Following training to Brighton and Hove library staff on making books accessible for children and adults we teamed up for a 'monkey story session'. We had monkeys galore, a low tech communication aid, Makaton signs, symbols, toy food and some ripe bananas! Just what we needed for 'Monkey and me' by Emily Gravett and 'Banana' by Ed Vere.

Feedback from families was positive: requests were made for more signing sessions and access to baby signing classes; comments were made on how it had included children who use Makaton signing and that it had provided a way for family and friends to learn Makaton together. Attendance at the subsequent session has also increased as a result!

Let's make books accessible, make story times inclusive and work together with libraries!