Seven Stories - The Centre For Children's Books

Are you ready for an adventure? Keep your eyes wide open, listen out and off we go! From 2 February 2007 join us at Seven Stories for a brand new exhibition; We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Picturebook Adventures.

In collaboration with Walker Books this brand new exhibition features ten great picture books, chosen for the variety of adventures they offer. Featuring some classics like The Mousehole Cat and Five Minutes' Peace plus modern favourites like Hooray for Fish by Lucy Cousins, creator of the international icon Maisy.

Come and meet an exciting set of picture book characters including Mowzer, Ginger the cat, Mrs Large and her family, the Sea-thing Child and don’t forget to watch out for that bear!

Mary Briggs, Chief Executive at Seven Stories says: “Picturebooks can play a major role in introducing children to reading and the enjoyment of books. Children enjoy identifying with characters and can learn important lessons about life. Also, the ability for a child to be able to discover what life could be like from a different point of view is a key part in their emotional development. For example the Large family from Five Minutes Peace – you may not know them but I’m sure you know a family just like them!”

This magical exhibition will encourage visitors of all ages to step inside and explore some of their favourite picture books. Discover fairies in Jethro Byrde Fairy Child; find a hug in Jez Alborough's Hug and Go on a Bear Hunt with Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.

David Lloyd, Chairman of Walker Books and picture book editor says: “Picture books get read and looked at again and again, and this is how they come to life, like toys after midnight. So we thought maybe if we make an exhibition looking closer at just a small number of great books by great artists, the same magic may happen. The books may come alive, dreams may come true, and wishes may be granted. If anyone thinks a picturebook is a still, quiet thing, We're Going on a Bear Hunt (the exhibition and the book) will soon put them right. These picturebooks are WME - weapons of mass enjoyment. They can make you very happy.”

The exhibition will be a unique opportunity to view original artwork by illustrators such as Patrick Benson, Barbara Firth and Nicola Bayley. Michael Rosen has also performed a recording of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt for the exhibition taking visitors on a delightful journey filled with sights, sounds and surprises.

Seven Stories’ Gallery 4 is named after Sebastian Walker, inspirational founder of Walker Books. The publishing company has supported Seven Stories since its inception, contributing start-up funding in the centre’s early days and later funding for the capital project.

Now it’s your turn!
What’s your favourite Children’s Picture Book?

To celebrate the opening of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Picture Book Adventures at Seven Stories we’d like to hear what your favourite picture book is. Entries will be featured on our website and the most popular choices will be featured at Seven Stories during the exhibition. Email or call 0845 271 0777.

Picture credit:

Cover illustration © 1989 Helen Oxenbury
From WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London SE11 5HJ