As part of Bath Children’s Literature Festival’s 10th Birthday celebrations we have invited a few of our biggest fans to describe some of their favourite memories from festivals past and what they’re looking forward to this year. This week’s blog is from Lily Stanley…
Hi my name is Lily Stanley and just like the Bath Children’s Literature Festival I am nearly 10 years old. My mum works for Waterstones who support the Festival by selling lots of books at the events and sometimes I get to help which is really fun.
The first event that I can remember going to was Zoe and Beans-Pants on the moon. I love the illustrations in both Chloe and Mick Inkpen books. I also remember going to a Philip Ardagh event. He kept talking about beards a lot and he was a very funny storyteller.
My favourite event last year was Sam and Mark because they got some of the audience up on stage for a quiz which was entertaining. I hope they do that again this year. I can’t wait to see David Walliams because he always makes me laugh and Chris Riddell because I love the Ottoline and Goth Girl books – I have them all!
THE LARGEST DEDICATED CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL IN EUROPE WILL SOON BE 10 YEARS OLD
9 days and over 100 events featuring the best children’s and teen authors, incredible illustrators, favourite characters, professional storytellers and the biggest names in children’s literature from across the world.
Tickets go on sale on the following days:
General Booking: Is NOW OPEN
Call Bath Box Office on 01225 463362
Including:
David Walliams, Liz Pichon, astronaut Chris Hadfield, Michael Morpurgo, Malorie Blackman & Simon Mayo, Chris Riddell, Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, Nick Sharratt, Chris Packham, Clare Balding, Julian Clary, Lucy Worsley, Axel Scheffler, Andy Day, Cerrie Burnell, Sam and Mark, Lucy Cousins & Maisy, Frances Harding and so many more….
2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival. Over the last decade, the festival has brought to Bath and beyond, over 2,500 incredible author and illustrator events and workshops which have been enjoyed by over a ¼ of a million children, parents and teachers.
The Bath Children’s Literature Festival, the largest dedicated children’s festival in Europe, has always offered a vibrant array of talks and activities for children and young adults, and this year is no exception.
THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS
One of the biggest names in children’s books, David Walliams, is coming to the festival for the first time. The event will be a celebration of ‘The World of David Walliams’, with a talk about his career and some of his most popular books.
Best selling author and illustrator, Liz Pichon, offers a very special event that will take the audience into the world of Tom Gates.
Canadian astronaut, Colonel Chris Hadfield will launch his new book, The Darkest Dark, at the festival. Chris will talk about how he conquered is fear of the dark as a child and then went on to become Commander of the International Space Station.
Former children’s laureate, Michael Morpurgo, will share the inspiration for his books, including his latest novel An Eagle in the Snow which is an extraordinary story of the man who could have stopped World War Two before it began.
YA (Young Adult) Day – another former children’s laureate and celebrated YA author, Malorie Blackman, comes to the festival for an exclusive ‘in conversation’ event with radio presenter and author SimonMayo in which they will discuss their books and all things YA. The programme will also include Robert Muchamore & Sophia Bennett, Sarah J. Mass, Cecilia Ahern & Sophie Kinsella, Kevin Brooks and Frances Harding.
Chris Riddell, author of much loved books such as Ottoline and the Goth Girl series, will give a talk about his role as the current children’s laureate and answer questions from his young fans – through live drawing!
Team GB’s most successful Olympic athlete and cyclist, Chris Hoy, will introduce his new series of books for young readers entitled Flying Fergus.
TV presenter and wildlife champion, Chris Packham, will recall many animal stories as well as talk about his first book, Amazing Animal Journeys.
Well-known broadcaster and author, Clare Balding, will entertain and inspire with her talk about her very first book, The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop.
Comedian, entertainer and writer, Julian Clary, will team up with illustrator, David Roberts, to introduce their brand new book in the series, The Bolds to the Rescue.
Historian and author, Lucy Worsley, will bring Tudor times to life with her novel Eliza Rose. The book explores the life of Katherine Howard and Henry VIII’s court through the eyes of the maid of honour, Eliza Rose.
Bestselling illustrator, Axel Scheffler, will do live drawing and storytelling based on family favourites such as Stick Man and Superworm.
The Dragon’s Dentist by Tom Morris, adapted from the book by artistic director of the festival, John McLay, will be performed at the Mission Theatre by Next Stage production.
The Kids Big Bath Read returns this year. The book under review will be Hamish and the Worldstoppers, written by Danny Wallace and illustrated by Jamie Littler.
A series of Masterclasses offering pop-up book making, Doctor Who story writing, collage making and tips on how to become a journalist.
Look out for events, activities and competitions to celebrate the 10th anniversary including the CBeebies Radio Bus.The artist who created this year’s programme front cover is Nick Sharratt. Nick will give a talk on his new picture book, The Cat and the King.
Keep up to date with all the Festival announcements by following us on Twitter @BathFestivals #BathKidsLitFest or Like us on Facebook /BathFestivals
In our latest review from the ongoing Telegraph Children’s Bath Literature Festival, Ian Waller and his two of his children, Eve and Dad, enjoyed a morning with… Cressida Cowell at the Forum in Bath.
The queue around the block outside the Forum in Bath of children and parents waiting to listen to Cressida Cowell said it all. Here was a chance to listen to one of the UK’s most popular children’s authors telling us about the story behind her immensely successful series of How To Train Your Dragon books, and fortunately it was worth the wait.
Cressida immediately came across a thoroughly likeable person who still retained that almost childlike enthusiasm for life and storytelling. Early on in her talk she took the audience back to her wonderfully adventurous childhood, including her family holidays spent on a remote island complete with Viking relics that proved to be such an important influence on her most popular stories.
Throughout the hour she took every opportunity to encourage young would-be writers in the audience to take up the pen and use their imaginations to write their own stories. In between examples of her own early work, she described with great affection the stories and drawings sent to her by children depicting their own fantasy worlds and weird creatures. Using these as examples, she explained how a simply question, for example, ‘what would it be like if dragons really existed?’ can form the basis of a wonderful tale, adding in how research of the real world, notably some wonderfully weird undersea creatures, add to the texture of her tales.
Along the way Cressida read extracts from her books, answered questions for the audience and talked about her admiration for other story tellers, from JK Rowling to JRR Tolkien. Throughout there was a central strand of having a go and keeping at it – you might not be the finished article at nine-years-old, but you’ve started on what will hopefully be a hugely enjoyable journey. In fact, even as a 48 year old would-be story-writer, I too found her advice and experience encouraging – perhaps I should have another go at the story that I started writing eight year ago after all?
This hugely enjoyable hour has been just the latest is a wonderful celebration of children’s literature, all arranged thanks to the team at Bath Festivals. If you’re quick, there’s still tickets available for the final few events tomorrow (Sunday).
Ian Waller (Editor The Bath & Wiltshire Parent Magazine) was at The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival which continues until Sunday 4th October.. See the full programme here or call the Bath Box Office on 01225 463362
Animal Stories with Piers Torday and Erin Hunter (Victoria Holmes)
I first read Erin Hunter’s Into the Wild when I was about 9 years old. At that point, I had turned away from reading altogether, not being interested in anything that wasn’t my beloved Magic Tree House books (a very popular American series at the time). I had received the first Warriors book for Christmas that year and hadn’t looked at it since ripping off the wrapping paper. My mother persistently insisted that I give it a read, and eventually I gave in. The Warriors series follows Rusty, a house cat who wanders into the forest and joins one of the four clans of wild cats. The series now has 70 books with up to 490 characters. I’ve read at least 20 of them, and I thought that was a lot! Erin Hunter, the pen name of Victoria Holmes and her assisting writers, turns out more books in a year than many authors do in a life time. Her publishers came to her one day and asked if she could write about cats. Ironically, Victoria hated cats. So what she did instead was write about what she found interesting; death, religion, politics, and romance. She explained that using cats, or any animal for that matter, is a great way to talk about bigger issues without estranging the reader. Cats grow up much faster than humans do, and therefore experience life much faster as well. It gives the characters a dimensionality that is limited when writing through the eyes of a 12 year old. In my experience with her books, I’d have to say she’s 100% right. I not only appreciated reading about more adult themes, but it helped me grow up into a more aware person. Yes, a bunch of cats helped me understand the inner workings of politics and the importance of honor and loyalty.
Then there’s Piers Torday and his books The Last Wild. A former stage and television producer, his trilogy about a post-apocalyptic world with very few animals remaining originally was pitched to be a sitcom. As he sat and mulled the idea over more, he realized that what he really wanted to write about was animals no longer having a voice. Therefore, the main character Kester gives voice to these animals in his ability to understand them. Piers said that people have an endless fascination with animals, and therefore they make great vessels for new ways of telling a story. He writes his books in present tense first person, a risky choice to make. But he explained that it’s because the animals are experiencing everything presently, not in the past, therefore he had to write the way they thought. It creates an immediacy and immersion that he particularly enjoys.
Where the two contrast is in their methods. Piers writes whatever comes to him and follows it where ever it takes him. Victoria has everything planned out. She has to, particularly when she’s handing the reins to another writer. Where Victoria has written too many books to count, Piers has written only the three in his trilogy. But what they both agreed on was how the worlds they build eventually start to do the writing for them. The larger the world becomes, the more stories and characters pop up out the woodwork. And they both shared the same bit of advice: Read everything and Write everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s reading a phone book or writing an email. The more you do it, the better you’ll be at both. I have to say I agree. While I haven’t ready The Last Wild trilogy, I can say that reading Warriors has affected me and my family very deeply. It gave me the creative faculty to come up with stories of my own and pursue a degree in Creative Writing.
After reading either of these authors, the next time you almost step on a pigeon or see a cat dart across an alley you’ll stop and wonder what sort of world they’re truly living in.
-Tina Berardi
Bath Festivals Intern
Piers Torday and Erin Hunter appeared at The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival on Sunday 27 September. The Festival continues until Sunday 4 October for the full programme click here.
Ever wondered, as the water drains down the plughole, what might live down there in the pipes? Want to know what it feels like to be the brother of a superhero? Ever imagined having a small talking pygmy marmoset as a sidekick? Ponder no more. For Bath Picks brings us a trio of new writers who will answer all these questions. Pick up Sibéal Pounder’sWitch Wars, delve into David Solomons’ My Brother is a Superhero, spend an afternoon with Martyn Ford’s The Imagination Boxand you will discover treasures galore.
What is an imagination box? Just what is says on the lid. It’s a small box that creates anything that you can imagine. And when Timothy Hart comes across it one day it opens up a whole world of adventure. Soon the box is no longer just a toy, but a tool for unravelling mysteries. Ford, a journalist for a regional paper, tried writing screenplays (“impossible”) but always had an idea for a book slowly burning away in the back of his mind. He wasn’t a particularly enthusiastic reader as a child, but picking up Nick Hornby’sHigh Fidelity in his late teens was the prompt he needed to get on with making that idea a reality.
For Solomons a desire to write about an eleven-year-old whose name “wasn’t on the scroll of destiny” was the starting point. And so we have the comic-loving Luke whose need for a pee comes at just the wrong time. How unkind that an alien should choose the exact moment while Luke is absent to visit the treehouse that he shares with his older brother Zach, endow Zach with superpowers and instruct him to save the universe.
Why write a children’s book and not publish an adult novel, Solomons is asked. “Have you seen the state of the adult fiction market?” Solomons quips. But seriously, when you write for children you have far greater freedoms of creativity.
Pounder seconds that: “Kids are better. If you can make a kid laugh it’s more of an achievement.” So, in her book we find silly spells, riddles, revolting “cheesewater”, fairies and witches, and a whole wonderful world that exists in the pipes snaking beneath the sink. “Carry a notebook wherever you go, observe what’s happening around you, make your characters have conversations with each other”, Pounder advises aspiring writers. Solomons suggests giving your main character a burning desire. Then, when it comes to writing the book, you have to decide whether you’re a planner or a “pantser”, that is, a writer who does it by the seat of their pants. Ford recommends drawing on the memories of your childhood self and taking it from there. Most of all, you need to let your imagination roam free.
Claudia Pugh-Thomas at Bath Picks: Ford, Solomons & Pounder Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival Saturday 26th September
Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival continues until Sunday 4 October. For the full programme click here
So, it’s that time of year again – The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival is almost upon us and the literary world is buzzing with excitement! The two week extravaganza is the perfect antidote to the blustery weather that signals the arrival of autumn, and this year I’m even more excited than usual.
I’ve been coming to the festival since I was a student at Bath Spa University, many (too many!) moons ago and I’m not quite sure how they do it, but the line up gets bigger and better every year. One of my greatest Bath Kids Lit Festival moments was seeing Meg Rosoff, David Almond and Melvin Burgess on one spectacular panel, and the Michael Rosen event at the Forum a couple of years ago was another one I’ll always remember.
This year I’m most looking forward to seeing Jacqueline Wilson and Patrick Ness, as well as heading to see Judith Kerr kick off the proceedings on the Festival’s opening night. Getting to see three of the greatest authors of all time within the space of a fortnight? Yes please.
It’s such a wonderful opportunity for readers and writers to come together and celebrate the diversity of the kids lit world…and you don’t have to jump on a train to London to see some of your favourite authors, which is always a nice change! Bathhas a booming community of book lovers and there’s such a lovely atmosphere around the festival that can’t be beaten by any other literary event. Plus, where else are you going to see Peter Rabbitand Derek Landy on the same line up?
For the full 2015 programme click here, the 2015 Festival runs from Friday 25th September to Sunday 4th October. Bath Box Office 01225 463362
The Bath Kids Lit Festival was the first literature festival I ever attended – who am I kidding, it was the first festival of any kind I’ve ever attended. I first popped along in 2013, in the festival’s 6th year having arranged to meet up with someone who I’d been trying to meet for well over a year.
The festival became the first time I’d spoken to an author (in fact several) and the year it clicked that authors are people too, people that just so happen to have similar interests – the only real difference is they have the ability to craft stories that will take you on magical adventures, experience powerful emotions, make you cry and make you jump up and shout yes! And there lies the beauty of the BathKids Lit Fest, in it’s 9th year it’s still making it possible to meet your favourite authors and listen to what they have to say, bringing in the well known authors like Jacqueline Wilson, James Dawsonand Holly Smale.
This years programmeis so good the only downside is how you’re going to fit it all in!
Echoing the online UKYA and UKMG communities the Bath Kids Lit Festbrings together a passionate group of people in a celebration of children’s literature. Readers (both young and not so), writers, illustrators, publishers – in fact anyone with an interest in children’s publishing and books will find something for them. All set in and around the beautiful buildings like the Guildhall which make Bath and the Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival such a special and exciting place to be.
This year’s festival, running from 25 September to 4 October has pulled out all the stops to ensure there’s plenty over the 10 day festival to involve and interest the Bath teen audiences. Here’s a brief round-up of some of the events:
Double Carnegie medal winner Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls and the Chaos Walking trilogy will talk about his experiences as a writer as well as sharing his latest novel, The Rest of Us Just Live Here.
Joe Suggis a YouTube Star with over 4 million subscribers and he’s coming to Bath to discuss his first book, Username: Evie, an original and imaginative graphic novel. Ticket price will include a signed copy of the book and there’ll also be a chance for 50 fans chosen randomly on the night to meet Joe in person.
Acclaimed YA authors James Dawson and Hayley Longappear in a frank, funny, straight talking event about all things teen.
Holly Smale is Young Adult Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner and creator of the bestselling Geek Girl books. Come and hear all about All That Glitters, the latest calamity-strewn adventure starring Harriet Manners.
On an exclusive visit from the US, bestselling author Jennifer Donnelly joins us to talk about the third book in the Waterfire Saga, Dark Tide whilst three amazing authors Arabella Weir, Jenny McLachlan and Katy Birchall talk about the amusing and peculiar perils of being a modern day teen as well as confessing some of their own teen misadventures.
Master storyteller Derek Landy has built a loyal following of devoted Skullduggery Pleasant fans. He’s written a new and epic saga, Demon Road, full of his trademark action, wit and razor sharp dialogue. Come prepared for undead serial killers, vampires and killer cars!
Sheila Rance has written a stunning fantasy adventure called Sun Catcher and will be running a masterclass in creative writing and world building – this is your chance to turn the ideas in your mind into reality on the page.
Joe Abercrombie and Philip Reeve, two young adult storytellers at the top of their craft, transport you into two incredible worlds in turns brutal, fantastical and amazing.
Fancy yourself as a bit of a Hunger Games expert? Join the eccentric host Caesar Flickerman for the ultimate Hunger Games quiz. Test your knowledge of the books and pit yourself against the other in Panem for the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Not to be missed.
THE 9th TELEGRAPH BATH CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Friday 25 September – Sunday 4 October 2015
THE LARGEST DEDICATED CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL IN THE UK TEN DAYS and OVER 120 EVENTS FEATURING THE BIGGEST NAMES IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
INCLUDING:
* Julia Donaldson * Cressida Cowell *Jacqueline Wilson *Michael Rosen *Judith Kerr *Francesca Simon *Axel Scheffler *Frank Cottrell Boyce *Julian Clary *Sam & Mark *Andy Day and new Waterstones 2015-2017 Children’s Laureate *Chris Riddell
The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival, the largest dedicated children’s book festival in the UK, is now in its 9th spectacular year. This is a festival bursting at the seams with vibrant activity for children of all ages, their families and friends.
Original founders of the festival, JOHN AND GILL MCLAY are back as Artistic Directors with a world-class line up to thrill book lovers from pre-school to teen and beyond. They say:
‘We are delighted to be returning as Artistic Directors of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival with our best line-up since our first festival 8 years ago. We’ve had a lot of fun putting this jam-packed schedule of events together with the biggest names, the best authors and the most brilliant illustrators. We hope our ever-increasing family audience enjoys their visit to Bath and will be back for our 10th Anniversary in 2016’.
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL: 2015
THE BEST AUTHORS WRITING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND TEENS
including:
The UK’s best selling author, former Children’s Laureate and festival favourite JULIA DONALDSON returns to Bath with illustrator LYDIA MONKS to reveal What the Ladybird Heard Next.
Bath born DAME JACQUELINE WILSON with a sneak preview of her new book Little Stars, the fifth title about Victorian foundling, Hetty Feather: now a CBBC series.
CRESSIDA COWELL and the latest in her massively successful series How To Train Your Dragon.
Together for the first time, renowned poet, performer, broadcaster and scriptwriter MICHAEL ROSEN and newly appointed Children’s Laureate and creator of Goth GirlCHRIS RIDDELL, with their new Poetry Collection, A Great Big Cuddle.
FRANCESCA SIMON with her last ever Horrid Henry
Plus: Screen writer and novelist Frank Cottrell Boyce; The Boy in Striped Pyjamas author John Boyne, Horror heavyweights Darren Shan and Charlie Higson; Teen author Patrick Ness; performance poet, comedian, musician and songwriter John Hegley… and many, many more.
CLF 2015: THE BEST ILLUSTRATORS
including:
Illustrator, author and political cartoonist and the new Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2015-2017 CHRIS RIDDELL
This year’s cover artist BEN CORT, illustrator of the best selling picture book Aliens Love Underpants and
The legendary JUDITH KERR Creator of classic picture books including The Tiger who came to Tea, who will discuss her life’s work and new book, Mr Cleghorn’s Seal with JULIA ECCLESHARE.
Award-winning Gruffalo artist AXEL SCHEFFLER
Much loved author and illustrator HELEN OXENBURY (We’re Going on A Bear Hunt)
MICHAEL FOREMAN regular collaborator with Michael Morpurgo and Terry Jones
Horrible Histories’ MARTIN BROWN
Award winning illustrator and creator of Dirty BertieDAVID ROBERTS …and many, many more.
CLF2015: THE BEST EVER LINE UP OF TV AND INTERNET NAMES WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Including:
Internet phenomenon, vlogger and author JOE SUGG .
Comedian and novelist JULIAN CLARY who will introduce his fabulous new book, The Bolds, with illustrations by DAVID ROBERTS
SAM NIXON and MARK RHODES –CBBC presenters Sam and Mark.
ANDY DAYCBEEBIES Wildlife and animals specialist.
CBEEBIES presenter CERRIE BURNELL.
Comedians ARABELLA WEIR and DAVID BADDIEL and many, many more.
CLF 2015: FAMILY FAVOURITES AND ALL THE BIGGEST BRANDS
Including:
HARRY POTTER; WIMPY KID; STAR WARS; PEPPA PIG; THE HUNGER GAMES; SHAUN THE SHEEP; PETER RABBIT;
THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE; HORRIBLE HISTORIES and TOPSY AND TIM.
CLF 2015:
Celebrating 150th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland.
This year’s KIDS BIG BATH READ will be Lewis Carroll’sAlice in Wonderland, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2015. The festival is sprinkled with Alice-themed events:
A series of creative summer workshops,
Dreams, darkness, white rabbits and Mad Hatters : CATHY CASSIDY introduces her own modern day version of Lewis Carroll’s classic.
A Special anniversary event: ILLUSTRATING ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Three award winning artists: MICHAEL FOREMAN, GRAHAME BAKER-SMITH and HELEN OXENBURY, who have all illustrated modern editions of Alice in Wonderland, tell how they decided to draw Alice’s wonderful world.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND STORY TELLING for all ages from pre-school to teens.
With a full school’s programme, workshops and master classes on everything from Shaun the Sheep model making to writing film scripts and creating cartoons; panel events and debates; storytelling sessions for pre school children and BATH PICKS, a brand new initiative to introduce the brightest new talent in the children’s book world, The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2015 is the biggest and the best it’s ever been.
Cover illustration by BEN CORT and other images available on request.
THE 9th TELEGRAPH BATH CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Friday 25 September – Sunday 4 October 2015
THE LARGEST DEDICATED CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL IN THE UK TEN DAYS and OVER 120 EVENTS FEATURING THE BIGGEST NAMES IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
INCLUDING:
Julia Donaldson, Cressida Cowell, Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Rosen, Judith Kerr, Francesca Simon, Axel Scheffler, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Floella Benjamin, Julian Clary, Helen Skelton, Sam & Mark, Andy Day and new Waterstones 2015-2017 Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell
The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival, the largest dedicated children’s book festival in the UK, is now in its 9th spectacular year. This is a festival bursting at the seams with vibrant activity for children of all ages, their families and friends.
Original founders of the festival, JOHN AND GILL MCLAY are back as Artistic Directors with a world-class line up to thrill book lovers from pre-school to teen and beyond. They say:
‘We are delighted to be returning as Artistic Directors of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival with our best line-up since our first festival 8 years ago. We’ve had a lot of fun putting this jam-packed schedule of events together with the biggest names, the best authors and the most brilliant illustrators. We hope our ever-increasing family audience enjoys their visit to Bath and will be back for our 10th Anniversary in 2016’.
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL: 2015
THE BEST AUTHORS WRITING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND TEENS
including:
The UK’s best selling author, former Children’s Laureate and festival favourite JULIA DONALDSON returns to Bath with illustrator LYDIA MONKS to reveal What the Ladybird Heard Next.
Bath born DAME JACQUELINE WILSON with a sneak preview of her new book Little Stars, the fifth title about Victorian foundling, Hetty Feather: now a CBBC series.
CRESSIDA COWELL and the latest in her massively successful series How To Train Your Dragon.
Together for the first time, renowned poet, performer, broadcaster and scriptwriter MICHAEL ROSEN and newly appointed Children’s Laureate and creator of Goth GirlCHRIS RIDDELL, with their new Poetry Collection, A Great Big Cuddle.
FRANCESCA SIMON with her last ever Horrid Henry
Plus: Screen writer and novelist Frank Cottrell Boyce; The Boy in Striped Pyjamas author John Boyne, Horror heavyweights Darren Shan and Charlie Higson; Teen author Patrick Ness; performance poet, comedian, musician and songwriter John Hegley… and many, many more.
CLF 2015: THE BEST ILLUSTRATORS
including:
Illustrator, author and political cartoonist and the new Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2015-2017 CHRIS RIDDELL
This year’s cover artist BEN CORT, illustrator of the best selling picture book Aliens Love Underpants and
The legendary JUDITH KERR Creator of classic picture books including The Tiger who came to Tea, who will discuss her life’s work and new book, Mr Cleghorn’s Seal with JULIA ECCLESHARE.
Award-winning Gruffalo artist AXEL SCHEFFLER
Much loved author and illustrator HELEN OXENBURY (We’re Going on A Bear Hunt)
MICHAEL FOREMAN regular collaborator with Michael Morpurgo and Terry Jones
Horrible Histories’ MARTIN BROWN
Award winning illustrator and creator of Dirty BertieDAVID ROBERTS …and many, many more.
CLF2015: THE BEST EVER LINE UP OF TV AND INTERNET NAMES WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
Including:
Internet phenomenon, vlogger and author JOE SUGG .
Comedian and novelist JULIAN CLARY who will introduce his fabulous new book, The Bolds, with illustrations by DAVID ROBERTS.
Author, television presenter, politician and advocate for young people FLOELLA BENJAMIN will be talking about the 20th anniversary of her book Coming to England .
SAM NIXON and MARK RHODES –CBBC presenters Sam and Mark.
ANDY DAYCBEEBIES Wildlife and animals specialist.
CBEEBIES presenter CERRIE BURNELL.
Ex Blue Peter adventurer HELEN SKELTON
MARK GATISSDr Who script writer and creator of Sherlock
Comedians ARABELLA WEIR and DAVID BADDIEL and many, many more.
CLF 2015: FAMILY FAVOURITES AND ALL THE BIGGEST BRANDS
Including:
HARRY POTTER; WIMPY KID; STAR WARS; PEPPA PIG; THE HUNGER GAMES; SHAUN THE SHEEP; PETER RABBIT;
THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE; HORRIBLE HISTORIES and TOPSY AND TIM.
CLF 2015:
Celebrating 150th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland.
This year’s KIDS BIG BATH READ will be Lewis Carroll’sAlice in Wonderland, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2015. The festival is sprinkled with Alice-themed events:
A series of creative summer workshops,
Dreams, darkness, white rabbits and Mad Hatters : CATHY CASSIDY introduces her own modern day version of Lewis Carroll’s classic.
A Special anniversary event: ILLUSTRATING ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Three award winning artists: MICHAEL FOREMAN, GRAHAME BAKER-SMITH and HELEN OXENBURY, who have all illustrated modern editions of Alice in Wonderland, tell how they decided to draw Alice’s wonderful world.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND STORY TELLING for all ages from pre-school to teens.
With a full school’s programme, workshops and master classes on everything from Shaun the Sheep model making to writing film scripts and creating cartoons; panel events and debates; storytelling sessions for pre school children and BATH PICKS, a brand new initiative to introduce the brightest new talent in the children’s book world, The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2015 is the biggest and the best it’s ever been.
Cover illustration by BEN CORT and other images available on request.
