Councillors across Bedford Borough have been telling us about their favourite books throughout our Year of Reading.
And this week it’s the turn of Councillor Caroline White who shared the children’s book Our Tower by poet and former Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho.
Councillor White said; “In 2023 I when I was a candidate for the upcoming local elections, I had the opportunity to meet Joseph Coelho at Kempston Library. He was visiting as part of his ‘Library Marathon’ to join one library in every authority across the country.
“Our Tower is about three children who live in a tower block and go on a magical journey only to discover the magic and community within their own home. They creep out of their block, in search of adventure, only to find that the magic of the ancient forest is not so different from the magic right at home.
“It is a modern fable that explores the beauty of urban spaces and the nature that exists everywhere.”
Councillor White shared her choice as part of Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading, a Borough-wide initiative taking place throughout 2025. It features a wide range of events and initiatives to celebrate and promote reading, including town centre performances, literary trails, and author readings.
And her own copy of the book was signed by the author too, with the dedication, “From the Flats, Keeping it Real.”
Councillor White added; “Having grown up and lived for some time with a young family in a block of flats, I found this book extremely touching and knew that this story would reinstate with many children today growing up in high rise towers.
“Inequality within our society which includes housing was highlighted even more during the Covid period and makes this book even more poignant.
“The dedication in this book says it all: ‘For the children past, present, and future living in Towers everywhere. May you always be inspired by the heights of your home, that reveal endless horizons,’.”
To find out more or to get involved in Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/yearofreading or email yearofreading@bedford.gov.uk
And remember - if you want to read a copy of Our Tower or any other book recommended by our councillors, you can always see if it's available in one of our libraries!
Visit or call any of our libraries during staffed hours and staff will help you to request titles, remembering to have your library card with you. You can also search the catalogue and request books on the library app or online catalogue using your library card number and PIN. If you’re not sure of your PIN, you can request a reminder. There is a charge for requesting books, but it’s free for children.
Library opening hours, PIN requests, and online catalogue is all accessible on the dedicated page on our website, and the app is called Bedfordshire Libraries in the App Store.