All parents/carers worry about getting young children to sleep at night – and of course getting enough sleep themselves. But it doesn’t have to be a bedtime battle. Reading a book before bed as part of a regular nightly routine is the perfect way to get your little one ready to visit the land of nod.

The same routine every night involving a story and shared reading can not only help them fall asleep – it can also feed their imagination, creativity and confidence. BookTrust tell us that children who are read to every night start school ahead of those who aren’t.

In East Sussex parents/carers can pick up their free copy of the new Bath, Book, Bed booklet from any library or children’s centre. The booklet features a Best Bedtime Books list and has lots more ideas, guidance and practical tips, if you want to make stories a part of your child’s bedtime routine.

Whilst you're picking up your Bath, Book, Bed booklet, why not also borrow a new bedtime book from the library?

Amy Sparkes author of Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo (shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize) will be bringing Pirate Fun to Eastbourne Library on Thursday

1st June at 2pm (half term) to celebrate the launch of her new series:

Pirate Blunderbeard. Worst. Pirate. Ever.

There will be piratical activities, an interactive diary, dressing-up and maybe plank-walking and treasure hunting.

Amy’s books will be on sale and she will be signing them after the event. This is a free event for 3-11 year olds.

Q. What did the pirate say when his wooden leg got stuck in the freezer?

A. Shiver me timbers!

This month, two of our younger library members, Pearl and Zane, tell us about their favourite books:

Pearl (aged 6) recommends Slug needs a Hug by Jeanne Willis:

"I chose this book because it looks nice.  It’s about a slug whose mummy can’t cuddle him so he thinks she doesn’t want to cuddle him.  He asks his friends for help and they tell him to put things on, like a costume so she will want to cuddle him.  The slug puts on a pig’s snout, butterfly wings and a furry coat but his mummy didn’t recognise him.  It said at the end that his mummy couldn’t cuddle him because she had no arms, so she kissed him instead.

It rhymed all the way through and I read it lots of times.  I like going to the library because Kristy works there and she takes us to get more books."

Zane (aged 10) tells us about Deadpool vs. Gambit by Ben Acker:

"This is the first graphic novel I have read.  I picked it up because the cover looked interesting and my friend Paul recommended it.  I like reading and I like comics and this is the best of both worlds.  Although it’s part of a series you don’t need to read them in any order.  My friend Paul found the next one at the library and I am looking forward to reading it after him.

The story was exciting and I didn’t want to put it down, I read it in two weeks.  I like the library and the way the books are organised.  Everyone is friendly and helpful and I can’t wait to go back."

Why not borrow a DVD from one of our libraries this month?

Sully – Miracle on the Hudson

If you enjoyed Tom Hanks playing the reluctant hero in Captain Philips or Bridge of Spies you may also enjoy this adventure.

Fantastic Beasts and where to find them

A Harry Potter spin-off, and J. K. Rowling’s screenwriting debut. Follow the adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York's secret community of witches and wizards.

You will love this whether or not you’re a Potter fan.

Rogue One

A standalone adventure set in the Star Wars Universe –what's not to love!

DVDs can be borrowed from as little as £2, and from £3.50 for the latest releases.