The Kingdom by the Sea (21 page)

Imperial War Museum:
www.iwm.org.uk

Beamish Museum online. An archive of life in
the north east, including an extensive range of
recorded recollections of wartime experiences:
www.beamishcollections.com

Pillboxes - photographs and information by region:
www.pillboxes.co.uk

“Some people say there are only seven stories in the world, but a thousand different ways of telling them. Seven Stories is about the thousand ways.”

Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books, is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It was opened in 2005, and was founded as a place to celebrate British children’s writers and illustrators. To date it still provides the only exhibition space in the UK wholly dedicated to children’s literature and displays original manuscripts and artwork from some of the nation’s best-loved books.

The Robert Westall Charitable Trust played a significant role in the establishment of Seven Stories and one of the galleries is named in the author’s honour. Westall’s archive is on permanent loan to the Centre and in 2006 housed a fascinating, interactive exhibition of his work:
Westall’s Kingdom - A Writer’s Life.

The display included manuscripts and artwork from
The Kingdom by the Sea
, and a reconstruction of the secret den from
The Machine Gunners
, complete with machine gun, comics and other artefacts from the period.

The Centre has plenty to enjoy for visitors of all ages and a rolling programme of events throughout the year. From dressing up and drama, storytelling sessions, to creative writing, illustration and crafts. Plus there are regular events given by contemporary authors and illustrators. And there’s also a brilliant bookshop where you can top up your collection of books by your favourite authors.

If you want to visit Seven Stories or learn more about their current exhibitions, you can find out how at www.sevenstories.org.uk.

The Making of Me: Robert Westall, A Writer’s Childhood

Scenes from the author’s childhood, in his own words.

Children of the Blitz by Robert Westall

A selection of letters and wartime memories sent to the author after the publication of
The Machine Gunners.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

Anna’s family is forced to flee Germany in 1933 after her father has published anti-Nazi articles.

The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo

Lily’s adored cat goes missing when the US army requisitions her village for army manouevres in preparation for D-Day.

Billy the Kid by Michael Morpurgo

Billy might be 80 years old, but inside he’s still the eager youth who was lucky and talented enough to play football for Chelsea. Then war broke out and changed the course of his life forever.

Hitler’s Daughter by Jackie French

When Mark hears the story of Hitler’s daughter it haunts him. Could it have been true? Did Hitler’s daughter really exist? If Mark had a father like Hitler, could he love him?

A Tale of Time City by Diana Wynne Jones

When Vivian is evacuated from war-threatened London in 1939, she expects to be staying in the countryside. Instead, she is whisked away to Time City, where rogue time-travellers are plotting to take control. If they succeed, Time City and History as will be destroyed.