Primary school pupils paint their cub alongside illustrator Lydia Monks
Pupils from Mosborough Primary School spent the morning doodling, sketching and colouring their unique designs, inspired by the wonderful Lydia Monks.
Bestselling illustrator Lydia Monks joined pupils at Mosborough Primary School for a special Pride of Yorkshire cub-painting workshop, inspired by her much-loved picture book What the Ladybird Heard.
Mosborough Primary School, who have raised more than £10,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity in recent years, is one of the first schools to receive their cub sculpture.
A special masterclass with Lydia Monks
During the workshop, pupils from a range of classes worked with Lydia to bring their cub to life. The sculpture was painted a bold What the Ladybird Heard yellow, before children learned how to illustrate animals and characters in Lydia’s signature style.
Lydia – who is no stranger to our sculpture trails, having brought her talents to both Herd and Bears of Sheffield – added her own distinctive ladybird to the cub’s ear… and even received a ladybird-drawing lesson herself from one talented pupil!
Mosbear: ‘An absolute friend’ to the school
Mosborough Primary already has a treasured sculpture from the Charity’s previous art trail. Named Mosbear, he has become an important part of school life. Deputy Headteacher Genaya Smales explained:
“Some of our children with additional needs made a real bond with Mosbear. One child who found school daunting would take regular walks to pat his nose and talk to him, which helped them regulate and calm.”
This sense of connection is at the heart of the school’s excitement for their new lion cub. SEND students have already helped to apply the initial protective PVA layer, and the school’s ambition is that all of its 420 children will play a part in the process.
Once complete, Mosborough Primary School’s cub will be one of 150 cubs created by schools and community groups across South Yorkshire, forming part of the Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail celebrating 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Who’s already signed up?
More than 100 schools from across South Yorkshire have already signed up, and fewer than 50 cubs remain available to sponsor! You can find out more about adopting a cub – including cost, timelines and what to expect – over on the Schools & Community Groups page.
What are we raising money for?
Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity has set an ambitious £2.8 million fundraising target for the Pride of Yorkshire campaign, with funds raised earmarked to support cutting-edge research, vital new equipment and creative therapeutic projects for young patients.
Key Dates :
June-September 2026: Pride of Yorkshire sculptures take to the streets of South Yorkshire. Cubs will be displayed at indoor locations in groups, while lion and lionesses will be displayed on the streets, in parks and public spaces.
October 2026: All 300 Pride of Yorkshire sculptures will say goodbye at a special Farewell Event.
October 2026: The lion and lioness sculptures will head to auction, and the cubs will be returned to their forever homes!
Pride of Yorkshire will run from June 2026 – September 2026 across South Yorkshire. Watch this space for more information, how to get involved and exciting announcements.
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