Kate to Mark Children's Mental Health Week with CBeebies Storytime

Children's Mental Health Week kicks off today (7 February). To mark the calendar staple, the Duchess of Cambridge has filmed a special storytelling segment with CBeebies. The appearance also coincides with the 20th anniversary of CBeebies and CBBC (BBC's children's channels).

Kate has chosen to read The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson. The story follows Plop, a Baby Barn Owl, who is afraid of the dark.

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'A heart-warming classic full of animal antics by Jill Tomlinson.

Plop, the Baby Barn Owl, is like every Barn Owl there ever was, except for one thing – he is afraid of the dark. "Dark is nasty" he says and so he won't go hunting with his parents. Mrs Barn Owl sends him down from his nest-hole to ask about the dark and he meets a little boy waiting for the fireworks to begin, an old lady, a scout out camping, a girl who tells him about Father Christmas, a man with a telescope and a black cat who takes him exploring. He realizes that through these encounters that dark is super after all.

Filled with gentle humour and comfort, Jill Tomlinson’s animal stories have been enjoyed by children who want to snuggle down with a good read for decades. This edition of The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark is beautifully illustrated by Paul Howard.'

It's a wonderful story filled with positive message for little ones and beautiful illustrations. It was actually published in 1968. The themes remain as relevant now as they were then and the story has been shared with generations. It is recommended by clinicians as a resource for children experiencing fear of the dark. Below, the Barnes Children Literature Festival shared a peek inside the book.

The much-loved bedtime story slot has attracted a host of well-known figures including Tom Hardy, Felicity Jones and Elton John.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, said:

'I couldn’t be more proud to have The Duchess read a CBeebies Bedtime Story as we mark the 20th anniversary of our CBeebies and CBBC channels.

It’s such a special and relevant tale and perfectly represents this years’ Children’s Mental Health Week theme. I can’t wait to see her deliver her own take on such a classic story and I’m sure our audience can’t either.'

It's not the first time the Duchess has appeared on CBBC. In 2019, as part of the unveiling of her garden 'Back To Nature', Kate surprised viewers with an appearance on landmark programme Blue Peter to encourage families to spend more time outdoors. When Kate arrived, it was time for pond-dipping and den building, which she described as "massively up my street". Kate told presenter Lindsey, "It encourages creativity, confidence, and even a short amount of time -- 10-15 minutes outside -- makes a huge difference to physical well-being, but also to our mental well-being." The Duchess added George, Charlotte and Louis are "dragged outside, rain or shine" to play outdoors.

 In 2020, Kate "endorsed the national launch of Tiny Happy People, a BBC platform providing resources and support to parents and carers of children aged 0-4".

The theme for Children's Mental Health Week this year is 'Growing Together'. It's very much centred on encouraging children and their families and caregivers to look at their own growth and consider how they can help others grow.

Kate chose a Fairisle Knit sweater by Holland Cooper for the reading (with thanks to Caroline Parr).

The sold out piece is described: "Designed with a longer length and super high roll neck, the Fairisle Knit's relaxed look and feel is perfect for pairing with jeans for an elevated everyday outfit. Created from an extra soft yarn with a traditional 'Fairisle' design, this knit is a timeless piece for your wardrobe."

We've seen Kate in several pieces by the British brand over the past couple of years. Dedicated to excellence in supporting the finest craftspeople and sourcing beautiful fabrics, sharp cuts, 'country chic' and attention to tailoring are at the heart of the collection. Below Kate wearing the Marlborough trench in Scotland last May.

Whilst Kate's piece is sold out, turtleneck fairisle jumpers are very widely available at the moment. Below, the Roots Fairisle Sweater, the Madewell Somervell style and the Kin Fairisle jumper shown at John Lewis.

The Duchess also wore light blue jeans.

Kate will appear on CBeebies on Sunday evening at 6.50 pm. It will almost certainly be shared on social media, too.