Bradford Libraries are launching a new Happy Active Stories programme for the District's under-fives.

The programme is an interactive online story experience to help families develop a love of stories and reading in the home.

Bradford Libraries have teamed up with theatre groups and yoga specialists to share the fun on the Happy Active Stories programme with interactive, engaging stories online involving drama, games, songs and role play.

Bradford Libraries will be using the slogan “Start the adventure online… continue it in the library!” to promote the programme.

At the end of each online session families will be encouraged to continue their reading journey at the library as the re-opening recovery programme for libraries gets underway.

Booking is now open for the Happy Active Stories programme, and people can email susan.brewster-craig@bradford.gov.uk to book a slot.

Storytelling sessions are as follows

Friday 30 April at 10.30am - Hoglets Theatre Company and Bradford Libraries present “King of the Swamp” by Catherine Emmett.

Join Gemma from Hoglets Theatre for a special online storytelling adventure based on King of the Swamp by Catherine Emmett published by Simon & Schuster. The session will begin with a storytelling performance of Catherine Emmett's marvellous book, then we'll explore the swamp dwelling McDarkly's home using drama games, imagination, songs and guided role-play. We'll also be looking at ways we can protect and preserve the beautiful world we live in.

Friday 28 May at 10.30am – Hoglets Theatre Company and Bradford Libraries present “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen.

Join Gemma from Hoglets Theatre for a special online storytelling adventure based on We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen published by Walker Books. The session will begin with a storytelling performance of the beloved classic, then we'll get wrapped up warmly and head out into the countryside and go on a bear hunt of our very own using drama games, imagination, songs and guided role-play.I hope you are all feeling brave!

Friday 25 June at 10.30am – Mud Pie Arts and Bradford Libraries present “Billy’s Bucket” by Kes Gray

Join Jenna from Mud Pie Arts for a special online storytelling adventure based on Billy’s Bucket by Kes Gray published by Penguin. All Billy wants is a bucket for his birthday. But this is no ordinary bucket, it is full of the wonders of the sea. Join Billy for a big splash beneath the waves!

Friday 23 July at 10.30am – Mud Pie Arts and Bradford Libraries present “Where The Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.

Join Jenna from Mud Pie Arts for a special online storytelling adventure based on Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak published by Harper & Row. Bring your wild thing for a jungle adventure. Dance the rumpus to the light of the moon. Perhaps you can help Max understand his wild feelings.

Friday 27 August at 10.30am – Mud Pie Arts and Bradford Libraries present “Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish” by Michael Foreman.

Join Jenna from Mud Pie Arts for a special online storytelling adventure based on Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish by Michael Foreman published by Penguin. Build a rocket to reach the stars. Awaken the dinosaurs and help tidy up a world full of rubbish.

Friday 17 September at 11.30am – Diddly Oms Yoga Specialists and Bradford Libraries.

Join Helen from Diddly Oms for a special online story time with gentle yoga poses for children.

Friday 8 October at 11.30am – Diddly Oms Yoga Specialists and Bradford Libraries.

Join Helen from Diddly Oms for a special online story time with gentle yoga poses for children.

Friday 12 November at 10.30am – Hoglets Theatre Company and Bradford Libraries present “The Way Home for Wolf” by Rachel Bright & Jim Field

Join Gemma from Hoglets Theatre for a special storytelling adventure based on The Way Home for Wolf by Rachel Bright & Jim Field published by Orchard Books. The session will begin with a storytelling performance of Rachel Bright's beautiful book about friendship and kindness, then we'll follow Wolfling Wilf's journey home and meet the creatures who help him along the way using drama games, imagination, songs and guided role-play. Don't forget our hat and scarf as we head off across the tundra!

Further information can be found at https://www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries/children-and-young-people/happy-active-stories/ or by searching for Bradford Libraries Facebook, Twitter & YouTube channel.