Seven Stories The National Centre For Children'S Books

The ultimate wintry showdown between Pea and Penguin!
Something fishy’s going on in the howling tundra of the freezer box. Under the rule of Evil Pea and Evil Emperor Penguin, the Pea and Penguin communities have been enemies for as long as they can remember – because… well… come to think of it, nobody can remember exactly why! Will Peas and Penguins give each other the cold shoulder forever? Or can they use teamwork and kindness to end this game of charades and create peas... on earth? Join our Story Catchers for a unique live storytelling experience complete with creative activities, cosy family time, lots of silliness and the best seasonal party games (with a twist).
Inspired by the books Supertato: Evil Pea Rules by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, All the Way Home by Debi Gliori and Evil Emperor Penguin by Laura Ellen Anderson
60 minute session suitable for all the family. £5 per person (including children and adults). No general admission is required.
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Weekdays Tuesday 20th November – Friday 21st December (excluding Mondays) 11am
Weekends Saturday 24th November – Sunday 23rd December 11am
Join us very special ‘mini’ edition of Peas VS. Penguins, tailored to meet the needs of our youngest visitors, and focuses on getting cosy with the friendly peas and penguins in their wintry wonderland. With fun activities and live storytelling, this extra-special session invites little ones to explore the freezer, be creative & get sill...y with one of our Story Catcher team.
45 minute session suitable for children aged 5 and under. £5 per person (including children and adults). No general admission is required.
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Another month has begun, which can only mean one thing… We’ve got a new book of the month to share with you 🎉🎉 Our October book of the month is the brilliant Dragon Daughter by Liz Flanagan! You're intrigued aren't you? Well come on down to our wonderful independent bookshop and have a read for yourself.

We’re having a robot-filled weekend here at Seven Stories. Yesterday we enjoyed a visit from Peter Brown and The Wild Robot but today we have a different robot taking centre stage. We’re welcoming Neil Clark author and illustrator of Rusty the Squeaky Robot. https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/…/1…/ rusty-the-squeaky-robot

Author of the Charlie and Lola picture books, Lauren Child is coming to Seven Stories to introduce her new book: Hubert Horatio. Find out about an exceptionally intelligent and sensible child and the unruly grown-ups that he has to steer through life in this brand new series! [tag harper Collins kids and lauren child] https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/…/intro ducing-hubert-horatio

Delve into the Egyptian afterlife with the Histronauts next month. Step back in time to learn about mummification, the Book of the Dead, secret tombs, and find out how the weight of a heart could help the gods decide what happened to a person’s soul. https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/…/after life-with-the-histro…

Due to popular demand we've just added extra tickets to our Wild Robot Illustration Masterclass on Saturday 29th at 11am! So for all you budding artists and robot enthusiasts here's your last chance to join New York Times Bestselling Author and Illustrator, Peter Brown Studio https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/…/the-w ild-robot-illustrati…

Discover how light works and see what our eyes can’t using infra-red cameras! Face your fears in the dark and create a painting to take home at the end in our Fluorescent Painting workshop. http://ow.ly/b9b330lQwH7

Not long to go till the brilliantly talented Catherine Rayner will be in our bookshop for this free event!

Are you ready for a Bedtime Snoriezzz? This week Lawrence is sending us to bed with 'The Day War Came'. If you enjoied it, you can buy it from our independant bookshop in store or online here: https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/‚Ķ/sign‚ Ķ/297/the-day-war-came

Tomorrow afternoon join us for book reading in the bookshop with illustrator Catherine Rayner followed by some live drawing. üìöüé® http://ow.ly/2jfD30lZ0vu

Discover how light works and see what our eyes can‚Äôt using infra-red cameras! Face your fears in the dark and create a painting to take home at the end in our Fluorescent Painting workshop. https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/‚Ķ/1238‚ Ķ/fluorescent-painting

Remember you can explore our David Almond exhibition through a guided tour with our Story Catchers every weekend and every day during school holidays: https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/…/nest- makers-and-magpies-t…

Get ready for a trip to planet Robotone with Rusty the Squeaky Robot and friends. https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/…/1…/ rusty-the-squeaky-robot

Face your fears at Seven Stories this October half term! We have a range of fun-filled activities to keep you busy next month, find out more here: https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/…/face- your-fears-this-octo…

Interesting, inspired by the new Martin Widmark book perhaps?

'Baby Bookworms' a 4-week course to enjoy some mindful together-time with your baby, exploring books using sound, movement and sensory elements. Read together, make friends and make presious memories. The course starts on Friday 28th September!

Seven Stories is housed in an old mill with a haunting past, and our tour guide will be only too happy to steal you away for a walk on the dark side of its history‚Ķ Are you brave enough to join us for a walk on the dark side? https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/‚Ķ/123‚Ä ¶/walk-on-the-dark-side

On Saturday Gabrielle Kent will be reading from Knights and Bikes & discussing goose sidekicks, pickled heads and boom boxes, as well as some of the ideas and themes behind the book. She'll also be sharing writing tips and answering your burning questions. http://ow.ly/QG2C30lTR8F

brilliant time spent in here with my 3 year old granddaughter. The story tellers we fantastic. Cafe is just what you need. no frils etc but fresh food. Good price. Definitely going again

Wow!! Drove just over an hour to get to you and it was well worth the drive. My daughter loved it, so magical and lovely to see the books come to life. A big well done to Elena (think that's right) the girl who did the storytime, she was fantasic!! Great with the kids!! ÔøΩ only thing was the cafe, my daughter had the hungry caterpillar meal, was hoping it would come out looking like a bit of a caterpillar with the veg etc. But looked a bit dull how it was displayed on the plate kinda thrown altogether so was a bit disappointing but my ploughmans salad came out looking lovely!

What a wonderful place! Me and my daughter enjoyed our day today so much. Special thanks to Tom for patiently allowing my daughter to read him Aliens Love Underpants. Also the lovely lady at the front desk (sorry I didn’t get your name) but you allowed my daughter to give you some slime! All the staff were lovely and helpful. Cafe was also very reasonably priced. Will most definitely be back.

We travelled from Teesside today after getting a Groupon ticket at christmas...we can't wait to come back! Great food in the Cafe, a gorgeous show in the attic and we found it really accessible and family friendly. We thought everything was fairly priced, with a great selection of activities. The staff are fantastic and very welcoming, what a fab day out. Thanks again.

We love our regular visits to Seven Stories. Great staff who make us feel very welcome. Today we took part in the special ‘Time to go out for an adventure’ where the excellent Charlotte took us out to the farm for some lovely stories. Molly really enjoyed the visit and we can’t wait to come back in a few weeks!

We have had two annual passes we love visiting 7 stories, today was exceptional the sensory story was amazing my 3yo and baby were engaged all throughout the session! We then went up into the attic where sensory spaces were holding a makaton reading session also by decorating the room and so many wonderful sensory resources the children did not want to leave! Staff are fabulous and we love 7 stories, thank you ÔøΩ

We had a fabulous afternoon at the Seven Stories Centre today. We were made to feel so welcome, I got to play crafts in the Studio Word Lab (it is for the parents right?!?!), we enjoyed a FANTASTIC story in the Attic Storytime room and the galleries were great. Just wish we had managed to spend extra time there. A fantastic place and thoroughly enjoyed by us all. Thank you.

Visited here for the first time on Tuesday, with my 6 year old daughter and my partners Mum.

We had a great day, my little girl loved it!

Fantastic friendly staff, all great with my daughter. Special thanks to the lady who did story time with the guitar (apologies we didn't get your name). We saw her on a few of the different floors, she was absolutely brilliant with my daughter, and even gave us some great advise on other must see things locally. Thanks to her not only did we have a great visit here but also saw the city farm which we loved.

Great day out!

Thank you so much to the lovely person who found the money I dropped on Sunday and handed it in, and to the lovely staff who ensured I got it back. Amazing!

Lovely place with great staff. Visited for the first time today with my 22month old and 3.5year old girls. I wasn’t sure if they’d be much to entertain them but they loved it. Lots of things to entertain all ages on each floor. We ate lunch in the cafe which was very reasonably priced. Very relaxed atmosphere. I think I had just as much fun as they did, dressing up, drawing and reading. We’ll definitely return and I think they’ll enjoy it even more as they get older.

Just spent the day here with grandsons aged 5 and 3 years. Every floor provided stimulating, interactive areas for differing age groups - the attic area was magical. A snack lunch - beautifully presented, healthy plate for the boys and warming soup was purchased in the café at very reasonable cost. Browsing the incredible selection of books in the shop at the end of the day resulted in a few successful purchases to bring home. Thank you to the delightful staff we encountered. We will be back!

It was a great day out the kids loved it and the staff where all friendly and kind to the kids we will defiantly be going back

I brought my 4 year old here for the first time today and she absolutely loved it! All of the staff were really friendly and made us feel welcome, right from when you first enter the building. Laurence was absolutely fantastic at story telling - he held all the children's attention from the second he came out, and involved them in the story throughout. Tom was also really friendly and great with the kids in the craft room, helping whenever needed and able to answer any questions I had. We've bought an annual pass and will definitely be coming back regularly ÔøΩ Thank you so much for a great day!

First time visiting today with my two children and it was fab-u-lous! My daughter enjoyed each floor which had a lovely and wide range of things to do and my youngest didn't feel out of place crawling around either! The staff were so friendly and helpful and nothing was too much for them to do. I will certainly be coming back on a regular basis!

First time visiting today and my little boy LOVED it!!



The staff really made it a special day and were so enthusiastic and friendly! From the reception, to the cafe, shop, storyteller - thank you so much!! All so interested in my little boy and knowledgable and helpful.



Plenty to keep little ones entertained - dress up opportunities, plenty of snuggly places to read a story, train tracks, interactive displays. We went to one of the story tellings which was amazing!



Only thing I wish was mentioned was the annual pass - we totally would have purchased one. But probably an oversight on my behalf.

We can’t wait to come back �

Fabulous first visit to Seven Stories today. Our boys (2 &4) loved it, and we did too. The staff were all so friendly, from those at reception, to the shop and cafe staff, and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to the guy telling the story too. Definitely would recommend x

Bought an anual pass for myself and my Daughter last April and it is the best money I ever spent. Seven Stories has quickly became one of our favourite places to visit. The staff are all friendly, warm, funny and amazing. They reconise us as regulars and we always feel welcome. There is so much for my Daughter to do. We can spend hours here and often do. Ifemi's favourite exhibution is super heroes! Being a single parent it can be difficult to find free or cheap activities. So having an annual pass means I do not have to worry about the expense. I also suffer with anxiety and depression. So seven stories has become my go to "safe place" on the days I do not like leaving home. To all the staff keep doing what you do and thank you for making our visits fun and enjoyable.

Another lovely day at Seven Stories. It’s such a fantastic place to keep my 5,8 and 14yr old entertained. Really wonderful staff, spaces and activities. Special thanks to Tom who is all 3 children’s favourite member of staff. He always takes the time to talk to them and engage them in stories. It’s very hard to get them to go home!

Another brilliant day at 7S. My 1yr old and 3 yr old absolutely love coming here. Today we were here for 4 hours and only had time to visit 4 different floors as there is just so much to see and do. Story time was fantastic (I laughed and joined in more than the kids probably) and we also attended the Sensory Story session which I couldn't believe was so good and all included in the entry price.

brilliant time spent in here with my 3 year old granddaughter. The story tellers we fantastic. Cafe is just what you need. no frils etc but fresh food. Good price. Definitely going again

Wow!! Drove just over an hour to get to you and it was well worth the drive. My daughter loved it, so magical and lovely to see the books come to life. A big well done to Elena (think that's right) the girl who did the storytime, she was fantasic!! Great with the kids!! ÔøΩ only thing was the cafe, my daughter had the hungry caterpillar meal, was hoping it would come out looking like a bit of a caterpillar with the veg etc. But looked a bit dull how it was displayed on the plate kinda thrown altogether so was a bit disappointing but my ploughmans salad came out looking lovely!

What a wonderful place! Me and my daughter enjoyed our day today so much. Special thanks to Tom for patiently allowing my daughter to read him Aliens Love Underpants. Also the lovely lady at the front desk (sorry I didn’t get your name) but you allowed my daughter to give you some slime! All the staff were lovely and helpful. Cafe was also very reasonably priced. Will most definitely be back.

We travelled from Teesside today after getting a Groupon ticket at christmas...we can't wait to come back! Great food in the Cafe, a gorgeous show in the attic and we found it really accessible and family friendly. We thought everything was fairly priced, with a great selection of activities. The staff are fantastic and very welcoming, what a fab day out. Thanks again.

We love our regular visits to Seven Stories. Great staff who make us feel very welcome. Today we took part in the special ‘Time to go out for an adventure’ where the excellent Charlotte took us out to the farm for some lovely stories. Molly really enjoyed the visit and we can’t wait to come back in a few weeks!

We have had two annual passes we love visiting 7 stories, today was exceptional the sensory story was amazing my 3yo and baby were engaged all throughout the session! We then went up into the attic where sensory spaces were holding a makaton reading session also by decorating the room and so many wonderful sensory resources the children did not want to leave! Staff are fabulous and we love 7 stories, thank you ÔøΩ

We had a fabulous afternoon at the Seven Stories Centre today. We were made to feel so welcome, I got to play crafts in the Studio Word Lab (it is for the parents right?!?!), we enjoyed a FANTASTIC story in the Attic Storytime room and the galleries were great. Just wish we had managed to spend extra time there. A fantastic place and thoroughly enjoyed by us all. Thank you.

Visited here for the first time on Tuesday, with my 6 year old daughter and my partners Mum.

We had a great day, my little girl loved it!

Fantastic friendly staff, all great with my daughter. Special thanks to the lady who did story time with the guitar (apologies we didn't get your name). We saw her on a few of the different floors, she was absolutely brilliant with my daughter, and even gave us some great advise on other must see things locally. Thanks to her not only did we have a great visit here but also saw the city farm which we loved.

Great day out!

Thank you so much to the lovely person who found the money I dropped on Sunday and handed it in, and to the lovely staff who ensured I got it back. Amazing!

Lovely place with great staff. Visited for the first time today with my 22month old and 3.5year old girls. I wasn’t sure if they’d be much to entertain them but they loved it. Lots of things to entertain all ages on each floor. We ate lunch in the cafe which was very reasonably priced. Very relaxed atmosphere. I think I had just as much fun as they did, dressing up, drawing and reading. We’ll definitely return and I think they’ll enjoy it even more as they get older.

Just spent the day here with grandsons aged 5 and 3 years. Every floor provided stimulating, interactive areas for differing age groups - the attic area was magical. A snack lunch - beautifully presented, healthy plate for the boys and warming soup was purchased in the café at very reasonable cost. Browsing the incredible selection of books in the shop at the end of the day resulted in a few successful purchases to bring home. Thank you to the delightful staff we encountered. We will be back!

It was a great day out the kids loved it and the staff where all friendly and kind to the kids we will defiantly be going back

I brought my 4 year old here for the first time today and she absolutely loved it! All of the staff were really friendly and made us feel welcome, right from when you first enter the building. Laurence was absolutely fantastic at story telling - he held all the children's attention from the second he came out, and involved them in the story throughout. Tom was also really friendly and great with the kids in the craft room, helping whenever needed and able to answer any questions I had. We've bought an annual pass and will definitely be coming back regularly ÔøΩ Thank you so much for a great day!

First time visiting today with my two children and it was fab-u-lous! My daughter enjoyed each floor which had a lovely and wide range of things to do and my youngest didn't feel out of place crawling around either! The staff were so friendly and helpful and nothing was too much for them to do. I will certainly be coming back on a regular basis!

First time visiting today and my little boy LOVED it!!



The staff really made it a special day and were so enthusiastic and friendly! From the reception, to the cafe, shop, storyteller - thank you so much!! All so interested in my little boy and knowledgable and helpful.



Plenty to keep little ones entertained - dress up opportunities, plenty of snuggly places to read a story, train tracks, interactive displays. We went to one of the story tellings which was amazing!



Only thing I wish was mentioned was the annual pass - we totally would have purchased one. But probably an oversight on my behalf.

We can’t wait to come back �

Fabulous first visit to Seven Stories today. Our boys (2 &4) loved it, and we did too. The staff were all so friendly, from those at reception, to the shop and cafe staff, and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to the guy telling the story too. Definitely would recommend x

Bought an anual pass for myself and my Daughter last April and it is the best money I ever spent. Seven Stories has quickly became one of our favourite places to visit. The staff are all friendly, warm, funny and amazing. They reconise us as regulars and we always feel welcome. There is so much for my Daughter to do. We can spend hours here and often do. Ifemi's favourite exhibution is super heroes! Being a single parent it can be difficult to find free or cheap activities. So having an annual pass means I do not have to worry about the expense. I also suffer with anxiety and depression. So seven stories has become my go to "safe place" on the days I do not like leaving home. To all the staff keep doing what you do and thank you for making our visits fun and enjoyable.

Another lovely day at Seven Stories. It’s such a fantastic place to keep my 5,8 and 14yr old entertained. Really wonderful staff, spaces and activities. Special thanks to Tom who is all 3 children’s favourite member of staff. He always takes the time to talk to them and engage them in stories. It’s very hard to get them to go home!

Another brilliant day at 7S. My 1yr old and 3 yr old absolutely love coming here. Today we were here for 4 hours and only had time to visit 4 different floors as there is just so much to see and do. Story time was fantastic (I laughed and joined in more than the kids probably) and we also attended the Sensory Story session which I couldn't believe was so good and all included in the entry price.