The Historic Dockyard Chatham throws open its doors for the new season this weekend with an exhibition for the young and young at heart – A Squash and a Squeeze: Sharing Stories with Julia Donaldson.

It brings to life the work of Julia Donaldson, author of children’s modern classics such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Princess Mirror-Belle and The Troll.

Families can read aloud copies of her books in the many comfy areas at the dockyard’s No.1 Smithery, and younger visitors will enjoy crawling into the Squash and a Squeeze House, climbing into Cave Baby’s cave and dressing up in the many colourful costumes available.

They can sing along to Julia’s songs on a special Jukebox, act out stories with cuddly glove puppets or perform a play on the special stage.

And all ages are sure to enjoy taking the opportunity to have their photo taken with the 7ft Gruffalo.

Alex Patterson, collections and galleries manager, said: “We want to encourage families to spend time in the exhibition, there is so much for them to see and do.

“It is a great way of introducing young people to museums and showing them it all doesn’t have to be dry, dusty and boring.

“Hopefully it will get them hooked.”

Visitors can also view the original artwork by Julia’s many illustrators – most famously Axel Scheffler, but also Lydia Monks, David Roberts, Nick Sharratt, Karen George and Emily Gravett – and see some of Julia’s original manuscripts, along with her letters to the publishers and artists offering thoughts on the progress of the books.

Alex added: “It’s fascinating to see Julia’s thought processes, how she works out rhymes by scribbling pages of words.

“It isn’t just for the children who love the stories, this exhibition is also for people interested in how these stories were written. We are really thrilled to have the exhibition here at the dockyard.

“It is a great way to start 2014.”

A Squash and a Squeeze: Sharing Stories with Julia Donaldson will run at Historic Dockyard Chatham from Saturday, February 15, to Sunday, June 1.

The attraction will be open from 10am to 4pm every day. Admission is £18.50 for adults, £11.50 for children aged five to 15, £16 for concessions and £49.50 a family.

Tickets are valid for 12 months.

Call 01634 823800 or visit www.thedockyard.co.uk