Book Launch

World Book Day 2025 brought joy, creativity and connection to residents across Boutique Care Homes, as residents, team members and local schoolchildren came together to share stories, dress up as favourite characters and celebrate the magic of books.

At Chartwell House in Broadstairs, this year’s celebrations were particularly special with the launch of resident Gerald’s new book — Two Tree Island, an adventure story inspired by his lifelong love of reading and the sea. The tale follows William and Anne-Marie as they join the spirited Captain Salt on a daring voyage to a mysterious island, encountering excitement, friendship and nautical intrigue along the way. Two Tree Island has captured the imaginations of residents, team members and visiting children alike, and Gerald has been personally signing copies, with all donations raised going to Books For Africa, supporting literacy and access to books across the continent.

To mark the launch, over thirty pupils from Cliftonville Primary School, Newington Community Primary School and Bromstone Primary School visited Chartwell House, spending time reading with residents and sharing their own favourite stories. In return, residents shared treasured memories of their own childhood books, sparking conversations and laughter.

Joyce, a resident at Chartwell House, summed up the sense of magic; “It’s like stepping into a different world, a more cheerful world full of adventure and excitement!”

As part of the celebrations, Chartwell House organised a book collection, inviting residents, team members and families to donate books for Cliftonville, Newington and Bromstone schools, strengthening community ties and encouraging a love of reading. To mark the occasion, Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager, created a beautiful World Book Day wreath, incorporating contributions from residents and children. The wreath will be proudly displayed in Cliftonville Primary School’s new library as a symbol of friendship between the home and local schools.

Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, said; “Building strong connections with our local community is something we truly value at Chartwell House. World Book Day gives us a chance to open our doors, welcome local children into our home, and create lasting bonds through the love of books. It’s wonderful to see residents and children learning from each other, sharing stories and laughter, and creating memories that extend far beyond the day itself.”

At Brampton Manor in Newmarket, World Book Day brought fifteen pupils from Fairstead House School into the home to read with residents. Dressed as their favourite literary characters, the children delighted in showing off their costumes and sharing beloved stories.

Jeanie, a resident at Brampton Manor, shared; “I have enjoyed the children visiting us to read their books and show us all their costumes. Lovely to see everyone come together and see the team get the chance to get involved too.”

The visit left a lasting impression on the children too. Mrs Sanders, Reception Teacher at Fairstead House School, said; “The children had a wonderful time visiting the residents at Brampton Manor to share their favourite stories. A very big thank you to all the team for being so welcoming, and to the residents for their super storytelling and very kind books which they gave to the children. It was the perfect way to celebrate World Book Day!”

Akhi Goswami, Home Manager at Brampton Manor, said; “World Book Day is always such a highlight in our homes because it reminds us of the simple pleasure of sharing a story. Whether it’s a familiar classic or something entirely new, these moments of connection between residents and children are heartwarming and remind us all of the power of imagination, learning and laughter.”

At The Burlington in Shepperton, residents welcomed 28 pupils from Saxon Primary School for a lively day of reading, costumes and conversation. The Burlington team embraced the fun, dressing up alongside the children and creating a warm, playful atmosphere. With resident Josephine sharing; “It was lovely to see the smiles of the young children who enjoyed reading their favourite stories dressed up as their favourite character.”

Margie Gonzaga, Home Manager at The Burlington, said; “There’s something truly special about the joy that fills the home when children and residents come together. The spirit of World Book Day brings such energy, excitement and creativity into our home, and it’s wonderful to see the smiles it brings to both generations. It’s these uplifting moments that highlight how meaningful shared experiences can be.”

Reflecting on the celebrations, Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique Care Homes, said; “At Boutique Care Homes, we see the incredible value in bringing generations together. World Book Day is the perfect example of how shared experiences — like reading a favourite story — can build understanding, connection and joy between children and older adults. These simple but powerful moments enrich the lives of our residents and help shape compassionate, curious young minds.”

To discover more about Boutique Care Homes, please visit www.boutiquecarehomes.co.uk.

For further information, please contact:

• Chartwell House 01843 260 970
• Brampton Manor 01638 597 130
• The Burlington 01932 220 338