Georgette McCready looks forward to some of the highlights of The Bath Children’s Literature Festival that comes to the city from September 27 – October 6
There’s so much to look forward to at The Bath Children’s Literature Festival, which returns to Bath in September. Great events, big names authors and lots to see and do for all ages – and that includes parents and carers!
For children age four and over
There’s fun for every family member at illustrator Rob Biddulph’s show. He’ll be introducing Follow the Fox, and there’ll be lots of laughs, as well as the chance to join in with one of his world-record breaking draw-alongs.
Is there a dinosaur fan in your house? They will love Dig, Dig Dinosaur, an event led by a real-life Professor of dinosaurs, Anjali Goswami and featuring an interactive picture book and roarsome fun.
More storytime with There’s A Tiger on the Train! Watch your little ones’ faces as they are mesmerised by Mariesa Dulak and illustrator Rebecca Cobb’s story. If you were on a train and a tiger started reading a comic next to you, would your dad even look up from his phone?!
It’s our favourite caped vegetable crusader – Supertato! Silliness and laughter abound as Sue Hendra brings us more adventures of Supertato.
Dance Just Like So. Kwesi has a special bond with his Gran, who is going to teach him to dance. Author Annemarie Anang will bring music and dancing to this one-off special event.
If you enjoyed the books about the squabbling squirrels and the little mouse with the lion inside, you’ll warm to Rachel Bright’s new story, The Pandas Who Promised. Animal stories with inspiring lessons for people.
There will be appearances by the Gruffalo and Little Nutbrown Hare at storytelling and activity sessions led by Liz Fost, held in a cosy corner of Bath Central Library.
Age six plus
Make a comic.Two talented creatives Mike Stirling and Craig Graham will be showing you how to make The Beano in just one hour!
Michael Rosen’s charisma is HUGE as he fills the stage with stories and poems brought to life. No wonder he’s one of our best loved writers, adored by generations of children.
If you like drawing . . . head along to Jonny Duddle’s draw-along inspired by his creation Gigantosaurus, as seen on TV. Or join illustrator Nick Sharratt, who has made up some giggle-tastic names for imaginary museums. Are you ready for the Pooseum?!
Age 8 plus
How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell has fired readers’ imaginations over the past 20 years and won the hearts of millions. Cressida started drawing fantastical creatures when she was still at school. Watch her draw LIVE and listen to spellbinding tales from her new book Which Way Round the Galaxy.
If you love superhero adventures like the Percy Jackson series, you’ll want to get your hands on the four-book series by British Nigerian writer Tola Okogwu charting the adventures of Onyeka and her friends.
The Ice Children by award-winning author M.G Leonard (Beetle Boy and the Twitchers series) is the perfect book to escape into. It’s the story of a brave girl and her reindeer friend setting out to try and save her brother, and it’s beautifully illustrated too.
Age 9 plus
For fans of fast-paced f-f-fantastic fiction, you’ll want to hear Aisling Fowler, the creator of the Fireborn series, talking about her latest book featuring her fearless heroine Phoenix (formerly known as Twelve).
Give a big Bath welcome to German fantasy fiction writer Cornelia Funke, creator of the FOUR Inkheart series of books, culminating in her latest, Inkworld: The Colour of Revenge. A rare chance to hear the Inkheart creator talk live in the UK.
Acclaimed author Anna James invites us to step inside Whetherwhy – a land where everyone has magic inside them – grown from spring, summer, autumn and winter. Find out which seasonal magic you are most attuned to as you discover the first in a series, The Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment.
He’s a comedian, a TV presenter, actor and consummate storyteller. Alexander Armstrong’s first book for young people, Evenfall: The Golden Linnet is about to land. If you like books with secret societies, ancient magic and fearsome foes you’ll want to check out this adventure-packed epic!
Age 10 and over
Bath Children’s Literature Festival is proud to welcome US based writer Megan Whalen Turner to the festival for the first time! She will be chatting about the phenomenally successful The Thief and its five sequel books. Get your questions ready!
For mums, dads and carers
Comedian and actor Richard Ayoade has joined forces with David Roberts to delve into the real lives of well-known characters in The Fairy Tale Fan Club. Did they really live happily ever after and was the Big Bad Wolf really so terrible?
Comedian Harry Hill has perfected the art of making grown-ups laugh just as loud and long as his younger audience members. He’ll be introducing his handy guide How To Be Silly Every Day of the Year. There’s also a live show with TV star Russell Kane, offering hilarious advice on Pet Selector, choosing your family’s next pet.
Doctor Who Night at the Assembly Rooms. Meet Doctor Who companions, writers and uber fans, as well as a real life Dalek with THREE events for Whovians of all generations.
For the full amazing line-up and to get your tickets visit https://bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature/whats-on/