Using toys to bring "Lamb in a Pram" to life

When I began to explore the idea of book readings and various visits and events, it occurred to me that young children would respond well to engaging with some of the actual ‘physical’ characters. I imagined that these could be used in a variety of ways to further bring the story to life and fire the imagination.

A fortunate introduction to Olena Holdovych has made this possible.

This is Olena’s story ….

Olena arrived in the UK as a Ukrainian refugee after fleeing her home following the Russian invasion. She moved to the UK with her daughter Angelina in May 2022 as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, leaving behind her home and her bespoke soft toy business.

Already a successful business woman, Olena began re-building her online business with a fresh identity and then engaged with the Accelerator Start-Up Business Programme offered by Gateshead entrepreneurial training company ‘FIRST’. Within just months of re-launching her online shop, Olena proudly opened her bespoke toy shop 'My Oh My' based in Corbridge, Northumberland, a place she now calls ‘home’.

Olena describes her achievement as ‘a dream come true’ and is delighted to welcome customers to her shop to hand pick their perfect, bespoke soft toy or order something unique to be made especially for them. Olena’s wish at 'My Oh My' is to create meaningful, sustainable gifts for every occasion.

Olena has created two of my key characters in "Lamb in a Pram" from Peter’s illustrations and they are absolutely amazing! They are certain to be a big hit with children and adults alike and are a key part of my book readings and author visits.

I offer FREE interactive and engaging book readings tailored to your class, covering Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland, Sunderland, and Durham!