From 24 May until 1 June, join us at Parc Howard Museum for the Shrapnel Boys: Life on the Home Front Museum Trail, organised by Kids in Museums and Usborne. This national family trail is inspired by Shrapnel Boys, a forthcoming novel by award-winning children’s author Jenny Pearson. 

Shrapnel Boys is a novel about the friendship and courage of a group of young boys living through the Second World War. When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is scared and excited: scared of the bombs that fall at night, but excited to race his friends to collect the best bits of shrapnel every morning. But for Ronnie, the battles aren’t just in the sky and on the streets. They’re at school and at home too. His little brother is up to no good with a secret job and dangerous new friends, and Ronnie’s worried he’s getting himself into big trouble. Ronnie’s desperate to help his little brother. But he isn’t expecting to uncover secrets that could change the fate of the whole war…

Pick up a free activity sheet to join in at Parc Howard Museum. Explore what life was like for children on the home front and search for hidden objects around the museum. Complete the spotter trail and receive a free sticker!

Children can also design their own VE Day bunting. One winning design will receive:

•    A signed copy of Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

•    A National Art Pass (plus kids) courtesy of Art Fund – giving one adult plus children under 16 free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries, and historic houses across the UK, plus 50% off major exhibitions!

Full competition terms and conditions: https://kidsinmuseums.org.uk/what-we-do/museum-trails/shrapnel-boys-competition/