Trafford Libraries first Family Readers' Day
Mother and child at storysack session
The prestigious new arts complex and library was the venue for Trafford Libraries first Readers' Day. Supported by Time To Read the day was set fair for a stimulating and enjoyable event for the whole family. In the morning young children and their parents enjoyed the "fantastic" storysack sessions with Wendy Diamond. The Storyteller enchanted her audience with her "spellbinding stories".
Tony Ross entertained and amazed his audience with his illustrations and drawings and Craig Bradley's football and reading workshops definitely impressed this parent: "Craig Bradley was inspirational to my two boys - they want to read his books now!" In the June sunshine outside on the plaza The Curious Eyebrows were delighting visitors in their inimitable fashion with circus skills - there was plenty of audience participation!
Author Valerie Grove with audience member who has just won her book - Dear Dodie.
"What a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning!" said one lady which summed up our feelings as well.
There was lunch for those attending the talk about Dodie Smith - who lived in the area for a time - Valerie Grove who is Dodie's biographer captivated her listeners by recounting the exciting and interesting life of the writer of 101 Dalmatians and I Capture the Castle.
The afternoon session was a panel discussion on the relatively recent phenomenon of the cross-over novel - a title which can appeal to both children and adults. Our four invited authors - Adele Geras, Sherry Ashworth, Melvin Burgess and Paul Magrs all of whom have written across the age boundaries were lively and enthusiastic. They also read from their own works and discussed their love of books and reading with the audience.
All our visitors were entered into prize draws, winning signed copies of books by the featured guests and for those who weren't so fortunate Borders were on hand to sell titles with a discount.
The author panel, Sherry Ashworth, Adele Geras, Melvin Burgess, Paul Magrs all holding copies of their most recent books.
