Book Week Scotland: Suitcase Stories

Overview

To celebrate Book Week Scotland, we’re hosting the wonderful Freda O’Byrne and her Suitcase Stories at the Heart of Hawick for a day of storytelling and play. In between storytelling sessions there will be craft activities available to keep the children entertained.

Freda will be sharing two different stories; 

 Suitcase Stories – The Little Toy (11.00-11.45) 

A tiny world adventure, all set in a suitcase. Two children play on a beach, and when their parents call them away suddenly, Little Toy is left behind. A passing butterfly helps him find his way to the children’s new home across the sea, but first there is a sea monster to deal with…  

Freda takes time to connect with the children as they arrive and to help them feel confident to interact with her and sit close to the suitcase. There is a short conversation and then the story begins. After this the children are supported by Freda to engage in creative play. 

For age 3-5 and their adults.  

Suitcase Stories – The Seven Ravens (14.00-14.45) 

A Raven visits a young girl.  

Why are the birds gathering?  

And what is the secret that Ada learns about her past?  

Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Ada is visited by a Raven and thrust into a dream world of quests, feathers and a Glass Mountain. The audience is taken on a tiny world adventure over a needle-felted landscape as Ada unlocks the secret the Raven is trying to tell her.  

Seven Ravens Freda starts by talking about stories and themes before introducing the story. The performance lasts about 25 minutes, and there is a discussion at the end about the themes of the story and answering questions from the children. 

For 6+ and adults (also younger children in family groups).