Guest post by Henry Young.
Are you looking for book recommendations and events in East Sussex? Henry the Librarian has got you covered…
National Storytelling Week takes place in February and all month we are celebrating the power of sharing stories!
We have weekly Storytimes in our libraries for families to enjoy, but storytelling is not just for children. We also have free creative writing workshops and author events for adults.
If you’re looking for free activities in the library this winter or would like to try something new, we’ve got plenty to keep the whole family busy!
Top fiction chosen by Tamsyn
You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne
A blazing YA dystopia that melds The Handmaid’s Tale to Uglies, as Belle and Joni must choose whether to become Pretty or Objectionable.
A super stylish blend of 1984 and Barbie, this is a timely and scary expose of the pressure on young women to conform to high-maintenance beauty norms.
Holly Bourne is a bestselling and critically acclaimed author. Inspired by her work with young people, and her own experiences of everyday sexism, Holly is a passionate mental health advocate and proud feminist.
Alongside her writing, Holly has a keen interest in women’s rights and is an advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health problems. She has helped create online apps that teach young people about sexual consent, works with Women’s Aid to spread awareness of abusive relationships, and runs Rethink’s mental health book club.
Book your ticket for our free author event with Holly at Crowborough and Lewes Library on Saturday 17 February 2024.
Read the eBook of ‘You Could Be So Pretty’
Reserve the pBook of ‘You Could Be So Pretty’
Non-Fiction chosen by Jackie
Woman Up by Carrie Dunn
Football journalist Carrie Dunn shines a light on the evolution of women’s football and the gender gaps that still persist – on issues such as injuries, sportswear, period taboos and diversity. Packed with practical advice and first-hand accounts from leading female players, Woman Up is an inspirational, informative and entertaining account of women’s football’s painful past and its exciting future.
Book your free place today and join Carrie Dunn and Maggie Murphy, Chief Executive of Lewes Football Club, for a panel event at Lewes Library Friday 1 March 2024.
Reserve the pBook of ‘Woman Up’
Top audio chosen by Sheena
Mama Still Got It! by Louise Boyce
Instagram sensation and mum of three Louise offers her hilarious advice to surviving the school year, talking in parents WhatsApp groups, Sports Day, school pick-up nightmares and much more. Louise’s life takes in all the key milestones. She even gives her husband Jesse a ‘right of reply’, and her own mother reflects on how being a parent has changed over the decades, too.
Book your free ticket to see Louise Boyce at Eastbourne Library Tuesday March 5 2024.
Listen to the eAudio of ‘Mama Still Got It!’
Read the eBook of ‘Mama Still Got It!’
Reserve the pBook of ‘Mama Still Got It!’
Children’s fiction chosen by Laurelie
Why, Oh Why, Am I a Crocodile? By Alex Brooks illustrated by Hannah Worsley
Crocodile wanders alone and admires a host of jungle animals from afar. There’s a glorious parrot, an elegant giraffe, a majestic lion and a swanky snake. None of these animals are very crocodile-like but – in Crocodile’s eyes at least – all are far more beautiful and impressive than her. Who wants to be a crocodile with crooked teeth and beady eyes when you could be one of these magnificent creatures?
Themes of negative self-image and low self-esteem are handled in a gentle and sensitive way that champions the importance of sharing our feelings. A lovely book to share with little ones in celebration of the things which make us unique, as well as the many things we have in common!
For Children’s Mental Health Week Alex is visiting Seaford Library Thursday 22 February 2024. This author event is free, but must be booked to ensure you don’t miss out.
Reserve the pBook of ‘Why, Oh Why, Am I a Crocodile?’
Children’s Non-Fiction chosen by Briony
Mindfulness for Kids By Carole P. Roman and J. Robin Albertson-Wren
Homework horrors, chores, and not-so-friendly friends – that’s enough to make any kid’s brain hurt. The secret to staying cool is easy: it’s called mindfulness and this book gives kids fun activities to practice on their own.
Mindfulness is a kind of superpower we all have but don’t know how to use. In this audiobook, kids learn how to use this power to feel good about themselves and the world around them through activities and stories. Told by kids, for kids!
Listen to the eAudio of ‘Mindfulness for Kids’
With so many amazing author events coming up, make sure you check out the libraries events page for all the details and to reserve your place!
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out January’s Get in our Good Books!
If you love feminist propaganda you’ll love the books page. If not, you’re not welcome. Don’t you love diversity!