A SUNNINGDALE author will be reading her two seasonal stories to children at libraries in the borough this week.
The sessions will also include interactive activities, and Fiona Barker will be signing copies of her two new picture books, I Definitely Don’t Like Winter, and The Big Christmas Bake.
“I love baking,” says Fiona.
“Particularly gingerbread, and chocolate cakes.
“One of my books is all about a Tudor Christmas tradition, the making of a special cake to be eaten at Epiphany, the twelfth day after Christmas.”
“A bean, or tiny token would be placed inside the cake, and whoever found it in their portion would be king for a day.”
Fiona’s story takes her readers through the 12 days of cake making, and includes the original recipe.
“The days after Christmas can be a bit of a full stop, but this tradition kept the fun going,” she says.
Fiona’s other book, I Definitely Don’t Like Winter, was based on chats with her father.
“I love the season,” she says, “but my dad hates it.
“He doesn’t like the longer nights, and would rather hibernate.
“I read that people who dread winter have a worse experience of it than those who look forward to it.
“So, my story is about how those who love winter time can help those who don’t.”
Fiona has worked as an audiologist for more than 20 years, and says she always loved picture books.
“I love the marriage of pictures and text,” she says.
“Pictures can either work with the story or pull you in a different direction, which can be really interesting.”
The story sessions for children aged two to five, will include singing, a chance to draw a wintry squirrel, and some sign language.
The events are at the following libraries:
Finchampstead Library, on Wednesday, December 21 at 10.30am
Wokingham Library, on Wednesday, December 21 at 2.30pm
Lower Earley Library, on Thursday, December 22 at 10.30am
Woodley Library, on Thursday, December 22 at 2.30pm
Sessions are free but places need to be booked.
For information and to book a place visit: www.wokinghamboroughlibraries
