CHILDREN’S writer Will Mabbitt, author of The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones, will be touring Black Country libraries during the week ahead.

The author will be hosting free events in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton libraries, offering fun, interactive games based on his book - a swashbuckling tale of pirates who sail the seas on The Feroshus Maggot ship which is aimed at kids aged seven to 11.

He’ll also be offering tips on creative writing.

The author will be at Stourbridge Library on Tuesday August 1 from 1pm to 2pm, and at Sandwell Central Library on Tuesday August 1 from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Councillor Ian Bevan, Dudley Council’s cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “Getting to meet a real live children’s author is a big deal to a lot of youngsters, they can see where they get their creative ideas from and hopefully be inspired to pick up a book or even a pen and paper to start a story of their own.”

Stephanie Rhoden, partnership manager for Dudley’s libraries, added: “We’re thrilled that Will is coming to Dudley libraries. He’s a fantastic storyteller who is sure to inspire local children to keep reading – and to perhaps one-day write their own bestsellers.”

The author will also be at Walsall Libraries Central Library and Archives on Wednesday August 2 from 10.30am to 11.30am and Wolverhampton Central Library on Wednesday August 2 from 1pm to 2pm.

For more details visit www.blackcountryreads.org.uk The initiative is part of the Black Country Reads project which is being run by national charity The Literacy Trust.