Award‑winning children’s author Tom Palmer will be visiting every library in Cornwall during the May half term.
As Cornwall Libraries’ Ambassador for the Year of Reading, Tom is setting out to meet young readers from Penzance to Bude and everywhere in between.
At each stop he’ll be chatting about his brand‑new book, If the Invader Comes, a gripping tale inspired by real wartime events in Cornwall and written especially for children who love adventure and history.
The first five families through the door at every library will receive a free, signed copy of the book generously gifted by Tom’s publisher Barrington Stoke.
Tom said: “I am excited to be taking If the Invader Comes round all Cornwall’s libraires because this is a story about what Cornish people went through during WW2 and that’s important.
“In 1940 it was assumed Cornwall would be invaded by Nazi Germany, instead the Duchy was at the forefront of defending Great Britain from that invader and then fighting back to defeat them. I am proud to be helping tell that story through Cornwall’s libraries.”
The tour is part of Cornwall Libraries’ mission to spark a love of reading in every child and to celebrate the incredible role libraries play in our towns, villages, and daily lives.
Councillor Sarah Preece, cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism, Localism and Planning, said: “It’s fantastic that during the Year of Reading, we are celebrating Cornwall’s rich history and giving young people the chance to discover books inspired by the place they live.
“Having an author travel the length and breadth of Cornwall to share his work is something truly special, and I’m delighted that families across the Duchy will have the chance to be part of it.”
Full tour dates and times will be shared on the Cornwall Council website and the Cornwall Libraries Facebook page.
Press release issued on May 14, 2026