How Leeds students are shaping the next chapter of inspirational children’s book character
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“The students were not simply completing a university assignment; they were contributing to a real charitable project with a genuine purpose”
A charitable children’s book character who is part of stories narrated by presenter Ben Shepherd and actress Sally Phillips has been adopted as part of a student-led live brief for students at Leeds Arts University.
‘Ant Chloe’ was originally created by children’s author and illustrator Barbara Panetta in her story Chloe’s Promise which was originally published during the pandemic to raise money for the NHS.
Since then, the cute and fun character has gone on several adventures with each new story raising funds and awareness for organisations including War Child UK, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Momentum Children’s Charity.
With celebrities such as Ben Shepherd and Sally Phillips lending their voices to narration, the small idea has already had a big impact.
Now, illustration students at Leeds Arts University have been given the chance to collaborate with Ant Chloe’s author to visually interpret the insect’s newest story.
Barbara Panetta, creator of Ant Chloe said: “Ant Chloe has always been about creating opportunities—opportunities to help children, but also opportunities for young creatives to experience how their talent can be used to make a difference.
“I want Ant Chloe to continue giving students the chance to work on meaningful projects, collaborate professionally and see that creativity can have a lasting social impact.”
The students have produced an animated film involving Ant Chloe which is set to be released online later this year to raise even more money for charity.
For Barbara, it was an honour to see the time and effort students put into the project.
Barbara said: “The students were not simply completing a university assignment; they were contributing to a real charitable project with a genuine purpose.
“They worked incredibly hard, demonstrated remarkable creativity and embraced the opportunity to create something that could have a positive impact beyond the classroom.”
Leeds Arts University students have described the experience of animating Ant Chloe as a “rewarding” way to step out of their comfort zones and try something completely new.
The partnership between Ant Chloe and Leeds Arts University is set to continue so more students can develop their skills while supporting a charitable cause.
Ultimately for Ant Chloe’s creator, she wants to show that something as simple as a story can help change the world.
Barbara said: “I hope Ant Chloe will show that even the smallest idea can grow into something much bigger. I want children to believe that small acts can create a big impact, and I want young people to see that their creativity has the power to change lives when it is used with kindness and purpose.
“I also hope it highlights the incredible work and dedication of the Leeds Arts University students, whose creativity has become an important part of Ant Chloe's journey.”