A popular zoo is offering Worcester primary schools the chance to win a bundle of books.

Twycross Zoo has 10 book bundles to give away to schools in Worcester to celebrate World Book Day tomorrow (Thursday March 3).

The Leicestershire-based zoo and conservation charity is giving away 500 books to primary schools across the UK to help encourage children’s understanding of nature and conservation.

It is also publicising the launch of The Gruffalo Discovery Land, a multi-million pound exhibit at the zoo that features characters from the best-selling children’s book.

The books in the prize bundles are featured in Twycross Zoo’s ‘Essential Reads for Young Discoverers’ - a new reading list that has been compiled by its Discovery & Learning team.

The specially curated selection of books aims to support young children’s awareness of nature and conservation and to inspire them to take steps to help protect the planet. On the list are:

• What To Look For In Spring - A Ladybird Book

• A Planet Full of Plastic: And How You Can Help - by Neal Layton

• Eco Warriors (My First Heroes) - A Campbell Book

• There’s a Rang-Tan In My Bedroom - by James Sellick

• The Gruffalo - by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 

• Ten Things I Can Do To Help My World - by Melanie Walsh

• Somebody Swallowed Stanley - by Sarah Roberts

• We Planted a Tree - by Diane Muldrow

'Spark their imagination'

Research commissioned by Twycross Zoo shows that only 16 per cent of children have a strong understanding of how conservation efforts could help tackle climate change. 

The survey also found that 85 per cent of parents feel that imaginary characters from books, such as The Gruffalo, have a positive impact on children’s understanding of conservation.

Dr Rebecca Biddle, head of life sciences at Twycross Zoo, said: “We are so excited to announce our brand-new reading list in celebration of World Book Day.

“We believe these eight books will help to increase young children’s understanding of conservation, spark their imagination, and encourage a love of the natural world.

“Reading is one of life’s great joys and books can educate and inspire us in equal measure. We hope this reading list is a useful tool for all and we’d encourage schools to send in their nominations to win their very own book bundle.”

Nominations can be submitted via the Twycross Zoo website.