Author, actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry will launch his children’s picture book, 'You Can Do Anything, Tyrone' at a special event at Dudley Library this weekend.

Sir Lenny, who grew up in Dudley, has frequently talked about how much he visited the library after his Aunty Pearl enrolled him as a member of the library. This will be his first visit as an author. The book signing will be held on Saturday 8th July at 12noon.

An earlier ticketed event has sold out but everyone is welcome to the signing. There will be book-based activities for children too. Any unclaimed tickets will be released on the day. Sir Lenny said:

"I can’t wait to return to Dudley Library. I know my own writing journey started right there decades ago when I first started borrowing books from the library after my Aunty Pearl got me a library card.

"There couldn’t be a more fitting place for me to do my first event for You Can Do Anything, Tyrone with illustrator Salomey Doku. I have seen how picture books can be the start of a passion for reading, and I can’t wait to enthuse families and young readers about reading and introduce them to the character Tyrone on the day.

"Perhaps we will even be given brand new library cards on the day!"

'You Can Do Anything, Tyrone!' is illustrated by new talent Salomey Doku, who will also be at the event. The story focuses on the special bond between a boy called Tyrone and his grandfather, Grandad Cleveland, who gives Tyrone self-confidence and the belief that he can indeed be and do anything he wants.

Tyrone is building a space rocket to go on an adventure to the moon but when his building bricks stop working, Grandad Cleveland is on hand to show Tyrone that with determination and imagination, there’s nothing he can't do. Together, the pair embark on an out-of-this world adventure.

Sir Lenny is the author of three middle grade adventure stories; The Boy With Wings, The Book of Legends and Attack of the Rampaging Robot.

He dedicated The Book of Legends to the staff of Dudley Library who he said were responsible for all of his writing.

Sir Lenny’s visit also coincides with the launch to read six books of their choice over the school holidays, with lots of activities and rewards which is part of Dudley’s ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ Summer Reading Challenge.