Seven Stories
Seven Stories is the National Centre for Children's Books, a museum and visitor centre dedicated to children’s literature and a must visit location for any book lover. Since opening in 2005, the centre has hosted a whole range of wonderful exhibitions and author events, promoting a love of reading and story telling.
Every time we visit this part of the country, I make a trip to Seven Stories, drawn by my love of books and the joy of being in a place where they are so valued. Last year, when I made this visit, I was very nervous at the prospect of being with other people, but a quick phone call was enough to reassure me that they are taking Covid prevention measures very seriously. However, instead of having a wander through the lovely city of Newcastle to make our way to Ouseburn, we drove and parked at the Arches Car Park under Byker Bridge.
Seven Stories is named after the Victorian mill building’s seven floors and because it is said that there are only really seven plots or themes-Overcoming the Monster, Voyage and Return, Rags to Riches, Comedy, Tragedy, Rebirth and Quest- which run through every story ever told. For a book lover, it is a very exciting place to visit and is one of the many reasons I would love to live in this part of the country! Each ‘storey’ is bursting with activities, books and events. Although often changed, the exhibitions I talk about here are those on show at the moment.
On the third floor was a free exhibition exploring the seven story themes. A book had been chosen to exemplify each story arc with activities, artwork and artefacts to enjoy. It’s a wonderful space with so much to enjoy- Enid Blyton’s typewriter, original illustrations from ‘Jethro Byrde Fairy Child’ and the first ever draft of the Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On the same floor, there is a wonderful ‘Winnie the Witch’ themed reading and role play room, where some little ones were having a fantastic time!
When my time slot arrived, I made my way to Level Five and knocked three times on the door of the ‘Once there was Magic…’ exhibition. Welcomed by my guide (who was amazing!), I spoke the magic words and stepped through the glowing portal into the Wildwoods. Here, I found a broken key which I had to fix by gathering the words for a magic spell. To do this, I had to visit magic places where, aided by Caliburn and Squeezjoos, I had to solve problems. Each area focused on a different book and once all the clues were gathered, there was an exciting magic carpet ride to return to ‘our’ world. It was such an enjoyable session and one which I would thoroughly recommend to anyone!
My final visit was to the ‘Shifter of Shapes’ exhibition which celebrates ‘The Lost Spells’ by Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris. Stunning illustrations and beautiful words combine to offer the visitor an immersive experience. Guided by Red Fox, you can turn the pages of the magical living book and listen to the soundtrack for the gallery which is narrated, sung and played by Rachel Newton. After enjoying this space, you visit the Lost Spells Den, where you can browse the book and make a bookmark.
Visiting Seven Stories is always amazing- and this time was no exception! I cannot recommend it highly enough and will be returning as soon as possible!
Seven Stories
The National Centre for Children’s Books
30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 2PQ