Children’s books gifted as part of Coronation Celebration

Charlie & Spud and King Charles, the third book in the Touching History series, explores Jersey’s rich relationship with the Crown in celebration of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. 

The book, written by local children’s author Penny Byrne was sponsored by the Bailiff of Jersey, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, and has been gifted to all key-stage 2 children on the island as a Coronation gift. The book was commissioned as part of the Island Identity project which identified a lack of children’s books to help teach Jersey’s history, culture and heritage.The Touching History series compliments the local curriculum and has been written in conjunction with Jersey Heritage. Schools are also being gifted copies for their libraries and classrooms to support learning, and Penny Byrne has offered readings to all schools in the lead up to the Coronation. 

Sir Timothy Le Cocq, Bailiff of Jersey, said: “As communities across the Commonwealth, United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies come together to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, we have the opportunity to look back at Jersey’s rich past and relationship with the Crown. Jersey has a fascinating and colourful history and part of this is the story of the Island’s loyalty to King Charles II. Charlie’s adventure brings you closer to some of that story. This is an important part of our Jersey’s history and why we are unique and I am delighted to see it highlighted in this lovely book.”

Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development, said: “The Island Identity project continues to provide a much-needed platform to promote Jersey’s Identity: to consider how best to enhance and celebrate Jersey’s distinctiveness; and to protect and strengthen that distinctiveness so that it may be handed down responsibly to future generations; helping inform our community of our unique constitution, history and culture. Charlie & Spud and King Charles focuses on Jersey’s unique relationship with the Crown and allows the reader to explore the genesis of this relationship and helps in the understanding as to why the Coronation is so relevant to our island.”

Penny Byrne, author, said: “We loved working on this book. It was great to dive into the complexities of how the civil war affected our Island. Talking to experts from Jersey Heritage was fascinating and helped dispel some of the myths that still circulate around this part of our island’s story. It is wonderful to see how popular the Charlie & Spud series is becoming with children and schools across Jersey. We feel so privileged to be able to bring Jersey’s history to life in this way.” 

Books are available to buy from Jersey Heritage and Penny Byrne’s website.