Sun, sea, sand and stories on Antigua

Lions, tigers and bears will be joining pirates and princesses and the odd witch or two this half term as the focus of a new storytelling week being hosted at The Verandah Resort & Spa in Antigua from 29 May (half term week).

The new storytelling week is being hosted in partnership with Virgin Holidays, Elite Island Resorts and Puffin, the number one children’s publishing company in the world which celebrates its 70th anniversary in May this year.

One of Puffin’s top illustrators, Adam Stower, whose books include “Mungo and the Picture Book Pirates” and “Bottoms Up” will be hosting daily sessions in the children’s club involving storytelling, storymaking, drawing and lots of imagination.

“Sun, sea, sand and stories are the ideal ingredients for a family holiday this half term and we’ve got lots of fun activities lined up with plenty of prizes and giveaways. The workshops are designed encourage children to get involved and create their own tales and artistic masterpieces,” said Paula Whitehead, European managing director, Elite Island Resorts.

A new library of more than 50 Puffin classics to suit babies to teenagers will also be available in the children’s club at The Verandah Resort & Spa on a permanent basis ranging from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, the Charlie and Lola series by Lauren Child to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl and contemporary classics like the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer.

Another storytelling week is scheduled for the October half term which will feature more Puffin authors and illustrators.

To book the storytelling week:

Seven nights in Antigua with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Antigua, accommodation at the 4V The Verandah Resort & Spa on an all inclusive basis with transfers included starts from £1,149 (adult) and from £779 (child).

Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures on 29 May 2010.

Start your holiday before you’ve even taken off in the V ROOM at Gatwick Airport - adults £17, Kids £10.

To book, visit: virginholidays.co.uk