Babies and toddlers enjoyed a gentle introduction to books and rhymes as North Tyneside kicked off the National Year of Reading with a special event at Longbenton Library.
The session saw children and their families gather for stories, songs and simple crafts, creating a relaxed and welcoming first library experience for the area’s youngest readers.
Children listened to Suki Cat Astronaut by Grace Habib, sang rhymes about the moon and stars, and made their own rocket ships and starry skies to take home.
The book is one of the shortlisted titles for the Bookstart Storytime Prize, a national initiative led by BookTrust that supports families with children under five to enjoy stories together, discover their local library and take part in choosing a favourite book.
Councillor Hannah Johnson attended the session and spent time with families throughout the morning, joining in with the storytelling, songs and craft activities.
Cllr Johnson, Cabinet Member for the Environment, which includes responsibility for libraries, said: “Sharing stories with children from an early age helps build confidence, curiosity and a love of reading that can last a lifetime. This session was a lovely way to start the National Year of Reading and to see families enjoying time together in their local library.”
The National Year of Reading is a full 12-month programme running throughout 2026. It aims to reverse the decline in reading among both children and adults through a wide range of activities, events and promotions across the country. This year’s theme, ‘Go All In’, encourages people of all ages to explore their interests and hobbies through reading.
North Tyneside’s Community Hubs and Libraries will be supporting the Year of Reading with a packed programme of regular activities and special events throughout the year, many of which are free.
Children are never too young to enjoy books, and story and rhyme sessions play an important role in supporting early language development, confidence and a lifelong love of reading.
The five books shortlisted for the 2026 Bookstart Storytime Prize are:
- Five Enormous Dinosaurs by Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow
- Superwolf by Helen Docherty
- Suki Cat Astronaut by Grace Habib
- The Jellyfish Jiggle by Caryl Hart and Nicola Slater
- Tiger, It’s Snowing by Daishu Ma
More information about the National Year of Reading is available at goallin.org.uk.