Community arts organisation Heart of Glass have launched a unique guidebook created by 220 children from seven primary schools across the borough. Over 250 people including all the children and teachers involved, parents, the Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture Cllr Shelley Powell attended the launch for The Book of Knowsley, on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, at St Chad’s Church in Kirkby, which was a celebration of the creativity and vision of Knowsley’s youngest residents.
Photo by Radka Dolinska
The book, co-created by the children with internationally renowned artists Andy Field and Beckie Darlington, showcases Knowsley through the eyes of the children who live there. Supported through funding from Arts Council England, the guidebook highlights local places the children love, areas they’d like to improve, and their hopes for the future of their community. It’s part of the artists’ The Book of Your Town project, which has inspired children around the world to create guidebooks reflecting their own hometowns.
Featuring readings from the children, and audience participation led by the children, the event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to hear directly from the children who edited the book. Guests were able to explore the finished guidebook and take home signed copies signed by the book editors.
Heart of Glass worked with students from seven local primary schools: Cronton Church of England Primary, Holy Family Catholic Primary, Knowsley Village Primary, St Leo’s and Southmead, St Luke’s Catholic Primary, St Marie’s Catholic Primary, and Willow Tree Primary. The illustrations for the book were created by Liverpool illustrator Rosa Kusabbi, with design by Will Brady.
The Flag of Knowsley, designed by local school children
Nat Hughes, Producer at Heart of Glass said: “This project has been such a fantastic celebration of the creativity and curiosity of these amazing young people. Every step of the way, the children have led the way—shaping the ideas, making decisions, and bringing everything to life. The artists Andy and Beckie were brilliant to work with, as always. They have a real gift for helping children’s ideas shine, making sure their voices are at the heart of it all.”
Mrs Davey from Holy Family Catholic Primary School said: “Phoebe and Scarlett (book editors) have absolutely loved these afternoon sessions. As well as having fun, it has really built their confidence too. It’s been a real positive experience. “
Artist Andy Field said: “We have loved the experience of working with so many schools in so many different parts of Knowsley to create this book. It has felt like a true celebration of the breadth and diversity of the area and the myriad connections that bind it together. Seeing all the hundreds of children that wrote the book come together for the launch will remain one of our favourite memories of the entire Book of Your Town project.”
The Book of Knowsley is the latest project in Heart of Glass’s Children and Young People’s programme and forms part of artists’ international The Book of Your Town project. The organisation has previously collaborated with Andy Field and Beckie Darlington on projects such as The Book of St Helens and Lookout and continues to work with them on Project Parr.
Copies will be made available through local venues and libraries. To find out more and get your hands on a copy visit https://www.heartofglass.org.uk/projects-and-events/projects/the-book-of-knowsley
