Long hot summer
The school summer holidays is either a dreaded or a longed-for time of the year. For those of us without children, it means six weeks of quiet roads to commute on and no schoolkids mucking about on the bus, but for the majority who do have children, it’s six weeks of trying to keep them busy. We at New Writing North thought we’d help you parents and carers out as much as possible – this month’s Listening Post is largely devoted to book-based events to entertain your children while they’re off school. It’s never too early to get them into reading…

Have a great summer.

New Writing North
 
Events for children in libraries across the region
Throughout August

Every library across the region is running events for children during the summer break, including creepy-crawly workshops with bug-related books, Charlie & Lola reading parties, and storytelling activities. Pop into your local library or look on your local council’s website for more details.
 
Finn Family Moomintroll storytelling
Seven Stories: Sunday 1 August, 12.30pm, 1.45pm & 3pm

Join in the celebrations for the 65th anniversary of the Moomin books, with a fun, interactive event for children aged two-plus. The 45-minute event will include lots of games, songs and activities and end with an interactive telling of Moomin and the Birthday Button, one of a new series of Moomin picture books published by Puffin. Tickets cost £2.50 per person. For more information, email info@sevenstories.org.uk.
 
Graham Pears: The Myth of Justice
Washington Town Centre Library: Monday 2 August, 5pm

Graham Pears’ background in the police force gave him the in-depth knowledge to write his first crime novel, The Myth of Justice. Strong on Newcastle atmosphere, the book features a detective, nicknamed Jet, who we follow through a world of organised crime and corruption. Part of Read Regional 2010. For more information, see www.readregional.com.
 
Laurie King: The God of the Hive
Lit & Phil: Monday 2 August, 7pm

Laurie R King reads from and discusses her new novel The God of the Hive, the tenth in a series about the world’s greatest detective, and her husband – Sherlock Holmes. Mary Russell and her husband are separated and on the run, wanted by the police, and pursued across the continent by a ruthless enemy with powerful connections. Free event. For more information, see www.litandphil.org.uk.
 
Summer Story Party
Seven Stories: Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4 August, 11am-12pm & Friday 6 August, 1pm-2pm

Enjoy books, songs and rhymes with your children in hands-on activities for under-fives. Tickets: £2.50. For more information, email info@sevenstories.org.uk.
 
Twiglets: Silly Scarecrows
Bishop Auckland Town Hall: Wednesday 4 August, 10.30am & 1.30pm

Stories and crafts for the under-fives. Tickets: £1 per session. No need to book, but more information at www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk.
 
Rebecca Jenkins: The Duke’s Agent
Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market: Saturday 7 August, 11am

Set during the Regency period, The Duke’s Agent by Rebecca Jenkins is a historical mystery. The hero, Frederick Raphael Jarrett, is a mysterious soldier returning from war. He’s sent to sort out a problem on an estate in the North East but instead gets caught up in a murder. Read Regional stall from 10am, author signing at 11am. For more information, see www.readregional.com.
 
Gruffalo Week
Seven Stories: 7-13 August, 11-30am & 2pm

Everyone loves the Gruffalo and he’s back at Seven Stories! Come and find him at 11.30am and 2pm daily, with themed storytimes plus art and craft activities throughout the day. For more information, email info@sevenstories.org.uk.
 
Mischief and mayhem week
Seven Stories: 21-27 August, 11-30am & 2pm

Horrid Henry is back to wreak havoc with his mischievous friends, all week long, with messy craft activities and gross storytimes every day at 11.30am and 2pm with appearances from Horrid Henry himself. For more information, email info@sevenstories.org.uk.
 
Gregory Hughes film writing workshop
Seven Stories: Monday 23 August, 11:30 & 2pm

Love books and film? Author and script writer Gregory Hughes is passionate about both. Join him in a special film writing workshop for children aged 10+ to develop their script-writing skills. Gregory will be reading from his new book, Unhooking the Moon, and children will then have the chance to create their own film scene based on an extract from the book before acting it out. Tickets: £10. For more information, email info@sevenstories.org.uk.
 
Dan Smith: Dry Season
Newcastle City Library: Wednesday 25 August, 7.45pm

Set in Brazil, Dan Smith’s debut novel Dry Season is a tale of friends and enemies. For more information, see www.dansmithsbooks.com. This event is for 16 and overs and is a free event but tickets must be booked by phoning 0191 277 4100, emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk or by asking at your local library.

Emily Gravett in conversation
Seven Stories: Friday 27 August, 1pm

The Kate Greenaway Award-winning illustrator celebrates her ‘mammoth’ new book, Cave Baby, written by Julia Donaldson, bringing a Stone Age story to life with new illustrations. Followed by book signing. For more information, email info@sevenstories.org.uk.
 
Deadline for the next newsletter
The next edition of The Listening Post covering September's literature events will go out towards the end of August. If you have events that you would like to submit for inclusion, you will need to send information by 20 August to olivia@newwritingnorth.com. The Listening Post is North East-specific, but from time to time may also highlight interesting writing events nationally. Promoters should also note that they can also submit information on events happening in the Tees Valley area directly to the Lit-Tees website.

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While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this newsletter is correct at the time of going to press, things do change, frequently at the last minute and very often without our knowledge.