A BBC presenter and her husband have released colouring books showing the ‘local landmarks’ in Peckham, Dulwich and more.
Emma Barnett, host of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, and her husband Jeremy Weil, have published 27 books so far – covering a variety of areas across the capital.
The couple, who live in Brixton, came up with the idea just after the birth of their second child.
Emma told us: “Whilst I was on leave from the BBC after the birth of our daughter, we were walking the pram around the area more.
“We wanted to find a way to teach our son about our local neighbourhoods – so we took some photos and made them into outlines so he could colour in the local landmarks.”
She explained that when she looked online to buy a colouring book for their area – she couldn’t find one.
“There were some but they are mainly just central London locations.
After putting their creative minds together, and Jeremy’s sketching skills to the test, Colour Your Streets was born.
Stocked at some local stores already, their Southwark books so far are Peckham, Dulwich, East Dulwich and Herne Hill.
An example of the sights in Dulwich to be brought to life area are the Dulwich College Great Hall, the Crown and Greyhound pub and the boardwalk in Dulwich Park.
In the Peckham book, the fire station, Rye Lane and train station are all featured.
Asked how they pick the areas to cover, Emma said: “At first we were just doing areas we visited. But now we have people on social media getting in touch and suggesting their area.
“Croydon’s just arrived.”
Now that the books are out, she said people are loving them, commenting: “My son and his friends love recognising places they’ve coloured when they’re out and about.
“The thing I’ve liked is where your kids can tell you something you don’t know.”
Emma added that she was surprised to see when TV presenter Jeremy Vine recently shouted them out on his morning show. “He bought the Chiswick book for his daughter and said he thought they were the ‘best thing ever.’
People of all ages are on their radar: “With these books, older people can reminisce on the memories attached to the places.
“We’re reaching out to old people’s homes and schools to make the resources available to them too.”
They are on a mission to cover the whole of the UK with a book for every area.
If you think your area is worth bringing to life in a colouring book, get in touch with them on Instagram or via email.