Children’s books featuring trams are fairly rare (although there are some books based on the Manx Electric Railway) but a brand new book has just been launched in Edinburgh – and it will be raising money for Edinburgh Trams’ nominated charity, The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. The book has been written and illustrated by the staff of Edinburgh Trams and features Tilly the Tram!is now on sale with £3 from each copy sold donated to the charity of the year – The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
The book is titled “Tilly the Tram’s Noisy Birthday” and also features her friends Pippa the Plane, Bonnie the Bus alongside many more. It is aimed at the under 5s and has been released to coincide with Edinburgh Tram’s 5th birthday (with the first trams having run on 31st May 2014). As well as being a bit of fun the book has been created to help little tram fans keep safe, helping them to understand what sounds to listen out for when they are exploring the city. It costs £5 with £3 from each sale going to the charity. It can be purchased from the Edinburgh Trams website.
And if you don’t want to read the story yourself there will be three exclusive Tram Tales journeys taking place on Sunday 2nd June with the story being read by Forth One’s Micky Gavin. Tickets can be booked for these special trips here. These special journeys will run as follows:
1021 Gyle Centre to St Andrew Square
1056 St Andrew Square to Gyle Centre
1136 Gyle Cenre to St Andrew Square
A child ticket costs £8 (including a copy of the book and a return journey on a standard service tram) and this also covers one accompanying adult. Additional adult tickets can be purchased for £4. Children under 6 months are free but tickets must be purchased in advance as only limited spaces are available on the tram. £6 from each ticket goes to the charity.
Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Edinburgh Trams, said: “Turning five is a big milestone for Edinburgh Trams, and every five year old wants a party with all their friends. We’re looking forward to celebrating with Tilly the Tram and her transport mates in what will be a unique and exciting event for our youngest customers.”