EVENTS

Are you sitting comfortably? Then Angela Cole will tell you a tale of a special exhibition celebrating the world of storytelling, coming to Kent for two months

An exhibition dedicated to children’s stories comes to Chatham Historic Dockyard

Journey through a world of storytelling and illustrations, in a caring world without conflict, that celebrates the importance of friendship.

That will be the experience on offer for visitors to the Historic Dockyard Chatham from this weekend as children’s book illustrator Michael Foreman’s work goes on show. Painting With Rainbows, which will run until Sunday, November 26, is dedicated to the award-winning author and his creations for children. A children’s illustrator for more than 50 years, Michael’s original artwork will be on show alongside playful props and costumes.

It will explore his storytelling and will imagine a world without conflict, that cares for the environment and celebrates the importance of friendship.

Visitors can travel through drawings from his everpresent sketchbook and storytelling plus activities including an air raid experience where an ARP warden will lead them into shelters and learn about air raid shelters.

There will be cosy reading corners where youngsters can sketch away with drawing activities and write ideas for “peace” on the blackboard. Kate Edwards, chief executive of Seven Stories, said: “This

exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight Michael’s outstanding contribution to children’s literature. His books have shaped generations of readers as well as inspire new and emerging talent in children’s literature.”

Families can add to the Tree of Hope with messages for the future and explore stories of war and peace through War Boy, War Game, The General

and Ali Pasha. A multisensory environment inspired by Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish and One World gives youngsters the chance to build and play and there will also be a chance to get a glimpse inside his studio and see some of his own personal artefacts. Michael said: “I am, of course, honoured to have been invited to exhibit at Seven Stories and very pleased with the way it has been made so interactive and child friendly. The Tree of Hope, where children can attach ribbons of their hopes and dreams adds a wonderfully positive and affirmative finale to the exhibition.”

He will be giving a talk and book signing at the dockyard on Thursday, November 9.