Sir Lenny Henry returns to Dudley Library to launch his picture book You Can Do Anything, Tyrone!
Author, actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry will launch his children’s picture book, 'You Can Do Anything, Tyrone!' at a special event at Dudley Library.
Sir Lenny, who grew up in Dudley, has frequently talked about how much he visited the library after his Aunty Pearl enrolled him as a member of the library. This will be his first visit as an author.
The event will be held on Saturday 8th July at 11am. The ticketed event which has sold out will be followed by a book signing at 12 noon, to which all are welcome. Sir Lenny will read the story and chat to families. There will be book based activities for children too.
Lenny says:
I can’t wait to return to Dudley Library! I know my own writing journey started right there decades ago when I first started borrowing books from the library after my Aunty Pearl got me a library card. There couldn’t be a more fitting place for me to do my first event for You Can Do Anything, Tyrone with illustrator Salomey Doku. I have seen how picture books can be the start of a passion for reading, and I can’t wait to enthuse families and young readers about reading and introduce them to the character Tyrone on the day. Perhaps we will even be given brand new library cards on the day.
You Can Do Anything, Tyrone! is illustrated by new talent Salomey Doku, who will also be at the event. The story focuses on the special bond between a boy called Tyrone and his grandfather, Grandad Cleveland, who gives Tyrone self-confidence and the belief that he can indeed be and do anything he wants. Tyrone is building a space rocket to go on an adventure to the moon but when his building bricks stop working, Grandad Cleveland is on hand to show Tyrone that with determination and imagination, there’s nothing he can't do. Together, the pair embark on an out-of-this world adventure.
Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member responsible for libraries at Dudley Council, said:
We are absolutely delighted that Sir Lenny Henry has chosen one of our libraries to launch his new children’s book. Sir Lenny became Freeman of the Borough ten years ago in recognition of his incredible charity work and we’re honoured to have him return. We know how greatly he values public libraries and I hope his visit encourages people of all ages to become a member and get reading.
Stephanie Rhoden, partnership manager, Dudley libraries, said:
Dudley Library are delighted to welcome Lenny Henry back to the place which kick started his love of reading all those years ago. His new book is wonderful and will inspire a new generation of young readers to pick up a book and fire up their imaginations.
Sir Lenny is the author of three middle grade adventure stories; The Boy With Wings, The Book of Legends and Attack of the Rampaging Robot. He dedicated The Book of Legends to the staff of Dudley Library who he said were responsible for all of his writing.
Entry to the event is by ticket only, these have all sold out. Entry to the public book signing at noon is open to all.
Sir Lenny’s visit also coincides with the launch of Dudley’s ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ Summer Reading Challenge which challenges children to read six books of their choice over the school holidays, with lots of activities and rewards along the way.
Contact Information
Dudley Council
Notes to editors
Notes for Editors
About Sir Lenny Henry’s books - Macmillan Children’s Books is proud to publish Sir Lenny’s middle grade fiction: The Boy with Wings and The Book of Legends as well as his World Book Day story Attack of the Rampaging Robot, which are all illustrated by Keenon Ferrell. His UK TCM sales now exceed 131,000 copies. Sir Lenny is passionate about all children being represented in the books they read, and reaching all children with his stories. In a special partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the National Literacy Trust 25,000 copies of The Boy With Wings were gifted to children as part of an initiative to boost reading levels, and the Manchester Festival of Libraries picked The Boy With Wings for their Look for a Book hunt with copies hidden across the city, culminating in a special event with Sir Lenny. Since the publication of The Boy With Wings in October 2021, Sir Lenny has also met more than 20,000 children through virtual multi-school events hosted by Sevenoaks Bookshop and Newham Books, and partnered with independent bookshops across the UK. Elsewhere, the author has taken part in live appearances at Cheltenham, Hay, Henley, Wimbledon and Bradford Festivals, and he championed World Book Day this year with a packed week of events and media.
Sir Lenny Henry has risen from being a star on children's television to becoming one of Britain's best known comedians, as well as a writer, philanthropist and award-winning actor. He is co-founder of Comic Relief. Lenny is a strong advocate for diversity and is the co-author of the book Black British Lives Matter.
Salomey Doku is a self-taught author-illustrator from Leeds, England. She started watercolour painting in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the art of storytelling. Salomey's characters, comics and colourful stories are inspired by her diverse community, the natural world, and all things bright and beautiful.
About Pan Macmillan Pan Macmillan is the UK general book publishing arm of the Macmillan Group, which operates in over 70 countries. Its imprints include Macmillan, Mantle, Pan, Picador, Bluebird, One Boat, Tor, Macmillan Children's Books, Macmillan Collectors Library, Kingfisher, Campbell Books and Two Hoots. Pan Macmillan was named Publisher of the Year at The Bookseller Industry Awards in May 2015, May 2017 and again in June 2020.