On Saturday, February 3, as families across the country go to their local libraries to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day, Peter Rabbit will be teaming up with local events across the country to make the day Blue Jacket Day. Joining forces with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the largest non-profit children’s literacy organization in the United States, Peter will help bring awareness to children’s literacy and ignite a lifelong love of reading with a series of special events. Peter Rabbit™ will be released in theaters nationwide on February 9.
James Corden, who voices Peter Rabbit in the new film, announced Blue Jacket Day this morning by reading to kindergarteners at a New York City school, where he also took in the fifth grade’s musical performance.
“Peter Rabbit is often one of the first literary heroes for young readers, as parents read Beatrix Potter’s tales of the mischievous bunny to their children. When those children grow up and become parents themselves, Peter’s legacy is passed on,” Will Gluck, co-writer/director of Peter Rabbit commented “Now, as Peter takes on the starring role of the new movie, we’re celebrating with a program that encourages a lifelong love of reading to be passed on as well.”
“Reading ignites imaginations and opens a world of possibilities for children,” Beth Meyer, Chief Marketing Officer at Reading Is Fundamental commented “By partnering with Sony Pictures on Peter Rabbit™, we can provide books to kids who need them most and extend the experience of this classic story with supplemental literacy resources to create engaged and confident readers.”
Meyer explained that on Blue Jacket Day, participating libraries across the country will host special Peter Rabbit-themed events and activities. Costumed characters will visit libraries and select regional events and exhibitors will be hosting blue box book drives, in which families can donate books to RIF. In addition, for every photo posted on social media that includes the hashtags #PeterRabbit #BlueJacket, a book will be donated to RIF. In addition, in select markets across the country, following the library visit, Peter Rabbit will be inviting families to attend a promotional screening of his new movie. As the crowd arrives in their blue jackets (just like Peter’s), they’ll bring a book to donate to the cause. In Los Angeles, at Caruso’s award-winning retail, dining and lifestyle destination The Grove, the celebration of Blue Jacket Day will also incorporate the World Premiere of Peter Rabbit™. Not only will the cast from the film hit the red carpet, but select moviegoers and fans will enjoy a day of Peter Rabbit-themed activities, photo opportunities, and social moments.