Seven Stories Museum of Children's Literature

We went today & thoroughly enjoyed it. Agree its a pain to get to through city centre & not much parking but we managed, wasn't dire. Well it it for the museum though. The Julia Donaldson exhibit is on until Feb 2013, my 4 to, 2 to & 32yo all loved it. There is a separate wee bit for each of her books, the books are there & some cushions so you can sit down & read with the dc. The squash & a squeeze house was probably our favourite - a Wendy house complete with cow, goat, hen & pig to take in & out. Cave baby's cave complete with cave man dressing up, pencils & paper to put your cave drawings on the wall. There is a theater area & lots of dressing up outfits, & of course there is a big gruffalo! There are original manuscripts & artwork displayed.

We didn't go in the jacqueline Wilson exhibit as our dc too young. Also didn't go in the cafe. The top floor was good, we sat & listened to a lady tell stories from the big chair. It was very busy which was a shame but ok. We didn't go in the creation station bit unfortunately but as we have now got annual passes we will go in there next time.

Gift shop/ book shop very good.

Fab!
Not particularly easy to get to by car, so we parked just off the A1 and went the rest of the way by Metro. DS moaned all the way there about not wanting to go to a museum of literacy, and raved all the way home about the fact it was the best museum he had ever been to. Mummy right again then!
Both DCs liked the fact that there were different things on each floor - loved the Walker picture books section and the Roald Dahl section. Interactive things on all floors. Best of all was top floor - big floor cushions where everyone could curl up and read a book off the shelf; big chair where there are storytelling sessions, visiting authors etc, and two or three little "theatres" with a large box of dressing up clothes so DCs can put on a show.
Restaurant was not bad - there was plenty the DCs would eat, and not all junk food. Hot or cold options, and not over-priced.
Best place we've taken DCs for a long time.