World Book Day Today

If you've got children, or work in a school, you'll likely be very aware of today's world book day event. Children and teachers across the country are today dressing up as their favourite book characters and enjoying book related activities at school.

World book day is a celebration of reading; celebrating authors, books and illustrators. The celebration is worldwide, and is marked by over 100 countries across the world. This year marks the 18th World Book Day, and as well as celebrating reading, the aim is to encourage children to read and explore books and reading. Over 14 million book tokens are given out to children in this country, allowing them a choice of one of ten free books, or £1 off a book costing over £2.99 at a participating retailer.

We'd love to know if your child, school or workplace has dressed up or got involved for World Book day, and it would be great to see some photos of what you've dressed up as- feel free to share what you've been up to on our Facebook Page. We've already seen pictures of some Where's Wallys, Harry Potters, Peter Pan's and more, all looking great so far!

MK Library Events

You may just think of them as a place to borrow books from, but the Libraries in Milton Keynes also have a whole host of activities and events taking place for all the family to get involved with, which you may not have known about. See below for a selection of activities and events taking place over the next month at the local libraries, the majority of which are free and are well worth taking a look at.

Rock and fossil fun day on Saturday 31st January, 11am-3pm. Come along and explore some geological treasures with The Bucks Earth Heritage Group in the event space at the Central Library, Milton Keynes.

Harry Potter book night at Newport Pagnell Library. Thursday 5th February from 4-5pm. Come along and celebrate all things Harry Potter. Dress code is wizarding robes, Harry Potter fancy dress or your best muggle attire! Come and join in the Treasure hunt to test your skills as a Finder or take part in a quiz on the wizarding world. Recommended for children aged 7 and over. Tickets are available from Newport Pagnell Library.

Tuesday 10th February is 'Bring your own book' night at Newport Pagnell Library. Do you have a book you'd love to share with others? This is a new monthly book chat group where you can have an informal chat about what you love to read. Tea and coffee will be supplied.

'Swimming with Ichthyosaurs' on Thursday 12th February from 6.30-7.30pm at Central Library, Milton Keynes. A talk about Milton Keynes' very own Ichthyosaur by Mike Palmer, the Curator at Bucks County museum. He will explore the Caldecotte Ichthyosaur from 150 million years ago to the present day and look at other marine animals which lived alongside it. The talk will be followed by a question and answer session. Tickets are required in advance at £2 and are available from the Library.

Special story times for children under 5 with Red Phoenix Storytelling and Productions. From 2-2.30pm at Newport Pagnell library on Friday 13th February.

'Meet the keeper' at Central Library, Milton Keynes on Thursday 26th February. Mike Palmer, Curator at Bucks County museum, brings a hands-on display of rocks and fossils and talks about a variety of natural history exhibition pieces from the Bucks county museum collections. Come along for free between 10am and 2pm to find out more.

There's lots to get involved in over the next few weeks at the Libraries, for more information visit the Libraries website.

Stories read by Santa!

This Christmas, head over to Waterstones in Bedford on the 20th December for a slightly different visit to Santa. Children can come and visit Santa to be read a Christmas story; 'The Little Stocking Filler', which is a new children's story book. It has been written by local author Gerard Gray and illustrated by local renowned illustrator, Katy Dynes.

The story is about a 'little stocking filler' who meets with peril on his very last delivery of the night, It's perfect for children aged between 3 and 7 years to enjoy. The author, Gerard Gray, has worked at conditioning racing drivers in F1 for the last 20 years. This slightly different transition to writing brings us this great story, written in memory of his Nan, who used to tell him endless tales of Christmases with her 'tormenting brothers.'

Readings will be at 10.30am and 2pm, and the author and illustrator will be present to sign and doodle. Bedford's 'The Frog's Chorus' will be having a Christmas sing-along at 12noon.

Come and experience a great story being told in a magically Christmassy way, this Saturday 20th December. A great event for young children.

This month's book reviews...

If you like reading, you'll probably be acquainted with our book reviews page each month in the Phonebox magazine. This month, we featured a review of the book titled: 'The Absolutist" by John Boyne. Set in the first world war, this is written by the same author who brought us the heart wrenching book; "The boy in the striped pyjamas" and sounds like it is an equally touching story. If you haven't read "The boy in the striped pyjamas" then let us tell you a little about that one as well. Set in the Second World War, the book tells the story of the son of a German commander at a concentration camp and his unlikely friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence. Touching and unexpected at times, it is a story which is well worth a read. Have a read of the review of "The Absolutist" by the same author, either follow the link and read the review here, or click to enlarge the image below, and see if it takes your fancy.

Another book reviewed this month was "Familiar passions" by Nina Bawden. Best known for her children's books, particularly "Carrie's War", she has also written a number of excellent adults books, and this is one of them. A story which explores relationships, pasts, future, deceptions and secrets and more, we think the review will leave you wanting to give it a read! Click here to read the full review.