A travelling "multicultural carnival" is partnering up with a local cake seller to offer a new book cafe space in South Norwood.
Book Love currently travels to nurseries, colleges and school across the borough with a mix of books, music, toys and flags from across the world.
For the first Saturday of every month, the carnival will be parked up outside the Clocktower's outdoor market in partnership with local dessert company Essence of Cake.
Former TV producer Samantha Williams started Book Love after feeling that the books on offer to her child were based around stereotypical families, failing to represent the community she lives in.
Williams, who grew up in Barbados, said: “Recent statistics show that only 1% of main characters in children’s books are portrayed as black, Asian and ethnic minority even though 32% of children in UK primary schools come from these ethnic group.
"Book Love have made it their mission to change this and are committed to bridging this gap through literature.”
The Carnival currently travels to schools and colleges across Croydon and further afield featuring books, musicians and artists, showcasing BAME content helping teachers and families bring the gap.
Find more information at www.thisisbooklove.com and https://www.essenceofcake.com
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