On a hot June evening a group of Brent Cubs  (South Kenton), began to arrive early at the Library: keen to see what we had in store.   As they waited on the steps of the library, we noted that this was the first Young Writers’ Challenge -a unique programme run by the Library – to be held at the new building.

The group of 26 Cub Scouts with their  leaders and a curious young visitor to the library crowded into the little garden  at the rear of the library to see  the two swift nesting- sites installed during the construction of the building. The Cubs learnt about a close encounter with 5 lively swifts the night before. All filed back into the  cool breezy library for a magical  meet-up with our Children’s Laureate , the Pakistani children’s author, Saman Shamsie.

Saman enchanted the Cubs and Leaders: with a true tale about a bird of prey –  a Kite –  which became  stranded and taken up residence in her garden in Karachi, which she has named  ‘Green’ . The children  asked if she might write about ‘Green’s exploits? Yes indeed!

This was followed by captivating readings from her books , ‘’The Magical Woods’, ‘Slothful Slough-Off the Snake ‘  instantly engaging a four – year -old who knew ‘everything   about snakes!’ and a newer traditional tale ‘Wali Dad’ with its message for today.  As the Library’s first Children’s  Event  in its new home – a very successful evening! What’s more children and parents returned the next day and joined the Library!

Saman Shamsie is published by Penguin Books, and Oxford University Books.  All Saman’s books are held in the Library  and are available to borrow. Read more at Saman Shamsie Preston Community Library Children’s Laureate : Preston Community Library