Latest news with #storytime
The Independent
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Libraries postpone storytime events over protest concerns
Mama G, a pantomime dame and LGBTQ+ campaigner, has expressed devastation after her summer storytime events in Suffolk libraries were postponed. Suffolk Community Libraries cited concerns over potential protests and "extreme negative reactions" to similar events elsewhere as the reason for the postponement. Mama G, who has performed in Suffolk for seven years without prior issues, views the decision as an "attack" on her work. Officials said the decision was operational, not political, made as a precaution for staff and community safety, and that the events are postponed, not cancelled, pending a risk assessment. Mama G highlighted the financial impact of the postponement as a self-employed performer and emphasised the importance of her work in educating children about inclusivity.
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Pantomime dame hits out at council's ‘attack' after library storytime events cancelled
A pantomime dame has hit out at a council 's 'attack' on her library storytime events for families after they were cancelled over protest concerns. Mama G, who is an LGBTQ+ campaigner and a former Britain's Got Talent contestant, said she was devastated when she received the news her performances in Suffolk libraries this summer have been postponed after seven years of storytelling there. 'Personally, I find it really sad because it's an attack on what I love,' she told The Independent. 'All you're doing is cancelling a pantomime. The reason they're worried is the message is one of positivity and inclusivity.' Suffolk Community Libraries, which is run by Suffolk County Council, said the move had been made in light of 'extreme negative reactions' to similar events in other areas, including protests. They described the decision as 'operational', not political, and said the events have been postponed to allow for an additional risk assessment to be carried out. Mama G – who describes herself as a 'storytelling pantomime dame who goes all over the country telling children and families about being who you want and loving who you are' – said she organised the three days of events in Suffolk back in April. But last week, she said she was told her sessions had been postponed after council members had raised concerns in light of other previous protests elsewhere. 'They advised me I should assume they're cancelled and should look for further work,' she said, adding that she believed this was a decision made by the council, not the libraries. The council said the events have been postponed, not cancelled, and that the decision would have been made regardless of whether the library service was managed by the council. 'The council has every right to do this,' Mama G said. 'It's just really hard not to think about it as why has this particular council decided to take action against a performer who promotes positivity for everyone but has an affinity to the LGBTQ+ community. I wouldn't necessarily saying they were censoring [me]... but that is something that plays on your mind.' Mama G said she was especially 'upset' because she had worked for Suffolk libraries during periods of protest elsewhere, such as those that have broken out around Drag Queen Story Hour, and 'never had a problem'. She added that, as a self-employed worker, she had lost out on days' worth of income. 'My initial feeling, I was quite numb when they told me, [because] I love pantomime and sharing such a positive message,' said Mama G, who is now set to perform in Haverhill, Ipswich and Stowmarket instead. She described her work as focused on educating children about inclusivity and understanding others with a view to creating a more respectful and empathetic world. Speaking of the current inflammatory and divisive nature of society, she said: 'What we're seeing now is a reaction [from] people who didn't have an education about LGBTQ+ things and inclusivity.' Referencing the council's decision, she said: 'It just seems a shame that rather than saying 'these events must happen and we must do everything to mitigate any negativity', is they decided to postpone them... If they're concerned about sections of the library community being upset, it's doubly important for these events to go ahead.' Krystal Vittles, Head of Library Service for Suffolk Community Libraries, said: 'Due to extreme negative reactions to similar events in other areas, including protests and disruption, we have postponed these events and are currently carrying out an additional risk assessment. This is an operational decision as a precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, residents, and local communities.'
CNET
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Prime Day Deal: Grab This Toniebox Audio Player for $80 Off to Make Your Kids' Bedtime Routine Easier
Whether it's getting the kids ready for bed or keeping them entertained while they're awake, there's nothing like a good story-time session. Toniebox is a screen-free audio player that allows kids to listen to stories and music without getting sucked into the vortex of a tablet or phone. And right now, thanks to Amazon Prime Day, you can pick up a Toniebox audio player starter kit for just $100. If you're curious about this unique addition to a kid's room or playroom, the low price is a great way to check it out. Your Toniebox starter kit includes the audio player and four lovable Disney characters -- Woody from Toy Story, Lightning McQueen from Cars, Simba from The Lion King and Winnie-the-Pooh. Each Tonie comes with one story (though Winnie-the-Pooh comes with three) plus some of the best songs from each Disney movie. The total run time for each Tonie is about 30 minutes. To activate the player, kids set a Tonie on top. They're super easy to swap out, and you can invest in other Tonies, choosing from a huge array of characters, including Disney Princesses, Paw Patrol characters or Dr. Seuss characters. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The box is kid-friendly and durable, with two ears that act as volume controls. A single charge gets you up to seven hours of playtime. Suitable for ages 3 and up, Toniebox is controlled by swapping characters, tapping the box, and pressing the ears, making it interactive for kids. Why this deal matters Normally, this package with all four Disney characters and the Playtime Puppy would cost $180. While we've seen the Toniebox, including starter kits like this, drop down to $90 during bigger events like Black Friday, the $100 price is still a good deal if you have little kids in your household. It's only $10 more than the lowest price we've seen for this audioplayer. The same bundle is on sale at the Tonies site for $160, but the Amazon deal beats that by $60. We've been scouring Amazon's Prime Day event to find some great outdoor items to get you ready for better weather, plus a nice list of items under $25.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I was a white wine drinker for decades. Seven years after my last glass, I received a shocking diagnosis. I knew it was my fault... I'd left it too late
While reading a bedtime story to her two children, Tabbin Almond's mind was elsewhere. All she could think about was the glass of crisp white wine that was waiting for her as soon as she was alone.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Parents: what is your child's favourite Julia Donaldson book?
From The Stick Man to The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson's characters have enchanted children and parents the world over. We've ranked our top 15 Julia Donaldson books – but which ones do children like? We would like to hear from parents about their child's favourite, and why.
