Stories at Bedtime
Once upon a time….. there were children who went back to school in their pyjamas just as it was getting dark, for bedtime stories…
We are working with a children’s centre in the London Borough of Wandsworth. As part of the work in engaging with literacy and families Stories at Bedtime was born!
The thought of cosy stories, hot chocolate and with the Big Bookmark guiding the way the first event was a huge success. Over 30 children brought their parents and snuggled down for the stories, then went into other parts of the nursery for more stories before bedtime.
James, aged 2 just had to give in to and was fast asleep in his pushchair before the stories finished. But I’m hoping he will come to the next event in the spring.
Try our Big Bookmarks from Dolphin Bookbox to develop and promote your ideas, you may not send everyone to sleep but it will make an impact.
Sue Martin
Dolphin Booksellers – bringing the best in children’s books always on line
Families Going Forward
The government is to spend £3million pounds on training children’s centre outreach workers. This is a drive to ensure that the most disadvantaged families are reached and the needs of all children and families are being met.
Now that children’s centres have been running for some time they are good at planning and delivering services and activities and ensuring in many cases that financial stability is a priority.
Our partnership is involved in developing children’s centres and continues to support them in both their marketing and work with the community. The local neighbourhood and a knowledge of families and organisations can make so much difference to ensuring that they are part of the community and not seen as another service beyond a closed gate.
Over 5000 workers are intended to be part of the training programme, which is being developed by Children’s Workforce Development Council. It is being provided by National Children’s Bureau through a programme called Families Going Forward and underpinned by 4Children.
Filed under Dolphinbooksellers | Tags: Children's Centre, CWDC, National Children's Bureau | Comment (0)Ifeoma Onyefulu
Ifeoma Onyefulu is more than just a children’s writer. Her books show the colour and vibrance of Africa just as it is, a wealth of culture and life that produce riches all of their own.
The books are made using high quality photographs which Ifeoma has taken on her travels across the continent. She has a real flair for spotting the things that make life meaningful and for some beautiful images of people and children. If anyone can make you smile Ifeoma can.
She has recently won the Children’s Africana Book Award (in the USA) for her book called Ikenna Goes to Nigeria. (Amazon link). In November, last year she went to the ceremony in Chicago to receive her award.
Other titles she has written are A is for Africa, which is a complete alphabet of places in Africa. (Amazon link). The Big Book version is a brilliant book to have. We have used it in our homes for children just to look at, they love the size! It’s also great as a coffee table book.
Then there’s Chidi Only Likes Blue. My favourite! (Amazon link). Beautiful pictures and a lovely story, but I ‘ll let you read it to find out. Other titles include, One Big Family, (Amazon link), Ebele’s Favourite, (Amazon link), plus many more, published by Frances Lincoln.
We first met Ifeoma, when she came as a writer to our author and book event, LeytonStories. 
At a Children’s Centre opening, where we were holding a City Story event. Ifeoma was famously doing some games with the children on the floor. Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children and Families was opening the Centre and he joined in too, as well as the head teacher.
Ifeoma is always pleased to go to schools and meet with the children and can be contacted through her web site. You can buy her books direct from Ifeoma’s web site or from the Dolphin Booksellers Amazon links. Her books will give your ideas on Africa a whole new meaning! To view the Dolphin Booksellers home page click here.
Filed under Book events, Dolphinbooksellers, Featured authors, Featured children's book, Featured illustrators, New titles | Tags: africa, award winning, Children's Centre, colour, Dolphinbooksellers, early years, east london, Ed Balls, ifeoma onyefulu, LeytonStories | Comment (0)