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 Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival begins on Friday 25th September (through to Sunday 4th October) I’m incredibly excited to be part of it for the first time it this year. It’s something that has been on my bookish bucket list for a while but I’ve been unable to fulfil – UNTIL NOW.
And when I check things off my bucket list, I do it in style. 😉
Come the 25th September I’ll be on the train heading straight for the wonderful city of Bathand all the magical literary excitement that awaits. I’ve managed to secure the entire week off work and plan to enjoy my first Children’s Literature Festival to its fullest.
There are so many things that I can’t wait to see/attend (it’s at these times that you really wish you could make copies of yourself to experience it all). Here are just a few of the things I’m looking forward to:
I’m also really interested to see how The Daily Telegraph’s Diversity Debate goes. Diversity in books is very important to me so I will be paying extra close attention to this one.
Luna’s Little Library has been a successful book blog for 3 ½ years. In that time I have read and reviewed over 500 books, from children’s, YA to Adult. There are no plans to stop any time soon.
This year Luna’s Little Library was shortlisted both for Champion of Diversity in YA and Champion of Content in the 2015 UKYA Blogger Awards.
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.
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.
