Make a difference at Seven Stories this February

Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle upon Tyne, believe that no one is too small to make a difference and are inviting families to discover more about what they can do to help shape the world around them in a series of fun, interactive events this February.

Kicking things off on Saturday 15 February at 11am is author and illustrator Fiona Lumbers as she introduces her book Crab and Clem, a timely tale of cleaning up our beaches and the effects of plastic on ocean wildlife. Filled with live drawing and reading this promises to be a fun event with a big message.

Families interested in learning all about the importance of recycling can take part in a Charlie & Lola: Look After Your Planet event on Tuesday 18 and Saturday 22 February at 11am. This is a chance to find out how Lola, with a bit of help from Charlie, learns all about recycling before having a go at making a bird feeder out of a recycled tin can, juice can or plastic bottle to take home. There’s even the chance to complete a Seven Stories Extremely Very Green Pledge.

On Thursday 20 February at 11am visitors can help make the Ouseburn even greener in a Terrific Tree Planting event in partnership with Ouseburn Trust. Families will be able to hear the wonderful woodland story It Starts With A Seed by Laura Knowles and Jennie Webber, learn tons of terrific tree facts before planting new trees in nearby woodland.

The fun continues on Friday 21 February at 2pm when TV and radio presenter (and RSPB president) Miranda Krestovnikoff will be at Seven Stories diving into the pages of her new book RSPB Birds to look at some of the most magnificent birds to fill our skies. From the sleek and powerful golden eagle to the small and nimble hummingbird, Miranda’s exciting talk all about birds is not to be missed.

John Coburn, Joint Chief Executive at Seven Stories said:

“Now, more than ever, young people care about what’s happening to the planet. We believe that stories provide a great way to start this conversation with children of all ages. This February we have lots of engaging events planned to help families discover what small changes they can make to help save our planet.”

Other events happening this February include an evening of magic and challenges in the fifth annual Harry Potter Book Night on Thursday 6 February at 6pm. Anyone aged nine and three quarters and over who knows their Blibbering Humdinger from their Blast-Ended Skrewt is invited to battle it out to become the Triwizard Quiz Champion in a special quiz held in Seven Stories Attic with Jim Kay’s enchanting Diagon Alley illustrations as a backdrop.

On Friday 21 February the team from MAPS Festival, a festival of music, art and play for children and their grown-ups, will be joining Seven Stories for a day of play! They’ll be popping up around the building for a day of fun challenges and encouraging families to make their own rules, try new things and have a great time.

Finally, adults are invited to head to Seven Stories after-hours for a special Ink & Drink event with printmaker and painted Angela Harding, whose beautiful print features on the cover of Miranda Krestovnikoff’s new book RSPB Birds on Thursday 27 February at 6pm. Grown-ups will be able to grab a drink and hear Angela talk about her journey into art and the publishing industry before creating their very own custom-made lino print!

For more information about what’s happening at Seven Stories this February and to book tickets visit www.sevenstories.org.uk