South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 05/10/2015

Children’s author and Chatterbooks champion Elen Caldecott visited children at Hanham Library on Saturday 3 October to celebrate Chatterbooks Week (3 to 10 October).

Elen, who appeared at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival this year and is known for her hugely engaging mysteries and adventures, took the audience through her own writing process revealing tips and tricks of her trade before reading from the latest title in her exciting ‘Marsh Road Mysteries’ series.

Talking about Chatterbooks, Elen said: “When I was a child stories were a source of friendship, fun and support – I always had my head in a book. The idea of then being able to share those stories with friends in the real world would have made my year. If Chatterbooks had been around during my childhood I would never have left the library!”

Chatterbooks, the UK’s largest network of children’s reading groups, are where children have a great time talking about what they are reading and take part in fun activities inspired by the best children’s books. Joining a Chatterbooks reading group helps children build a lifelong reading habit.

One of the children who attended the event, Lujza, aged 10, said: “I think that Chatterbooks is great – it’s all about books! I recommend this club to anyone who enjoys reading and having fun with other people.”

South Gloucestershire libraries run free Chatterbooks reading groups for primary school aged children. To find out how to join a Chatterbooks group visit your local library or go to www.southglos.gov.uk/childrenslibrary

Chatterbooks is part of Time4Reading, South Gloucestershire Council’s year of events to get everyone reading. For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/time4reading

Pictured are Elen and (from l to r) Ronnie Mills, Tyler Western and Georgina Backwell