Councillors across Bedford Borough are telling us about their favourite books as part of our Year of Reading – and this week it’s the turn of Henry Vann.
As a proud dad, Councillor Vann chose a Julia Donaldson tome as his book.
He said; “I really felt like I might have to try to pick two books for Bedford Borough’s Year of Reading: I was going to pick Under the Net by Iris Murdoch, as I absolutely love her novels, her writing style and her descriptions of what is probably going on in everyone’s mind. She has such a way with words when she describes the internal lives of characters, and her understanding of what it is to be human, of communication and the importance of care and forgiveness.
“But it then occurred to me that in recent years it is probably one of Julia Donaldson’s excellent children’s books that have stuck in my head through repetition if nothing else!
“With two children, I picked one I could maybe even read to one of my children with the lights out as they go to sleep (I hope!). They always request two stories minimum, but The Snail on the Whale is a great tale about a journeying snail discovering the world on the tail of a whale. Without too many spoilers, as a bonus it has a strong environmental message about the impact of humans on the natural world of journeying across the world opening one’s eyes, and – of course – saving the Whale! And, of course, how a determined person can change the world even if they are small relative to the problem they are hoping to fix.
“I would highly recommend it for any child and maybe even one or two adults and I am sure you can find a copy in one of our amazing local libraries which we are lucky to have in Bedford Borough.”
Councillor Vann shared his 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.
Most recently it included a Literary Tent at the Kite and Motoring Festival, where the likes of the likes of Olaf Falafel, Michelle Robinson, David Litchfield and Julia Jarman all gave performances for the whole family.
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 The Snail on the Whale 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.