What’s On in Wokingham Borough Libraries for Children & Families from Saturday April 1 to Saturday 15, 2017

What’s On in Wokingham Borough Libraries for Children & Families 

Saturday April 1 to Saturday 15, 2017

Dad and Baby Rhymetime – Fun rhymes for babies and dads. Free, Just drop in!  At Wokingham Library on Saturday April 1 from 10am to 10.30am

Children’s Writing Group – Share your ideas and take part in some fun writing exercises. For children aged 9 to 12 years old. Free event, places must be booked. At Maiden Erlegh Library on Saturday April 1 from 10.15am to 11am

Code Club for Beginners – monthly club for children aged 9 to 12 years, places must be booked. At Wokingham Library  on Saturday April 1 from 10.15am to 11.45am

Easter Poems and Stories – Share your ideas and take part in some fun writing exercises. For children aged 9 to 12 years old. Free event, places must be booked. At Maiden Erlegh Library  on Tuesday April 4 and 11 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Children’s Origami Club – For children aged 7 and over, 50p charge, places must be booked. At Wokingham Library on Tuesday April 4 from 4pm to 4.45pm

Children’s Chess Club – For young people aged 8 years old and over. Just drop in! At Woodley Library on Thursday April 6  from 3.30pm to 5pm.

Printmaking – Have fun learning printmaking techniques from artist Karen Greville-Smith using Easter as inspiration. For children aged 7 and over. £3 charge At Wokingham Library on Friday April 7 from 10am to 12noon

Further Adventures in Coding – monthly club for 9 to 12 year olds, places must be booked.  At Wokingham Library from Saturday April 8 on 10.15am to 11.45am

Easter stories with Princess Sophia the first. – Storytime with The Enchanted Players Theatre Company. Come and hear stories from Princess Sofia. For children aged 8 and under, Just drop in! At Wokingham Library on Tuesday April 11 from 4pm to 4.30pm

Mini Professors – Taster Session for children aged 2 to 5 years old, with science based fun. Places must be booked. At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 12 from 10.30am to 11.15am

Explore Learning – Free session with Explore Learning , places must be booked.

Groovy Grammar – For children aged 7 to 8 years old. At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 5  from 10.45am to 11.45am

National Young Writers Workshop – For children aged 5 to 12 years old.  At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 5 from 9.30am to 10.30am,  At Lower Earley Library on Thursday April 6 from 9.30am to 10.30am, At Wokingham Library on Wednesday April 12 from 9.30am to 10.30am.

Pirates – For children aged 8 to 11 years old.  At Lower Earley Library on Thursday April 6 from 10.45am to 11.45am

Space mission – For children aged 8 to 10 years old.  At Wokingham Library on Wednesday April 12 from 10.45am to 11.45am

Get Arty – Easter themed arts and crafts fun for children aged 4 to 11 years old. Just drop in, £1.50 charge

• Wokingham Library Friday April 7 10.30am to 11.30am
• Woodley Library Thursday April 6 10.30am to 11.30am
• Lower Earley Library Thursday April 6 2pm to 3pm
• Twyford Library Tuesday April 4 2pm to 3pm
• Wargrave Library Wednesday April 5 9.45am to 10.30am
• Spencers Wood Library Thursday April 6 11am to 12noon
• Winnersh Library Thursday April 6 2pm to 3pm
• Maiden Erelgh Library Monday April 10 2.15pm to 3.15pm
• Finchampstead Library Tuesday April 11 2.15pm to 3.15pm

Sand Art – Just drop in and create a sand art picture with Kids Bee Happy with Maddi. £3 per picture. For children aged 4 to 11 years old.

• Wokingham Library Wednesday April 5 10.30am to 12.30pm
• Woodley Library Wednesday April 5 2.30pm to 4pm
• Lower Earley Library Monday April 10 10.30am to 12.30pm

Storytime – Dinsoaur Stories and rhymes for children aged 5 and under. Just drop in!

• Arborfield Pop-up Library Monday April 10 4pm to 4.30pm
• Finchampstead Library Friday April 7 11am to 11.30am
• Lower Earley Library Thursday April 13 11.15am to 11.45am
• Maiden Erlegh Library Saturday April 15 10.15am to 10.45am
• Spencers Wood Library Monday April 3 4pm to 4.30pm
• Winnersh Library Wednesday April 5 4pm to 4.30pm
• Wokingham Library Tuesday April 4 and 11 4pm to 4.30pm
• Woodley Library Saturday April 8 11am to 11.30am

 Wokingham Borough Libraries Contact details

• Arborfield Pop-Up Library 0780 166 4520
• Twyford Library (0118) 934 0800
• Finchampstead Library (0118) 908 8176
• Wargrave Library (0118) 940 4656
• Lower Earley Library (0118) 931 2150
• Winnersh Library (0118) 979 7519
• Maiden Erlegh Library (0118) 966 6630
• Wokingham Library (0118) 978 1368
• Spencers Wood Library (0118) 988 4771
• Woodley Library (0118) 969 0304

Or for more events available in other libraries visit www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries.

Wokingham Borough Libraries Newsletter April 2017

New Library Opening Hours from Monday April 3^rd, 2017

Our new library opening hours will be introduced providing an extra 17½ hours of service per week. Have a look at your local libraries to see the new opening hours from April 3 go to http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/find-and-join-a-library/

Bank Holidays – All our Libraries will be closed on Friday April 14, Sunday April 16 and Monday April 17.

What’s on in Wokingham Borough Libraries for Adults

Printmaking Workshop with Karen Greville-Smith-learn a range of techniques in a relaxed and creative session at Wokingham Library on Friday April 7, 1pm to 3pm. £5 charge.

Monday Evening Book Group-join our new evening book group to discuss best-sellers, prize winners and favourites. The first meeting is at Wokingham Library on Monday April 10, 6pm tom 7pm and then on the second Monday in each month.

Heritage Walk-Enjoy a walk around Wokingham and learn some fascinating facts about the town’s history-with the Wokingham Society. Starts at Wokingham Library on Wednesday April 19, 10.30am to 11.45am. Free event

Book Binding Workshop-there will be the chance to learn a range of book binding techniques at our workshop at Wokingham Library on Saturday April 22, 10am to 4pm, charge £10

 Origami Workshops for Adults- Come and try our origami workshops for beginners-make an origami butterfly and lily. Wokingham Library Tuesday April 25 and Thursday April 27, 10.30am to 11.30am. £3charge

Walking Book Group– Enjoy the fresh air and a chat about books as we walk around the lake at Dinton Pastures. Contact Wokingham Library to find out what book we will be discussing. Free event Thursday April 27, 10.30am to 12noon.

Play Reading Group-Join us to help celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday as we read “As You Like It” at Wokingham Library on Friday April 21, 10am to 12.30pm

Berkshire Quilters Guild- quilters from the guild will be at Wokingham Library on Saturday April 8 between 10am and 1pm to demonstrate quilting techniques, members of the public are welcome to join in. This is part of the BBC Radio & Quilters Guild creative project which is taking place in venues nationally over the weekend of April 7-9, 2017.

Tall Tales Service

Wokingham Borough Libraries now provide a service which enables learning disability groups and other community organisations to borrow Bag Books.  Bag Books are unique, hand-made multi-sensory resources aimed at developing communication skills for people with learning difficulties. Bag Books are designed for those who may find it difficult to access mainstream books. They are told through voice an emotion rather than words and pictures.  Bags can be borrowed for a small annual fee.

To find out more about the service contact Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham RG40 2BB, email wokingham.library@wokingham.gov.uk or phone (0118) 9781368

 

What’s On in Wokingham Borough Libraries for Children

Explore Learning – Free session with Explore Learning , places must be booked.

Groovy Grammar – For children aged 7 to 8 years old.

At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 5 from 10.45am to 11.45am

National Young Writers Workshop – For children aged 5 to 12 years old.

At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 5 from 9.30am to 10.30am

At Lower Earley Library on Thursday April 6  from 9.30am to 10.30am

At Wokingham Library on Wednesday April 12 from 9.30am to 10.30am

Pirates – For children aged 8 to 11 years old.

At Lower Earley Library on Thursday April 6 from 10.45am to 11.45am

Space mission – For children aged 8 to 10 years old.

At Wokingham Library on Wednesday April 12 from 10.45am to 11.45am

Easter Poems and Stories – Share your ideas and take part in some fun writing exercises. For children aged 9 to 12 years old. Free event, places must be booked.

At Maiden Erlegh Library on Tuesday April 4 and 11 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Get Arty – Easter themed arts and crafts fun for children aged 4 to 11 years old. Just drop in, £1.50 charge

• At Wokingham Library on Friday April 7 from 10.30am to 11.30am
• At Woodley Library on Thursday April 6 from 10.30am to 11.30am
• At Lower Earley Library on Thursday April 6 from 2pm to 3pm
• At Twyford Library on Tuesday April 4 from 2pm to 3pm
• At Wargrave Library on Wednesday April 5  from 9.45am to 10.30am
• At Spencers Wood Library on Thursday April 6 from 11am to 12noon
• At Winnersh Library on Wednesday April 6 from 2pm to 3pm
• At Maiden Erelgh Library on Monday April 10 from 2.15pm to 3.15pm
• At Finchampstead Library on Tuesday April 11 from 2.15pm to 3.15pm

Mini Professors – Taster Session for children aged 2 to 5 years old, with science based fun. Places must be booked.

At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 12 from 10.30am to 11.15am

Printmaking – Have fun learning printmaking techniques from artist Karen Greville-Smith using Easter as inspiration. For children aged 7 and over. £3 charge

At Wokingham Library on Friday April 7 from 10am to 12noon

Sand Art – Just drop in and create a sand art picture with Kids Bee Happy with Maddi. £3 per picture. For children aged 4 to 11 years old.

• Wokingham Library    Wednesday April 5                  10.30am to 12.30pm
• Woodley Library         Wednesday April 5                  2.30pm to 4pm
• Lower Earley Library Monday April 10                     10.30am to 12.30pm

Storytime – Dinsoaur Stories and rhymes for children aged 5 and under. Just drop in!

• Arborfield Pop-up Library       Monday April 10         4pm to 4.30pm
• Finchampstead Library           Friday April 7              11am to 11.30am
• Lower Earley Library              Thursday April 13        11.15am to 11.45am
• Maiden Erlegh Library            Saturday April 15        10.15am to 10.45am
• Spencers Wood Library           Monday April 3           4pm to 4.30pm
• Winnersh Library                    Wednesday April 5      4pm to 4.30pm
• Wokingham Library                Tuesday April 4 and 11 4pm to 4.30pm
• Woodley Library                     Saturday April 8          11am to 11.30am

Why not search our online catalogue from the comfort of your own home to see what’s on offer:  http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries  

Don’t forget that we have a selection of eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines that you can access with your library card for free.

Social Media:

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wokinghamboroughlibraries
• Twitter: @WBC_Libraries
• Website:  www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries
• Blog:  https://wokinghamboroughlibraries.wordpress.com/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wbc_libraries/

Wokingham Libraries Self-Service Guide

Self-service is starting in six Wokingham Borough Council libraries from 3 April, to make it easier for people to check-out and return their items and free up valuable staff time so these libraries can open an extra 17.5 hours per week combined.

Self-service kiosks will be at Wokingham, Woodley, Lower Earley, Twyford, Finchampstead and Winnersh libraries Their new opening hours will be available at each of them, on the borough council’s website  http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/find-and-join-a-library/and included in the libraries what’s on guide.

Wokingham Libraries Self Service Guide March 2017 v2

 

Printmaking Workshops at Wokingham Library

Sign up for our Printmaking workshops at Wokingham Library!

Learn a range of techniques from artist Karen Greville-Smith using Easter and Spring as inspiration.

Karen will lead a relaxed session of printing with lots of opportunities to experiment and play with the techniques. As well as making printing blocks from foam and free hand line monoprinting you will be able to add to your work with collage.

All the materials are provided.

Wokingham Library

Friday April 7

Workshop for children aged 7 and over 10am to 12noon, charge £3

Workshop for adults 1pm to 3pm, charge £5

For bookings call the library on (0118) 9781368

Lots of events on for families this Easter at Wokingham Borough Libraries

What’s On in Wokingham Borough Libraries for Children & Families

Saturday April 1 to Saturday 15, 2017

Children’s Chess Club – For young people aged 8 years old and over. Just drop in! At Woodley Library on Thursday April 6  from 3.30pm to 5pm.

Children’s Writing Group – Share your ideas and take part in some fun writing exercises. For children aged 9 to 12 years old. Free event, places must be booked. At Maiden Erlegh Library on Saturday April 1 from 10.15am to 11am

Easter Poems and Stories – Share your ideas and take part in some fun writing exercises. For children aged 9 to 12 years old. Free event, places must be booked. At Maiden Erlegh Library  on Tuesday April 4 and 11 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Children’s Origami Club – For children aged 7 and over, 50p charge, places must be booked. At Wokingham Library on Tuesday April 4 from 4pm to 4.45pm

Easter stories with Princess Sophia the first. – Storytime with The Enchanted Players Theatre Company. Come and hear stories from Princess Sofia. For children aged 8 and under, Just drop in! At Wokingham Library on Tuesday April 11 from 4pm to 4.30pm

Code Club for Beginners – monthly club for children aged 9 to 12 years, places must be booked. At Wokingham Library  on Saturday April 1 from 10.15am to 11.45am

Dad and Baby Rhymetime – Fun rhymes for babies and dads. Free, Just drop in!  At Wokingham Library on Saturday April 1 from 10am to 10.30am

Further Adventures in Coding – monthly club for 9 to 12 year olds, places must be booked.  At Wokingham Library from Saturday April 8 on 10.15am to 11.45am

Explore Learning – Free session with Explore Learning , places must be booked.

Groovy Grammar – For children aged 7 to 8 years old. At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 5  from 10.45am to 11.45am

National Young Writers Workshop – For children aged 5 to 12 years old.  At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 5 from 9.30am to 10.30am,  At Lower Earley Library on Thursday April 6 from 9.30am to 10.30am, At Wokingham Library on Wednesday April 12 from 9.30am to 10.30am.

Pirates – For children aged 8 to 11 years old.  At Lower Earley Library on Thursday April 6 from 10.45am to 11.45am

Space mission – For children aged 8 to 10 years old.  At Wokingham Library on Wednesday April 12 from 10.45am to 11.45am

Get Arty – Easter themed arts and crafts fun for children aged 4 to 11 years old. Just drop in, £1.50 charge

• Wokingham Library Friday April 7 10.30am to 11.30am
• Woodley Library Thursday April 6 10.30am to 11.30am
• Lower Earley Library Thursday April 6 2pm to 3pm
• Twyford Library Tuesday April 4 2pm to 3pm
• Wargrave Library Wednesday April 5 9.45am to 10.30am
• Spencers Wood Library Thursday April 6 11am to 12noon
• Winnersh Library Thursday April 6 2pm to 3pm
• Maiden Erelgh Library Monday April 10 2.15pm to 3.15pm
• Finchampstead Library Tuesday April 11 2.15pm to 3.15pm

Mini Professors – Taster Session for children aged 2 to 5 years old, with science based fun. Places must be booked. At Woodley Library on Wednesday April 12 from 10.30am to 11.15am

Printmaking – Have fun learning printmaking techniques from artist Karen Greville-Smith using Easter as inspiration. For children aged 7 and over. £3 charge At Wokingham Library on Friday April 7 from 10am to 12noon

Sand Art – Just drop in and create a sand art picture with Kids Bee Happy with Maddi. £3 per picture. For children aged 4 to 11 years old.

• Wokingham Library Wednesday April 5 10.30am to 12.30pm
• Woodley Library Wednesday April 5 2.30pm to 4pm
• Lower Earley Library Monday April 10 10.30am to 12.30pm

Storytime – Dinsoaur Stories and rhymes for children aged 5 and under. Just drop in!

• Arborfield Pop-up Library Monday April 10 4pm to 4.30pm
• Finchampstead Library Friday April 7 11am to 11.30am
• Lower Earley Library Thursday April 13 11.15am to 11.45am
• Maiden Erlegh Library Saturday April 15 10.15am to 10.45am
• Spencers Wood Library Monday April 3 4pm to 4.30pm
• Winnersh Library Wednesday April 5 4pm to 4.30pm
• Wokingham Library Tuesday April 4 and 11 4pm to 4.30pm
• Woodley Library Saturday April 8 11am to 11.30am

 Wokingham Borough Libraries Contact details

• Arborfield Pop-Up Library 0780 166 4520
• Twyford Library (0118) 934 0800
• Finchampstead Library (0118) 908 8176
• Wargrave Library (0118) 940 4656
• Lower Earley Library (0118) 931 2150
• Winnersh Library (0118) 979 7519
• Maiden Erlegh Library (0118) 966 6630
• Wokingham Library (0118) 978 1368
• Spencers Wood Library (0118) 988 4771
• Woodley Library (0118) 969 0304

Or for more events available in other libraries visit www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries.

Shakespeare Week

Shakespeare Activity Session for Children on Saturday March 25  from 11am to 11.30am

At Lower Earley Library, Maiden Erlegh Library, Wokingham Library and Woodley Library, Just drop in and try some fun Shakespeare themed activities for children aged 7 and over.

Shakespeare Books to try for children…..

What’s so special about Shakespeare? by Michael Rosen

Ideal for browsing, this book is divided into clear sections. It includes studies of four of Shakespeare’s plays, intriguing facts and information about Shakespeare himself and the world at this time, accompanied by a useful time line.

 

The queen loved to see Shakespeare’s bottom! : the fact or fiction behind Shakespeare by  Kay Barnham.

This title explores popular myths and legends about the world’s greatest playwright in a tongue-in-cheek, humorous way that kids will find unputdownable. Alongside features such as ‘the Bard’s best bits’, in which we learn that Shakespearean quotes and phrases are still part of our everyday language, statements such as ‘the Queen loved Shakespeare’s bottom’ or ‘Shakespeare burned down the Globe Theatre’ are explored and given a ‘truth’ or ‘busted’ evaluation.

The boy and the globe by Tony Bradman

Young Toby lives on his wits. An orphan and a street-child, he navigates Elizabethan London like an old hand. Meanwhile the city has lost its charm for Will Shakespeare, the playwright from Stratford. Beset by troubles personal and professional and suffering from writer’s block, he has grown to hate the drama business. But when Toby stumbles into the Globe, the boy’s energy and enthusiasm remind Will of the magic that first inspired his love of the theatre, and the two set to work on a new entertainment for ‘Twelfth Night’.

To wee or not to wee! by Pamela Butchart

Hamlet could NEVER make his mind up about ANYTHING. And one time he actually went to school in just his pants and got sent home because he couldn’t decide what to wear.  When Izzy is asked to tell her friends some HILARIOUS and SCARY stories she knows exactly where to look: Shakespeare, the king of SUPER dramatic stuff.

After learning about Macbeth (a STRONG solider who ate four bowls of porridge and twenty pieces of toast every morning) her friends want more. So Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet all get the Izzy treatment. There’s blood and guts, ghosty stuff, and plenty of people wandering around in their nighties. The perfect introduction to the Bard!

Shakespeare’s tales retold by Beverley Birch and illustrated by Stephen Lambert.

Tragedy, comedy and history are all here for you in this wonderful adaptation of four Shakespeare plays. Something for everyone!  ‘The barge she sat in like a burnished throne, burned on the water: the poop was beaten gold, purple the sails…’  A lyrical re-telling of Shakespeare’s plays; Hamlet, The Tempest, Anthony and Cleopatra and Othello by respected children’s author Beverley Birch, partnered with sublime illustrations by Stephen Lambert. A perfect introduction to these landmark plays.

You can borrow these books from our libraries, so check out our catalogue to see if it’s in a library near you: http://bit.ly/1zSCJlf

CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 shortlist available to borrow from Wokingham Borough Libraries

The Carnegie Medal, awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children, was established in 1936 in memory of the Scottish-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919). A self-made industrialist who made his fortune in steel in the USA, Carnegie’s experience of using a library as a child led him to resolve that “If ever wealth came to me that it should be used to establish free libraries.” He set up more than 2,800 libraries across the English speaking world and by the time of his death over half the library authorities in Great Britain had Carnegie libraries.

CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 shortlist

Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Prez doesn’t talk anymore. He didn’t talk in The Temporary, where he was taken when his granddad started behaving oddly. He didn’t talk when The Family came, to take him to live on their farm in Dumfries for the summer. He is very good at listening though, which proves useful when a small, extremely talkative, mind-reading alien named Sputnik, arrives on The Family’s doorstep. Sputnik is on a mission; he needs Prez to show him ten reasons why Earth is worth saving, otherwise it will be shrunk to the size of a golf ball. Prez has no idea what to do – he can’t ask for help, because he doesn’t talk, and The Family also seem to think Sputnik is a small, yappy dog. Time is running out – how can Prez show Sputnik all the Wond

Wonderfully witty and wise this has the author’s trademark perfect blend of humour and pathos with realistic human characters existing within a tightly plotted, fantastically inventive and original adventure. There is a very satisfying complexity of ideas which make the reader think as well as laugh. This writer is particularly skilled at using fantasy to say something about the world we live in and how we relate to each other and it is the relationships which really matter. That between Prez and his grandfather with dementia is particularly well drawn and the ending of this uplifting story is both touching and credible.

The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon

Born in a refugee camp, all Subhi knows of the world is that he’s at least 19 fence diamonds high, the nice Jackets never stay long, and at night he dreams that the sea finds its way to his tent, bringing with it unusual treasures. And one day it brings him Jimmie. Carrying a notebook that she’s unable to read and wearing a sparrow made out of bone around her neck – both talismans of her family’s past and the mother she’s lost – Jimmie strikes up an unlikely friendship with Subhi beyond the fence. As he reads aloud the tale of how Jimmie’s family came to be, both children discover the importance of their own stories in writing their futures.

Simply and innocently told from a child’s perspective this important and timely novel brings to life the risks people are willing to take to make their voices heard and the resilience of the human spirit. Subhi’s hauntingly evocative descriptions of life in the camp deftly capture the claustrophobic feel of the camp, whilst his vivid imagination and love of stories provide a much needed escape from the awful reality of his situation. The plot is skilfully executed, blending together the two different narratives of the main characters, allowing both to influence the other’s life and propelling the action forward. Finally, the credible and consistent ending offers hope, but no easy happy ending.

The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

Alaska, 1970: growing up here is like nowhere else. Ruth wants to be remembered by her grieving mother. Dora wishes she was invisible to her abusive father. Alyce is staying at home to please her parents. Hank is running away for the sake of his brothers. Four very different lives are about to become entangled in these intertwining stories of love, tragedy, wild luck, and salvation. Because if we don’t save each other, how can we begin to save ourselves?

Not a word is wasted in these lyrical stories of family, romance, tragedy good fortune and redemption. Short chapters with alternating points of view immerse readers into multiple storylines where there is a tonal balance between a sense of urgency and great reflection. The four protagonists are subtly and so convincingly developed it is difficult to imagine they are not real people. The author has succeeded in creating a thoroughly convincing world.

The Stars at Oktober Bend by Glenda Millard

Alice is 15, with hair as red as fire and skin as pale as bone, but something inside her is broken. She has a brain injury, the result of an assault. Manny was once a child soldier. He is 16 and has lost all his family. Alice is reaching out to express herself through her beautiful-broken words, and Manny is running to escape his past. When Manny and Alice meet they find the beginnings of love and healing. The Stars at Oktober Bend is a powerful story about the strength of the human spirit.

Told in their distinctive and memorable narrative voices this is a wonderfully evocative tale of two damaged young people who find redemption and hope in their love for each other. The author’s use of poetry as a way for Alice to convey her innermost feelings and to reach out to the world around her, works extraordinarily well and the poems are simple and beautiful. The lyrical, outstanding writing throughout develops strong characterization and a vivid sense of place, as their tragic stories gradually unfold; building to a dramatic climax that brings each strand of the novel together in an intensely satisfying way.

Railhead by Philip Reeve

Zen Starling is a petty thief. A nobody. Destined to ride the rails to nowhere special. That is until Raven, a strange and mysterious figure, enlists him for one small job. One small job that might just bring everything in this galaxy, and the next, to the end of the line.

The novel is difficult to characterise being a mix of sci-fi, fantasy, romance and thriller. A whole world is built through very imaginative use of language which underpins a complex but well-constructed plot. A plot that is kept light, inventive and original, engaging and fast-paced throughout with clever use of humour and wit. The characters are easy to relate to; due to the realistic and interesting way they are portrayed, even minor characters are rounded and engaging. Through exploration of some of the non-human characters there is an exploration of what it is to be human whilst also exploring quite harsh criticisms of society in subtle ways. This is an engaging, emotionally satisfying read, using exciting language to draw the reader in.

Beck by Mal Peet with Meg Rosoff

The final novel from Carnegie Medal-winning author Mal Peet is a sweeping coming-of-age adventure, with all the characteristic beauty and strength of his prose. Born from a one-off liaison between a poor young woman and an African soldier in the 1900s, Beck is soon orphaned and sent to the Catholic Brothers in Canada. Shipped to work on a farm, his escape takes him across the continent in a search for belonging. Enduring abuse and many hardships, Beck has times of comfort and encouragement, eventually finding Grace, the woman with whom he can finally forge his life and shape his destiny as a young man. A picaresque novel set during the Depression as experienced by a young black man, it depicts great pain but has an uplifting and inspiring conclusion.

Gripping from start to finish, the writing in Beck is flawless, successfully balancing graphic cruelty with a gradual softening of tone as both the lead character and the story develop and grow. Beck himself, is witty, colloquial and utterly believable and heads up a cast of richly drawn, well rounded characters. This is a story that stays with readers reminding them that in spite of discrimination and hardship, there can be love, goodness and hope in the world.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

It’s early 1945 and a group of people trek across Germany, bound together by their desperation to reach the ship that can take them away from the war-ravaged land. Four young people, each haunted by their own dark secret, narrate their unforgettable stories. They converge in a desperate attempt to board an overcrowded ship in a Baltic port, which is tragically then sunk by a torpedo. Based on a true story, the incident was the worst maritime tragedy ever.

Mood is perfectly handled throughout this novel as we follow the characters, first through feelings of weariness as the journey towards the port, to anxiety at the prospect of not gaining a ticket to board, to sickness and overcrowding once on-board and, finally, to both desperation and hope in a traumatic conclusion. The structure of the book works exceptionally well as short chapters tell the interwoven stories and slowly reveal the secrets of our four distinctive narrators. Engaging, interesting and, at times, terrifying characters abound as historical events are brought to life through their collective stories. This is a haunting and beautiful novel that breathes life into one of World War II’s most terrifying and little-known tragedies.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Annabelle has lived in Wolf Hollow all her life: a quiet place, still scarred by two world wars. But when cruel, manipulative Betty arrives in town, Annabelle’s calm world is shattered, along with everything she’s ever known about right and wrong. When Betty accuses gentle loner Toby – a traumatised ex-soldier – of a terrible act, Annabelle knows he’s innocent. Then Betty disappears . . . Now Annabelle must protect Toby from the spiraling accusations and hysteria, until she can prove to Wolf Hollow what really happened to Betty.

The language used in this novel exquisitely conveys the atmosphere of the 1940s American rural setting. The naivety of the voice vividly conveys the mores of the time and the young narrator. Every character is believable, well developed and fully rounded, combined with well observed small domestic details. This is a truthful exploration of a small-time attitudes and injustice without being overly sentimental, and exploring questions of morality within the confines of the story. In places, it has shades of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, making it a rich and satisfying read.

You can borrow these books from our libraries, so check out our catalogue to see if it’s in a library near you: http://bit.ly/1zSCJlf

CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2017 shortlist available to borrow from Wokingham Borough Libraries

The Kate Greenaway Medal was established in 1955 for distinguished illustration in a book for children. Named after the popular nineteenth century artist, known for her beautiful children’s illustrations and designs, the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded annually for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.

CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2017 shortlist

Wild Animals of the North illustrated and written by Dieter Braun

A gorgeously illustrated study of the Northern Hemisphere’s wild animals, this biologically accurate encyclopaedia of beasts will enthral all. Through Dieter Braun’s beautiful and colourful illustrations, readers will be dazzled by the polar bears and orcas of the Arctic, Europe’s red foxes and swans, the pumas of North America, Asian pandas and many more!

These beautiful, expressive illustrations of animals capture their motion and personality in a way that is truly remarkable for such stylized images. The 3D effect of the stunning geometric line and use of colour makes them truly live and breathe on the page. The colour palette is subtle but beautifully suited to both habitats and the animals we meet there. The variety of layout makes every page turn a surprise and continually engages the reader’s interest. The interplay of text and images make this a really enjoyable and memorable learning experience.

TIDY illustrated and written by Emily Gravett

Brand new from the critically acclaimed Emily Gravett, comes TIDY, a hilarious, vibrantly illustrated, rhyming tale about a badger called Pete, who is slightly over-zealous in his desire for complete cleanliness. Pete likes things neat, but unfortunately his forest home is not the tidiest of dwellings. As the weather, the Seasons, not to mention the other animals, hamper Pete’s dreams of a uncluttered existence, the crafty badger hatches a plan that is bound to keep everything permanently spick and span. But when Pete goes too far and concretes over his woodland home, he begins to realise that maybe his actions have caused more harm than good. And maybe a bit of mess now and again is actually rather a positive thing?

This charming and witty story perfectly delivers its message of environmental preservation with subtlety and humour. The depth of quality in its production is outstanding; the multi-layered hole on the front cover, the double sided dust jacket and the wonderful flaps draw in and delight the reader. Lush foliage and vibrant forest colours shine through, as the palette subtly changes to reflect the seasons. Full of humour and skilful comic visual details, such as the wonderful badger-like decoration on the vacuum cleaner, this is a book to delight readers of all ages.

The Wolves of Currumpaw illustrated and written by William Grill

1892, New Mexico. A wolfpack roams the Currumpaw Valley, preying on the cattle and evading capture by the exasperated local ranchmen. Due to his knowledge of wolf behaviour, a British naturalist by the name of Ernest Thompson Seton is employed to hunt down their notorious pack leader, King Lobo… A moving re-telling of the first short story from Ernest Thompson Seton’s 1898 classic collection, Wild Animals I Have Known, this is the second book from CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal award winner William Grill.

The large format of this book allows the reader a great visual experience, echoing the vast plains of New Mexico. The beautifully rendered dust jacket and end papers, inspired by Navajo and Hopi designs, usher the reader into this atmospheric tale. The colour palette is chosen with utmost care and the technique of sweeping pencil strokes evoke the setting and easily allow the scale of the desert to show the insignificance of man and wolf in the whole area. This book works on many levels, from the unobtrusive typography telling the story, the tactile nature of the endpaper illustrations to the synergy between illustration style and the setting of the tale. Text and images and are all carefully placed on the page, underlining the scale of the desert; whilst the movement of the wolves is so simply expressed. Grill’s style is unique, distinctive and highly creative so much so that this books works on many levels, it is a deceptively simple medium showing a depth of richness and skill that is a testament to his skill.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone illustrated by Jim Kay, written by J.K. Rowling

When a letter arrives for unhappy but ordinary Harry Potter, a decade-old secret is revealed to him that apparently he’s the last to know. His parents were wizards, killed by a Dark Lord’s curse when Harry was just a baby, and which he somehow survived. Leaving his unsympathetic aunt and uncle for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry stumbles upon a sinister mystery when he finds a three-headed dog guarding a room on the third floor. Then he hears of a missing stone with astonishing powers, which could be valuable, dangerous – or both. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

An outstanding illustrated version of a modern children’s classic, ready to bring a new generation of readers into the magical world of Harry Potter. These illustrations go back to the text and lure the reader away from the familiar film images. The artist has added so much more depth and detail to bring this world to life. For example there is a whole street worth of invented detail in Diagon Alley and we have intricate scientific drawings of the various species of troll that inhabit this world. There is an astonishing range of techniques and artistry shown throughout the book in a variety of full page portraits, small vignettes, chapter headings and the glorious end papers. This visualisation enhances the text and offers the reader a whole new, deeper and authentic experience.

A Great Big Cuddle illustrated by Chris Riddell and written by Michael Rosen

Two of the biggest names in children’s publishing, Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell, come together in a new poetry collection. The poems in A Great Big Cuddle fizz off the page with sound and rhythm, energy and laughter, as Rosen captures in the most remarkable way what it means to be very, very young. A child’s world with all its details and feelings – toys and games, animals and made-up creatures, likes and dislikes – is vividly conjured up in the most memorable, playful language, and Chris Riddell has produced some his most extraordinary pictures ever to bring this world to life. It’s a book that will be enjoyed by the oldest grown-up and the youngest child – and a future classic.

This is an unusual size for a picture book, but the layout of each poem works to give the reader a different experience every time a page is turned. The poems requiring movement have that in abundance in both typography and in the illustration. The simple primary colour palette makes the illustrations bold and engaging. There is a creative use of the vignettes that really adds to the textual experience. The illustrations underline the nonsense of the poetry making this a very satisfying and distinctive experience. Two people at the height of their powers combining to make a great book for very young people.

The Journey illustrated and written by Francesca Sanna

What is it like to have to leave everything behind and travel many miles to somewhere unfamiliar and strange? A mother and her two children set out on such a journey; one filled with fear of the unknown, but also great hope. Based on her interactions with people forced to seek a new home, and told from the perspective of a young child, The Journey is full of significance for our time.

These timely and distinctive illustrations offer a deep and emotional introduction to the losses and experiences that immigrant families face. A strong sense of movement is achieved throughout, as the family journey onwards in a quest for safety. The menace of war and evil are particularly well depicted through the imposing black sea representing the approaching war, and dense black shadows that bring a real and deep darkness with them. A carefully chosen palette of colours, tones and techniques are used to great effect in the depiction of both physical and emotional landscapes. Impressive use of the endpapers is made, as they respectively introduce and then continue the story. An unusual typeface is used for the sparse, yet moving text, resembling handwriting this poignantly emphasises the personal nature of the story. This book will have a powerful impact on readers of all ages.

The Marvels illustrated and written by Brian Selznick

In The Marvels, Selznick weaves together two seemingly unrelated stories- one in words, the other in pictures -with spellbinding synergy. The illustrated story begins in 1766 with Billy Marvel, the lone survivor of a shipwreck, and charts the adventures of his family of actors over five generations. The prose story opens in 1990 and follows Joseph, who has run away from school to an estranged uncle’s puzzling house in London, where he, along with the reader, must piece together many mysteries. Filled with mystery, vibrant characters, surprise twists, and heart-rending beauty, and featuring Selznick’s most arresting art to date, The Marvels is a moving tribute to the power of story.

This visually stunning book invites exploration from the first page. The whole production is a work of art that is outstanding on every level. Detailed cross-hatched illustrations carry the reader’s focus to the heart of characters, action and drama through a near-cinematic zooming in and panning out. There is a strong use of space and a real awareness of how different forms. come together to produce a story, creating an innovative and fully immersive experience.

There is a Tribe of Kids illustrated and written by Lane Smith

Lane Smith takes us on a colourful adventure through the natural world, following a child as he weaves through the jungle, dives under the ocean and soars into the sky. Along the way he makes friends and causes mischief with a dazzling array of creatures both large and small – but can he find a tribe of his own? Full of warmth and humour, There Is a Tribe of Kids is a playful exploration of wild childhood – of curiosity, discovery and what it means to belong.

There’s a wonderful sense of movement, animation and life in the illustrations to this book. A palette comprised of muted earth tones emphasises and extends the natural tone and themes of the book. Use of sequencing is controlled and there is an impressive synergy and balance between text and illustration. There is a warmth and wit in the play and imagination shown in the final spreads showing how the children are influenced and inspired by the world around them suggesting ideas around the way nurture and environmental factors can be formative in growth.

You can borrow these books from our libraries, so check out our catalogue to see if it’s in a library near you: http://bit.ly/1zSCJlf

Spencers Wood Local History Group at Spencers Wood Library on Thursday March 23, 2017

A group of local historians have just published a brand new book telling the story of their village in word and pictures. The Spencers Wood Local History Group has been working for a number of years on the book “More From Our Village of Spencers Wood”, tracing the origins of the south Wokingham village. One chapter is devoted to the library, which was originally an infants school.

Members of the society will be at Spencers Wood Library on Thursday March 23 at 10am to promote the book and sell copies to the public and library members. The book costs £10 and is also available via their website- http://www.swlhg.co.uk

It will also be available shortly to borrow  or reserve from Wokingham Borough Libraries http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/library-services/search-renew-and-reserve-items/

Britannica Spotlight on Food chains

Are your children learning about food chains and ecosystems?

Encyclopedia Britannica have created a special edition featuring articles on both subjects – so students can have even more fun learning about these life science topics.

In the Activity Centre there are the usual puzzles and games including: word searches, crosswords, quizzes and more! And, as usual, all of the answers can be found in Britannica!

https://spotlight.britannica.co.uk/FoodChain

We offer free online access for library members to Encyclopaedia Britannica you just need your library card and pin number. You can access this resource from here: http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/libraries-online/online-reference/