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

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.

The event, which will be held on Saturday 8th July, will see Sir Lenny read the story and chat to families.

Tickets to the launch have all now sold out but everyone is welcome to the public signing at noon where copies of the book will also be available to purchase. 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."

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. Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member responsible for libraries at Dudley Council, said:

"We are absolutely delighted that Sir Lenny Henry has chosen one of our libraries to launch his new children’s book.

"Sir Lenny became Freeman of the Borough ten years ago in recognition of his incredible charity work and we’re honoured to have him return.

"We know how greatly he values public libraries and I hope his visit encourages people of all ages to become a member and get reading."

Lenny is also 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.

His visit also coincides with the launch of Dudley’s ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ Summer Reading Challenge which challenges children to read six books of their choice over the school holidays, with lots of activities and rewards along the way.

Sir Lenny has recently put his full support behind a campaign to 'Save Dudley's Libraries' after the Council proposed substantial cost savings in May, to its library and archives services over the coming years.