Let us introduce you to Mama G, a family-friendly and very fun storyteller with a message of love and a celebration of diversity. She travels around the country sharing stories with anybody who wants to listen!
Mama G loves reading and writing because she knows that it’s a great way to express your true self. Did you know that reading for just 10 minutes a day is enough to improve your mood?
Mama G wrote a story which takes place at Manchester Central Library. The only problem was that she didn’t finish it! But that’s where you came in… Read Manchester ran a competition for children to help Mama G to finish her story.
So here it is… Mama G’s story - The Big Book Surprise!
Ahmed wakes up on a Saturday morning to gentle sunshine coming in through his window. “Great! He thinks to himself, “It’s the perfect day to visit the library!”
He dashes downstairs into the kitchen where his little sister Mona is sitting in her high chair and their dad is filling up a backpack with pencils, a notebook for each of them and snacks. Their red book bags are propped up by the front door. “I’m one step ahead of you, Ahmed,” Dad says. “Get dressed and let’s head down to the library!”
Ahmed, Mona and Dad catch the tram at the end of their road to St. Peter’s Square. The city centre is filled with people going about their day. There are people chatting on benches, families walking their dogs and teenagers zooming around on skateboards in the sunshine. A woman in a suit dashes for the next Manchester Piccadilly train to London Euston, a group of excited football fans bundle onto the bus headed for the Etihad Stadium and a gathering of shoppers swing their shopping purchased at the Arndale Centre.
As Ahmed steps off the tram and looks up towards Central Library, he is hit by the familiar feeling of butterflies in his tummy. What book would he choose to read today?!
But hang on, why does something feel…not quite right…?
“Would you look at that!” An old man shouts.
“I don’t believe it!” A woman cries.
“I’ve never seen one of THOSE before!” Exclaims Dad, from just behind him.
Ahmed swivels round towards the Emmeline Pankhurst statue and allows his mouth to hang open in shock at what he sees. “I can’t believe my eyes!” He says…
…And that’s it! This is as far as Mama G got! Luckily, Read Manchester had some fantastic competition entries and they chose this entry, from competition winner Dillara (age 8) as the ending to Mama G’s story:
"The statue was moving! Stamping her feet AND TALKING! Hundreds of people gathered around all chanting “REFUGEES ARE WELCOME HERE!”
Ahmed, curious, tugged on Dad’s arm pulling him towards the crowd and made his way to the front, not wanting to miss anything. Emmeline was an amazing speaker, she spoke about looking after refugees and giving them a safe home. The whole crowd was cheering in support.
When Emmeline asked, ‘Who’s going to help me?’ Ahmed raised his arms and jumped up shouting, ‘Me! Me! Me!” then the most incredible thing happened- Emmeline pointed at Ahmed saying, ‘Come join me!”
They all got the train to London, once they arrived with Emmeline they headed straight to the Houses of Parliament.
Emmeline fascinated everyone and by the time they arrived in Westminster there were thousands of people marching together holding hands and chanting and journalists everywhere!
‘Ahmed! Mona!” called a familiar voice. Ahmed saw his auntie Zarah waving excitedly moving towards them. She was an MP and worked in Parliament.
“What’re you doing here?!” she asked hugging them.
“Changing the world!” replied Ahmed. “Yah!” added Mona. Ahmed explained how Emmeline’s statue was alive and the important message they had.
“Oh! You must come with me and bring Emmeline with you!” said Zarah. Emmeline and Ahmed spoke to all the MPs and were given a big round of applause. Emmeline was delighted to see all the women MP’s. They then voted for a law that all refugees would always be welcomed and looked after. Everyone celebrated on the journey home introducing Emmeline to all the new foods!
The following day, Ahmed, Mona and Dad went to see Emmeline, but found just a statue! Every week now, on their visits to the library, Mona and Ahmed always say hello and thanks to Emmeline."
Thank you Dillara! Read Manchester and Mama G are very pleased to present Dillara with a certificate as well as some quality book prizes for her exciting and expressive story ending.