This is listed in the museum's category, but it's so much more. It's the "Centre for the Children's Book" and includes tons of activites for children to join in with. There are two floors of galleries, with original artwork and manuscripts, but it's done in a very child friendly way with copies of the finished book to look at, buttons to press, sounds to hear, dressing up props and more. At the very top is an activity room, which sometimes has guest speakers or else a wide variety of hands-on activities that children of all ages can get stuck into. Theres an amazing bookshop, with loads of comfortable seating and occaisional storytime sessions. Even better they have books starting at £1, so you don't have to spend a fortune to get your child a book as a souvenir. There's also a cafe, which does fabulous home made cakes and imaginitive (if a little pricey) kids platters. Loads of high chairs. The bottom floor (seven floors - hence seven stories!) is another activity room. There tends to be a range of writing based activities - eg making a mobile out of letters, picking random names and then making up a character to go with that name, rhymes, jokes & more. For younger ones there is drawing and books to read, a rocking sheep, dressing up etc.
I was surprised at the cost when I first went, as so many museums are free in Newcastle, but a year's pass is the price of just two admissions, and I think it's worth every penny.
The staff are brilliant, very good at dealing with children, and encouraging the children to join in and be creative on their own.

Rating: 

Review by: Sally A

Date: 6th March 2006 - 21:40