Tag Archives: Penguin

Peter Rabbit selected as Children’s Ambassador for The Queen’s Green Canopy

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Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit has been selected as the Children’s Ambassador for The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, a special Platinum Jubilee project that will see a nation-wide tree planting take place in honour of the Queen in 2022.

The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative was launched this week under the theme ‘Trees in Literature’, as the QGC Ambassador, Dame Judi Dench recited a poem in her garden in memory of loved ones. Dench shared her own passion for trees and literature, as well as her support for The Queen’s Green Canopy by recording her recital of A E Houseman’s Loveliest of trees, the cherry now.

“As an official Ambassador for The Queen’s Green Canopy, I am proud to be a part of a nation-wide tree planting initiative to pay tribute to Her Majesty and her lifetime of service to the United Kingdom,” said Dench.

“People of all ages from Land’s End to John O’Groats are being invited to Plant a Tree for the Jubilee in 2022. This country has never before celebrated a Platinum Jubilee and next year we will have the opportunity to thank Her Majesty by planting trees to create an abundant canopy across the four corners of the country. Planting season starts in October, so get ready to plant.”

Meanwhile, and with nature at the heart of the initiative, Peter Rabbit has been selected as the Children’s Ambassador for the project. First published in 1902, The Tale of Peter Rabbit will be celebrating its 120th birthday during the Platinum Jubilee.

Beatrix Potter’s illustrations of trees in nature depict woodland adventures and comfortable homes for her animal creations. Her original pencil sketch of Peter Rabbit’s burrow in the roots of a fir tree will be released in support of The Queen’s Green Canopy launch.

The QGC looks forward to working with Peter who will help children understand the importance of trees as a sanctuary for animals, and to encourage families to become involved in the planting process together.

As The Queen’s Green Canopy looks ahead to the planting season in October, we will be helping people through the dedicated website www.queensgreencanopy.org to learn about the best way to plant trees so that they survive and flourish for years to come.

The Red Arrows to publish its official history with Penguin Random House’s Century

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The world-famous aerobatics display team division of the Royal Air Force, The Red Arrows, is to publish its official history with Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, thanks to a new deal brokered by IMG. The book will be published in hardback, audio, and e-book on April 29th, 2021.

Called the Red Arrows: The Story of Britain’s Iconic Display Team, the title is written by head of the Red Arrows, Wing Commander David Montenegro, a former Red 1 and Red Arrows team leader. The title will feature tales from Red Arrows pilots, past and present, as it celebrates the division’s history of courage, daring, and skill of the past 50 years.

The book will also provide an insight on how the team represents the RAF and the United Kingdom around the world, its important role and work.

David Montenegro, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, said: “Ever since our first dynamic display, the Red Arrows has aimed to inspire and enthrall through precision and teamwork – showcasing the excellence of the Royal Air Force, worldwide.

“Much of this activity, and the strength and success of the team, is achieved through the tireless application, innovation and dedication of our highly-trained personnel – individuals who have served operationally, helping the RAF to secure the skies and protect our nation.

“I hope readers, who may have seen one of our nearly 5,000 displays since 1965, or perhaps just have an interest in high-performing teams, will gain a new, unique and colourful perspective on the Red Arrows. However, above all, I want to bring all of the excitement, speed and vibrancy synonymous with a world-class Red Arrows show to even more people through a book illustrating the very best of British.”

Jess Ballance, editor at Century, Penguin Random House, added: “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be publishing The Red Arrows. It grants readers a fascinating pilot’s-eye perspective of what it means to fly in those iconic aircraft. This book is a true celebration of the Red Arrows, one of Britain’s national treasures, and their fascinating history, featuring personal stories from the people behind the planes and exploring the skills and incredible mindset of the world-class Red Arrows pilots.”

Ballance commissioned world rights to the project from IMG, the Ministry of Defence’s exclusive licensing representative.