Small Worlds

Set off to a land of picture books, nursery rhymes and traditional tales for the very young. Explore five story-themed zones where you can go on a Bear Hunt, discover Traction Man’s under-sink world, relax in the Night Safe, ride on the Story Bus and enjoy Winnie and Wilbur’s miniature theatre.

Sessions start with a special song together, followed by this week's featured story told by one of our Story Guides with lots of opportunities for joining in. You'll then be free to explore the five-story-themed zones for the rest of the session before a final story and goodbye song.

During term time weekdays sessions in Small Worlds also include a craft activity. On Fridays this activity will be messy play so please dress accordingly!

Featured Stories

• Anansi the Spider: A story from Ashanti traditions in Afro-Caribbean cultures
  3-9 January, 15-20 February, 29 March-3 April, 24-29 May
  
• The Noisy House: A story from Poland of Jewish origin
  7-12 December, 18-23 January, 1-6 March, 26 April - 1 May
• Tiddalik: A story from Australia from First Nations traditions
  21-24 December, 1-6 February, 15-20 March, 10-15 May,
• The Three Billy Goats Gruff: A story from Norway
  30 November-5 December, 11-16 January, 21-27 February, 5-8 April, 30 May-5 June
• Riaba the Hen's Golden Egg: A story from Russia
  9-24 April
• Elephant and Giraffe: A story from East Africa from Bantu traditions
  14-19 December, 25-30 January, 8-13 March, 2-8 May
  
• Mouse, Deer and Tiger: A story from Indonesia and Malaysia
  28 December-2 January, 8-13 February, 22-27 March, 17-22 May

Staying safe
Families will be invited to explore each story zone by our friendly Story Guides who will make sure that you get a chance to visit each zone.

The gallery is very well ventilated with a complete exchange of fresh air every 6-10 minutes, windows and skylights and bifold doors at the front that will be open whenever the weather allows (so do put on an extra layer on chillier days!)

The gallery and story props are thoroughly cleaned between sessions.

Small Worlds is a story-play gallery particularly designed for pre-school children. Timed sessions in Small Worlds run on Thursday and Friday mornings and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. During the school holidays sessions run all day. Booking in advance is essential. Please note that this is a structured session so please make sure you arrive at the start time printed on your ticket.

Running time for a Small Worlds session is 60 minutes.