Bring your dreams and imaginations and join us this winter holiday in a story bonanza for families of all ages.
We’re taking our inspiration from BLAST OFF – the 1973 pioneering children’s book about a young black girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut, written by Linda C. Cain and Susan Rosenbaum and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.
There will be plenty more brilliant stories selected by celebrating voices of colour that you can take inspiration from to create your own stories with you right at the centre.
Drop-in anytime between 12-6pm to create stories using images or words, to turn old stories into new sculptural creations or listen to readings by our fantastic story-tellers at story time. Story-tellers readings will take place at 12.30pm and 3pm. If you would also like to read a story aloud yourself we will be on hand to support you to do so.
New Beacons Books, founded in 1966 was the UK’s first black publisher, specialist and bookshop. For over 50 years they have stocked and sold poetry, literature, non-fiction, history and children’s books from Africa, Caribbean, Asia, African America, Europe, South America and Britain.
Our story-tellers are Soofiya Aandry, Bim Amoako-Gyampah, Ansuman Biswas, Amina Gichinga, Malik Nashad Sharpe, Fay Nicholson, Nicole Moore, Harold Offeh, Raju Rage, Philip Robinson, Naomi Scarlett, Robyn Smart, Rory Vassel and Jay Wakely