George Webster reading 'Leila's Blanket' by Freya Bantiff | Northern Dreaming

Northern Dreaming is a collection of poetry and stories created with early career and published writers including the current Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, poet, playwright and broadcaster Lemn Sissay OBE, BBC Young Writer’s Award winner Elena Barham and up-and-coming poet - and newly qualified doctor - Safia Khan to share the unique imaginations of these writers for the next generation of dreamers to enjoy.

The gift is a celebration of the magical thrill of storytelling. It’s a place for readers to find comfort, inspiration and joy.

With stories for babies, children and young adults, the book is designed to carry readers all the way through their childhood, and be treasured long after the last page has been turned.

Your copy of Northern Dreaming will be available for free from Leeds Libraries and Children’s Centres across Leeds from 19th October onwards. Please click on the links below to find where your nearest collection point is.

Co-produced by LEEDS 2023 and British Library. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England and the British Library.

Video filmed and edited by: ‪@sodiumfilms‬

Featuring stories:
‘Sky Dance’ © Joseph Coelho 2023;
‘Leila’s Blanket’ © Freya Bantiff 2023;
‘Rosa and George’ © Elena Barham 2023;
‘Family Tree’ © Safi a Khan 2023;
‘My Dream Bookshop’ © Jen Campbell 2023;
‘The Beck’ © Anthony McGowan 2023;
‘Paper Magic’ © Emily Yates 2023;
‘Walking with Wolves’ © Gill Lewis 2023;
‘The Round Hill’ © Lauren C. Maltas 2023;
‘On Hebden Bridge’ © Sita Brahmachari 2023;
‘Algie’s Gravy’ © Luke Worthy 2023;
‘Misha Maloney Can’t Sing’ © Ayisha Malik 2023;
‘Until the Flowers Bloom’ © Theo Ioannou 2023;
‘Writers Don’t Come From Leeds’ © Tom Palmer 2023;
‘Time Will Pass You By’ © Jay Mitra 2023; ‘Night Train’ © Beth Tomlin 2023;
‘Polaris’ © Manjeet Mann 2023;
‘The Story of You’ © Lemn Sissay 2023.