Children’s Author Tom Palmer Tours Cornwall Libraries This Half Term

Tom Palmer is about to do something no children’s author has done in Cornwall before. Over the May half term, he will set foot in every single library in the Duchy, from the tip of Penzance to the edge of Bude, and the first five families through the door at each one will walk away with a free signed book.

A Cornwall-wide Tour

The award winning children’s author is Cornwall Libraries’ Ambassador for the Year of Reading, and he is using the half term break to meet young readers in person at every library across Cornwall.

At each stop Tom will be talking about his brand new book, If the Invader Comes, a story inspired by real wartime events in Cornwall and written for children who love adventure and history.

The free signed copies have been gifted by Tom’s publisher, Barrington Stoke.

Why This Story Matters to Cornwall

Tom said: “I am excited to be taking If the Invader Comes round all Cornwall’s libraires because this is a story about what Cornish people went through during WW2 and that’s important.

“In 1940 it was assumed Cornwall would be invaded by Nazi Germany, instead the Duchy was at the forefront of defending Great Britain from that invader and then fighting back to defeat them. I am proud to be helping tell that story through Cornwall’s libraries.”

Part of the Year of Reading

The tour forms part of Cornwall Libraries’ mission to spark a love of reading in every child and to celebrate the role libraries play in towns, villages, and daily life across the Duchy.

Councillor Sarah Preece, cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism, Localism and Planning, said: “It’s fantastic that during the Year of Reading, we are celebrating Cornwall’s rich history and giving young people the chance to discover books inspired by the place they live.

“Having an author travel the length and breadth of Cornwall to share his work is something truly special, and I’m delighted that families across the Duchy will have the chance to be part of it.”

Where to Find the Tour Dates

Full tour dates and times are available on the Cornwall Council website and the Cornwall Libraries Facebook page.

📷Tom Palmer with book