All The Family

31^st January 2023 7 Stories Selects: January

Introducing

2^nd January 2023 North East Siblings Win Lauren Child Story Competition

Penny and Adam Dias from Rowlands Gill have won a short story writing competition judged by award-winning author illustrator Lauren Child.

21^st December 2022 Seven Stories acquires archive of acclaimed children's author Judith Kerr

Following a recommendation from Arts Council England, Ministerial approval has been given to the permanent allocation of the Judith Kerr Archive to the Trustees of Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle upon Tyne.

19^th December 2022 Festive Family Fun Pack is back!

With so much going on over the holidays, we thought we’d give you a helping hand - take a look at our literary list of things to do during the festive break.

15^th December 2022 Student Artwork on Display in Seven Stories Exhibition

Inspired by our Betty Larom exhibition, students were asked to create their own apparel designs and the best were chosen for display in the exhibition.

12^th December 2022 Free community event success at Seven Stories

5^th December 2022 What's on this Christmas...

Entry is FREE to the museum, bookshop and coffeeshop and we're open 10am-5pm every day in school holidays.

10^th November 2022 Seven Stories Launches Children's Story Competition to Celebrate Fenwick's Christmas Window Theme

To celebrate Lauren Child's much-loved character Clarice Bean being the star of Fenwick's Christmas Window this year, we're inviting children to write their own Christmas story for a chance to win a special festive prize, thanks to our friends at Fen

7^th November 2022 Author illustrator Lauren Child celebrates Fenwick's Christmas Window reveal at Seven Stories

Multi award-winning and best-selling children’s author illustrator Lauren Child visited Seven Stories today to celebrate the reveal of Fenwick’s Christmas Window, which features her joyful festive story Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf.

4^th November 2022 Seven Stories receives Arts Council support for new business model

Arts Council England have confirmed that they will fund Seven Stories as a National Portfolio Organisation for the next three years, highlighting their support of the charity’s recent business model shift.

22^nd October 2022 Half term competition

Half term competition

18^th October 2022 Seven Stories Wins National Accolade for Visitor Experience

5^th October 2022 Half Term Fun at Seven Stories

Kids can bring their grown-ups for FREE to half term events!

8^th September 2022 Celebrating International Literacy Day 2022

9^th August 2022 New exhibition opens at Seven Stories

22^nd July 2022 Queer, Black and Bookish: A Guest Blog Post by Dami Fawehinmi

A guest blog post by Dami Fawehinmi

14^th July 2022 Seven Stories selected for Bloomberg's Digital Accelerator Programme

Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books has been chosen as one of 46 UK arts organisations selected to take part in the $30 million Digital Accelerator Programme.

13^th June 2022 Pride Month Book Recommendations

Happy Pride! To celebrate National Pride Month, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite Pride books, all available at our bookshop or at bookshop.org.

13^th June 2022 Independent Bookshop Week 2022

#IndieBookshopWeek will take place from Saturday 18th to Saturday 25th June. Find out what we're doing to celebrate.

10^th June 2022 Seven Stories appoints new Chief Executive

Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, has appointed Wendy Elliott to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

1^st June 2022 Free entry is here to stay!

Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, will extend their free entry model permanently.

18^th May 2022 Weekend Clubs at Seven Stories

13^th April 2022 New Digital Exhibition Showcases 'Stories Behind The Stories' In The Seven Stories Collection

30^th March 2022 Easter holiday fun for under 5s

27^th March 2022 Cracking fun for 5-9 year olds this Easter

27^th March 2022 Easter family fun with children over 10

25^th March 2022 Easter Event Finder Quiz

Take our quiz to find the perfect events for your family this Easter holidays

21^st March 2022 Roman Altar Stone Tells the Story of Ouseburn in New Display for 1900 Festival

The Altar Stone will be on display on Level 3 of Seven Stories from Saturday 25th March (10am – 5pm)

14^th March 2022 Newcastle and Gateshead venues call on people to return to culture

Where will you #MakeYourMoment this Spring?

13^th February 2022 Meet our Master Storyteller

Award-winning author and storyteller Richard O'Neill will be at Seven Stories on Tuesday 22 February for story times and lots of fun!

8^th February 2022 Bag Yourself a Blind Date with a Book this Valentine's Day

Treat yourself or a loved one to a book you literally can't judge by its cover!

7^th February 2022 Judith Kerr's famous 'Tiger' kitchen comes to Seven Stories

Judith Kerr's famous 'Tiger' kitchen comes to Seven Stories

29^th January 2022 Award-winning author and storyteller Richard O'Neill to collaborate with Seven Stories through new Creative in Residency Programme

Richard O’Neill, a Literacy Trust National Literacy Hero, is to be the first Creative Lead-in-Residence at Seven Stories, starting work this month with the team to catalyse the Centre’s impact in the region and beyond.

26^th January 2022 Judith Kerr's kitchen arrives at Seven Stories

The kitchen which inspired the bestselling classic The Tiger Who Came To Tea, will open to the public at Seven Stories from Saturday 19 February

9^th January 2022 Seven Stories - The Only North East Beneficiary to Receive this Prestigious Grant

Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund

15^th December 2021 Festive Family Fun Pack

Ideas to keep the whole family busy and entertained this holiday

13^th December 2021 Successful fundraiser brings book to life in Byker

Hundreds of books given out at community event thanks to Seven Stories supporters

3^rd December 2021 Tiny tomes come to City Library

Co-curated with Balliol Primary School pupils

1^st December 2021 Festive fun for under 5s

The countdown to Christmas is on and we have a whole lot of festive fun instore to keep your little ones entertained this month in Newcastle

1^st December 2021 Festive fun for 5-7 year olds

We are bursting with festive cheer this season with a host of experiences and special treats that’ll have you jingling all the way round Ouseburn!

1^st December 2021 Christmas activities for little visitors aged 7+

Enchanting Wonder and Magic for over 7s

16^th November 2021 Share a Story launches to gift hundreds of books this Christmas

‘Share a Story’ campaign to spread the joy of community amongst Byker children this December

8^th November 2021 Seven Stories wins VisitEngland's Best Told Story Award

Only North East attraction to win the tourism accolade

3^rd November 2021 Seven Stories appoints new Chair

Claire Riley, an executive director at one of the North East’s leading NHS trusts, has taken on the role at the Newcastle-based charity.

30^th October 2021 Stories for Life with Children in Need

Using books and imaginative play to support disadvantaged under 5s

27^th October 2021 Seven Stories Book Recommendations

Our expert team share their favourite children's books

15^th September 2021 Wonder and magic returns to Seven Stories this Christmas

WITH 100 DAYS TO GO - CHRISTMAS EVENTS ON SALE FROM 16TH SEPTEMBER 2021

20^th August 2021 Remembering Grace Hallworth

2^nd August 2021 Celebrate the Olympics

Book recommendations for all ages to tie in with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

26^th July 2021 Planning your trip with Under 5s

An itinerary for a trip to Seven Stories with children under 5

26^th July 2021 Planning your trip with 5-7 year olds

An itinerary for visits with children aged 5 - 7 years old

26^th July 2021 Planning your trip with children aged 7+

An itinerary for a trip to Seven Stories with children aged 7 and over

20^th July 2021 Newcastle-based family law firm's donation opens up a world of imagination

Seven Stories is delighted to welcome Stowe Family Law as their latest supporter.

2^nd July 2021 On Board With Stories Project

Fun story sessions in Washington and Stanley

16^th June 2021 #InspiringImaginations fundraising appeal launched by Durham Cathedral and Seven Stories

To celebrate St Bede’s Day, the famous Northern saint who died on the 25th May 735AD, Durham Cathedral has launched a joint fundraising appeal with Seven Stories to share the joy of reading with young people from County Durham.

19^th March 2021 Our Top Reads for Women's History Month

Women's History Month 2021

19^th February 2021 World Book Day 2021 at Seven Stories

Celebrate World Book Day with us online this year

16^th February 2021 Share your favourite stories this World Book Day!

Share your favourite stories with us using the hashtag #ilovethisbookbecause and be in with the chance to be featured in our special World Book Day YouTube programme on Thursday 4th March 2021

18^th January 2021 Holocaust Memorial Day 2021

Commemorate HMD 2021 with Seven Stories as we explore this year's theme 'Be the Light in the Darkness' through our archive

14^th December 2020 An Update on Christmas at Seven Stories

Discover the Magic of Christmas at Seven Stories

6^th November 2020 Seven Stories Wins Best Lockdown Project at the National Museums Change Lives Awards

We are thrilled to have been awarded the Best Lockdown Project at the Museums Change Lives Awards in recognition of our work to support disadvantaged children and families in Newcastle during the first national lockdown.

3^rd November 2020 The Magic Continues at Seven Stories throughout Lockdown

1^st November 2020 Seven Stories joins Bookshop.org - a New Online Bookshop for Socially Conscious Shoppers

Bookshop.org UK Launches, Helping Local Bookshops Take on Amazon in Critical Christmas Shopping Period

16^th October 2020 A Fundraiser for Diverse Books

12^th October 2020 Recommended Reads for Black History Month

Black History Month

11^th October 2020 Martin Aitchison artwork - first new acquisition to Collection since Lockdown

11^th October 2020 Seven Stories receives lifeline grant from Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

18^th September 2020 Supporting Children and Families in East Newcastle during the Covid-19 pandemic

2^nd July 2020 Essential workers become exciting readers with I'll Tell You a Story Initiative

Seven Stories is fighting back from the Covid-19 lockdown with a unique initiative that unites well-known celebrities and essential workers to promote the importance of storytelling.

9^th June 2020 Guest Blog: Mini Monsters Can I Play? With Caryl Hart and Tony Neal

Meet the Mini Monsters - four adorable characters who are learning valuable lessons about friendship and how to get along, in a pre-school setting.

22^nd April 2020 Brand New FREE eBook from Sally Nicholls and Viviane Schwarz to be read exclusively by the author on Seven Stories Facebook Page

Join us on Friday 24 April, 10am on our Facebook page.

6^th April 2020 Coronavirus support for organisations outside of the National Portfolio and individuals

Seven Stories to share its knowledge and skills with other organisations and individuals to help them access the support available from Arts Council England.

5^th April 2020 Recommended Reads for Budding Bookworms this Spring

From playful picture books to dramas for young adults there's something for everyone to enjoy.

24^th March 2020 Seven Stories to partner with Andersen Press for Weekly Virtual Storytimes

Seven Stories to share free of charge every Friday at 10am via Facebook whilst the visitor centre is closed to the public.

17^th March 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

In light of the most recent advice from the UK Government, Public Health England and the World Health Organisation, Seven Stories will close its doors to the public from 5pm on Wednesday 18 March 2020 until Sunday 19 April 2020.

4^th March 2020 Do you know where stories come from?

Some people say that there are only seven types of story in all the world. Visitors to Seven Stories are being invited to discover if this can really be true in an exciting new exhibition due to open this Easter.

28^th January 2020 Make a difference at Seven Stories this February

We believe that no one is too small to make a difference and are inviting families to discover more about what they can do to help shape the world around them in a series of fun, interactive events this February.

20^th November 2019 Families are invited all aboard a magical The Polar Express adventure this festive season

20^th November 2019 Find out more about Lottie Smith, the cardboard wizard, who created our train for The Polar Express Festive Story Workshops

1^st November 2019 Author Michael Morpurgo to launch our 2019 Christmas Send a Story Campaign

11^th September 2019 We marks 20 incredible years of Writer and Illustrator Lauren Child

5^th September 2019 Your Guide to What's On at Seven Stories this Autumn

Fun events and activities to keep you and your family entertained this Autumn

7^th July 2019 Join us as we host a summer of creative events throughout the Ouseburn Valley

Spend time out and about with the family this summer

15^th June 2019 Drawing Sheep this summer with Morag Hood

We interview author/illustrator ahead of August's live drawing event at Ouseburn Farm

10^th June 2019 First Class Supply sponsor Authors into Schools programme

In May 2019, First Class Supply became the exclusive education sponsors of our Authors into Schools programme.

9^th June 2019 Womble Bond Dickinson join Business Supporters Club

We are thrilled to welcome law firm Womble Bond Dickinson as the newest members of our Business Supporters Club.

22^nd May 2019 In Memory of Judith Kerr

13^th May 2019 Summer 2019 Savings with Groupon

Save up to 35% on your favourite tickets!

1^st May 2019 Seven Stories collaborate with fanSHEN on exciting new digital storytelling project

We’re excited to be working with fanSHEN on an interesting new project.

24^th April 2019 Seven Stories Join Other Ageing Innovators

We're delighted to announce that we are one of nine businesses selected to tackle the challenges faced by an ageing society.

22^nd April 2019 Proud to Be Me Month

Find out about our month of colourful LGBTQ+-centred activity this summer!

7^th April 2019 #Swimfor7Stories

Our very own Blythe Day has written a guest blog for us with details all about her upcoming #Swimfor7Stories

3^rd April 2019 2019 Hoop Awards Winners

We're thrilled to have won two categories in this year's Hoop Awards.

1^st April 2019 The Polar Express Christmas Competition

The Polar Express Christmas Competition Terms & Conditions

15^th February 2019 The Anarchist's Mobile Library - guest blog by Luned Gwawr Evans

Performance designer Luned reflects on her recent trip to the Seven Stories Collection.

14^th February 2019 Our City Our Story

City of Dreams are organising an exciting event which showcases the stories of young people from Newcastle and Gateshead.

4^th February 2019 New Redcar early years reading initiative launches - with illustrations of Spot the Dog

The National Literacy Trust’s Read North East campaign has partnered with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Public Health South Tees to launch an Early Years Partnership in the town.

18^th January 2019 February Half Term at Seven Stories

Find out what we have planned for half term this February.

7^th January 2019 John Burningham 1936-2019

Seven Stories was deeply saddened to learn of the death on 4 January of John Burningham, creator of some of the most enduring picturebooks ever made.

1^st January 2019 Huge congratulations to children’s authors awarded New Year Honours

In this year’s New Year Honours Seven Stories is delighted that several of our friends have been honoured for their contribution to children’s literature.

27^th November 2018 Random Acts of Kindness 2018

As 2018 comes to an end, we want to commemorate all the random acts of kindness Seven Stories has felt throughout the year.

18^th November 2018 The Anarchist’s Mobile Library - guest blog by Tessa Bide

Theatre Director Tessa Bide reflects on new development project with Seven Stories

15^th November 2018 Random Acts of Book Gifting

Buy a book for a child in need this Christmas.

14^th November 2018 December fun thanks to The National Lottery

From 3-9 December 2018, we are opening our doors for free/offering a free tea and biscuits - plus 10% discount in our bookshop - to National Lottery players.

3^rd November 2018 Staring into Space with Lauren Child, Children’s Laureate

We teamed up with Newcastle University last month to bring the UK’s Children’s Laureate Lauren Child MBE to Newcastle to talk to us all about creativity, education and her brand new book Hubert Horatio.

15^th October 2018 Piotr Karski Artist Residency

Polish author and illustrator Piotr Karski has joined us this October to create an exhibition of sculptures inspired by children's artwork.

8^th October 2018 Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

Christmas is all about giving and kindness here at Seven Stories. Find out how you can be involved.

1^st October 2018 Seven Stories: Free Child Entry with an Adult Metro Ticket

We have teamed up with Metro to offer this fantastic offer throughout October half term 2018.

23^rd September 2018 Breakfast with the Tiger

The tiger's already came to tea but are you ready for breakfast with the tiger?

18^th September 2018 Judith Kerr and Michael Morpurgo launch campaign to fund new Seven Stories Gallery

28^th August 2018 Face your Fears this October Half Term!

A bold programme of activity for the curious amongst you...

14^th August 2018 Charity Ticket Donations

If your charity or school would like complimentary tickets enter our monthly draw.

2^nd August 2018 In memory of Jan Clements

Seven Stories would like to pay tribute to our friend Jan Clements MBE who passed away on 15th July 2018.

1^st August 2018 The Tiger Who Came to Tea | National Trust Tour

Our exhibition exploring the life and work of celebrated children's author Judith Kerr has embarked on a tour of National Trust Properties.

20^th July 2018 Giant spider on the loose at Seven Stories- to celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter!

9^th July 2018 Reflecting on a Seven Stories Work Placement...by Gemma Fernie

6^th June 2018 Seven Stories are delighted to receive support from the Bazaar Group

5^th June 2018 Featured Teacher: Simon Smith on Leadership Through Picturebooks

3^rd June 2018 Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett - Book Signing at Seven Stories

24^th May 2018 May Half-Term at Seven Stories!

Plenty of half-term fun for all the family!

24^th May 2018 Have you herd? A major new Elmer and Friends exhibition is stomping into the North East!

19^th April 2018 Seven Stories is Looking for Contributors for a New LGBTQ+ Project

Get involved in a series of workshops using the treasures from our Collection

17^th April 2018 April Learning eShot Featured Teacher: Steph Elliott

Teacher and blogger Steph Elliott tells us how she encourages Reading for Pleasure in School

16^th April 2018 David Almond Archive Comes Home to Seven Stories

Seven Stories is thrilled to announce the addition of David Almond’s archive to our collection!

11^th April 2018 Seven Stories touring exhibition shortlisted at Museum + Heritage Awards

Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery shortlisted for 'Illustrating Harry Potter' at national awards

10^th April 2018 Seven Stories acquires the archives of John Agard and Grace Nichols

We are proud to add the poets’ work to our ever-growing national archive of modern and contemporary children’s literature.

14^th March 2018 March Learning eShot Featured Teacher: Caroline Ash

Caroline tells us about how Reading for Pleasure has helped her school and her students.

13^th March 2018 Easter Holiday Events at Seven Stories

Celebrate the launch of Time to Get Up with a brilliant new programme of events!

25^th February 2018 Parking in the Ouseburn Valley Changes Today

Before visiting Seven Stories, check in with changes to parking in the area.

21^st February 2018 Support our Life-changing Stories Crowdfunding Campaign

Help us achieve our goal of £7,000 to fund fully accessible events and experiences for young people and families.

23^rd January 2018 Easter 2018 Opening Times

Plan your visit to Seven Stories during Easter 2018

9^th January 2018 Discover Secrets, Mystery and Adventure this February Half Term!

A fun-packed programme of mysteries to solve, secrets to discover and a cast of intriguing characters from the books of Enid Blyton!

11^th September 2017 Guest Blog with Lucy Wox

Lucy recounts her time with us on work experience!

3^rd May 2017 Seven Stories with... Ben Cort

Seven Stories with... Ben Cort

11^th April 2017 Access Update: Beach Adventures, Bamboozle and Beyond!

Our Access Champion Beth Coverdale provides an update on all things Accessibility at Seven Stories!

3^rd February 2017 Seven Stories with... Steve Antony

We chatted to Steve Antony as part of his weekend takeover in our studio!

25^th November 2016 Seven Stories with... Chris Haughton and Benji Davies

Benji Davies and Chris Haughton joined us for a fantastic Ink & Drink event. Here, they sit down with us for an insight into their relationship and their picture book process.

23^rd November 2016 Fantastically Great Women: Leila Berg

We bring you the stories of the Fantastically Great Women in our collection. Today we shine the spotlight on Leila Berg.

22^nd November 2016 Hairy Archive Bears

Dr Jessica Medhurst discusses bears at Seven Stories and bears in children's books

22^nd November 2016 #HairyArchive Bears

Dr Jessica Medhurst discusses bears at Seven Stories and bears in children's books.

20^th November 2016 Careers in Gaming: Gabrielle Kent's Top Tips

Gabrielle Kent joined us recently for an intriguing look into the gaming industry and the exciting opportunities it has to offer.

16^th November 2016 Fantastically Great Women: Judith Kerr

We bring you the stories of the Fantastically Great Women in our collection. Today we look at Judith Kerr.

4^th August 2016 Sensory Backpacks

How do you turn a book into a sensory mat?

29^th July 2016 Five things to look out for in Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories

Exhibition Curator David Wright tells us five things to look out for in the new Michael Morpurgo exhibition.

26^th July 2016 Navigating Maps and Fantasy Worlds with Chris Riddell, by Stan age 9.

Stan went along to Chris Riddell's Navigating Maps and Fantasy Workshop this week. Find out what he got up to in his guest blog post.

25^th June 2016 The Battle of the Somme: Guest blog from author Hilary Robinson and illustrator Martin Impey

Hilary and Martin share their thoughts on why it is important to engage children with commemorations such as the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

14^th June 2016 The journey of an exhibition

We waved goodbye to our Michael Foreman exhibition this week but that is not the end of its story. Sarah McGlynn, Touring Exhibition Coordinator tells us more.