Thursday 11 November, 6pm - Jess French and Alison Stenning

Friday 12 November, 6pm - Sita Brahmachari and Rhona Smith

To mark the end of COP26, Seven Stories and Newcastle University are collaborating on Climate Stories, a series of events which explores climate change through the lens of children’s literature. Pairing academic researchers with children’s authors, these events will platform conversations about the climate crisis that centre the impact it has on children and young people’s relationship with the natural world, how they interact with, think, and feel about it. Together, the speakers will explore the significance of literature for younger readers that engages with this critical issue — how it reflects their experiences and opens up new ways of thinking about climate change, with the researcher providing ‘real-world’ expertise and context.

The first event (11th Nov) pairs Professor Alison Stenning (School of Geography) with TV personality, veterinarian and author Dr. Jess French, and will focus on the evolution of children's relationship with nature and changes in the way children and young people explore and play outdoors. The second event (12th Nov) pairs Professor Rhona Smith (School of Law) with award-winning author Sita Brahmachari and will focus on the ways in which the climate crisis is impacting children’s rights.

Jess French is a nature lover, TV host, author, and veterinarian. She is known for her show on CBeebies, called ‘Minibeast Adventure with Jess,’ which encourages children to explore the outdoors and get to know the bugs around them. She has written three books for DK: What a Waste, which tackles the subject of sustainability for children, The Book of Brilliant Bugs, which explores the world of creepy-crawlies, and Earth’s Incredible Oceans, which teaches kids about the importance of the oceans and their wildlife. Jess is an avid conservationist and has a passion for oceans and the animal world.

Sita Brahmachari is an award winning children's and Young Adult author of international renown.  Her debut novel Artichoke Hearts won The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and has been celebrated as a classic in a ten year anniversary edition. Sita has written for young people of every age from four to nineteen. She also writes plays, short stories and has contributed her storytelling to the animation 'Footsteps on The Wind.'  Her recent novels Where The River Runs Gold and The River Whale have been championed for their exploration of the urgent need to address environmental destruction in every aspect of our lives, focusing specifically on the impacts on child rights. Sita’s stories have become creative catalysts for change in many environments. Fridays for Futures protestors carried a Where The River Runs Gold banner inspired by the survival slogan in the story ‘Dare, Dream, Believe, Imagine.’ Sita is an Amnesty Ambassador and has been writer in residence at Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants for over a decade. When Shadows Fall will be published on November 11th and sees a group of young people struggling to protect a patch of precious urban ground on which their wellbeing depends. 

Alison Stenning is professor of social and economic geography at Newcastle University. Her primary research interests are in the spaces of community and everyday life, and her current research explores how play on streets transforms children’s and adults’ relationships with the people and places on their doorsteps. Most recently this has focused on outdoor play during the pandemic and, specifically, the first lockdown, documenting the emergence of new possibilities for play in residential neighbourhoods. Alison also works as an activist, promoting and supporting play streets in North Tyneside, the north east, and beyond, and is a qualified forest school leader.

Rhona Smith is Professor of International Human Rights at Newcastle University. She has worked on human rights education and capacity building in many countries and recently served the United Nations Human Rights Council, investigating and reporting on a myriad of human rights issues. She has written and edited various texts on human rights.

Climate Stories will be chaired by award-winning poet Linda France, Newcastle University's Climate Writer in Residence.  As Climate Writer, Linda plays a key role in defining how the University harnesses the power of arts and culture to respond to the challenge of the climate crisis. 

This event is supported by the Vital North Partnership, a strategic agreement between Newcastle University and Seven Stories.

These events are suitable for a family audience, although because of its themes we would recommend 14+ for the 12th Nov event. 

This event is free to attend but tickets need to be booked in advance. You can attend these events in person at Seven Stories or from your home via Zoom. Please select your preferred ticket type at the checkout.

All events have been designed to meet the government's current COVID-secure guidance and tickets are strictly limited to allow for social distancing. 

Tickets must be booked in advance and are non-transferable and non-refundable including for illness or self-isolation. Seven Stories reserves the right to amend or cancel events as necessary and will offer a full refund in case of cancellation.

Please check our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about your visit to Seven Stories.

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