Bringing children's books and authors

into East London communities

Words for Life

 

This is a great books and reading resource from The National Literacy Trust - packed full of information, free resources and help for baby, toddler, pre-school and primary school children.

A City Stories Project

from SmithMartin LLP

This website designed and hosted by Thirdsectorweb - the community web arm of SmithMartin LLP

 

Leyton Stories logo and graphic design by Radha Clelland

Leyton languages

Free to users and groups.

No cost, impartial advice and support.

 

Helping to bring a children's book group

to every inner-city area

Where can I get help to set up a children’s book group?

 

Leyton Stories exists to help you set up

a book group in your community

– working with the Federation of Children’s Book Groups.

 

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups is a national, voluntary organisation concerned with children and their books. Its aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children's books and reading, and to encourage the availability of a range of literature for all ages, from pre-school to teenage.

 

The Leyton Stories project works with the FCBG to help organise groups in communities – we believe in the power of books to capture imaginations.

 

What does the Federation do nationally?

 

It provides lots of opportunities for children to have fun with books, and:

 

  • Organises The Red House Children's Book Award - The National Award based entirely on the votes of young readers! Promotes
  • National Share-a-Story Month during May - a month linking events and activities across the country that celebrate the power of story.
  • Maintains a central office to coordinate its membership and serve as a contact address – holding an annual conference for members.
  • Publishes anthologies, book lists and other information leaflets and a newsletter for group members

 

　Getting started:

 

If you would like further details about the Leyton Stories project,

Federation of Children's Book Groups, or how you would start a local group –

contact us.

 

Our help is free and we can offer impartial advice on getting you up and running.

 

 

 

 

Starting a Children’s Book Group

 

Helping your children to love books and learning to read are important parts of their development.

One of the ways to encourage reading might be to start a children’s book group.

The Leyton Stories project exists to help you do this.

 

What does a children’s book group do?

 

Each Group is different, but in most you will find some of the following activities:

 

  • Events for children - storytelling, meet-an-author, competitions, expeditions, parties, picnics etc.
  • Meetings for adults to discuss books and children's reading.
  • Visiting speakers such as authors, illustrators, book editors, publishers, librarians and educationalists.
  • A Group newsletter with news of book and group activities.
  • Book exhibitions and informal sales.

 

What else does a Group do?

 

Through its many activities a Children's Book Group can become an important part in its particular community.

Group activities will vary according to local need and local resources, may include:

 

  • Sharing books with schools, playgroups, nurseries and hospitals.
  • Organising larger events, such as book days, book weeks, book festivals, etc. (Events like Leyton Stories for example).
  • Giving talks to any group or organisation that asks.
  • Story reading during holidays at play-schemes, libraries, play grounds.
  • Setting up Family Reading Groups and helping to increase the availability of books in schools, libraries and communities in general.

 

　

Write to:

Sue Martin,

c/o SmithMartin LLP

483 Green Lanes,

London, N13 4BS.

 

Telephone:

Sue direct on 020 7193 5728

 

Email: suemartin

@leytonstories.org.uk  

 

See you at our next

Leyton Stories event!