Over the last 12 months, councillors across Bedford Borough have been telling us about their favourite books throughout our Year of Reading.
And that comes to an end this week with Mayor Tom Wootton, who has chosen The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr, which has a special place in the hearts of the Wootton family.
“It’s a book that I used to love reading to my children when they were growing up,” he said. “And, just like the little girl called Sophie in the book, my two daughters are both fiery redheads too and looked just like her!
“One of them now works in a school, and I suspect they’ve read the book to a lot of children themselves.”
Mayor Tom shared his choice as part of Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading, a Borough-wide initiative which has been taking place throughout 2025. It has featured a wide range of events and initiatives to celebrate and promote reading, including town centre performances, literary trails, and author readings.
He added; “My daughters used to refer to their uncle, my brother-in-law, as the Tiger Who Came to Tea because he’d come in and eat all the food and drink all the drink, just like the tiger in the story.
“It was all in good fun, but it just shows how much one good book can stay with you forever – and as children’s books go, The Tiger Who Came to Tea is one of the best.”
You can read more about all that’s been happening during Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading at www.bedford.gov.uk/yearofreading
And remember - if you want to read a copy of The Tiger Who Came to Tea 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.