3 minute read
CHILDREN’S LIT FESTIVAL
Books for children
The Children’s Literature Festival is back from 24 September –3 October. The festival programmers have put their heads together and have come up with a selection of events that should appeal to the most reluctant of readers...
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Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2021 has always put on events for kids who are crazy about books. But what if the child in your life says they’re not really interested in reading? Here are some events and shows for this month’s festival which will have even the most reluctant reader turning the pages.
For the kids who love sport
Bath is a rugby city and we know there are loads of families who don the black, white and blue to cheer on our home team. Bath Rugby is bringing some of its players to the books festival. Rampaging Rugby is a factfilled fun events for boys and girls who love the game. Writer and rugby fans Robin Bennett and illustrator Matt Cherry will be joined by Bath players to test your rugby knowledge and skills. 26 September, 12pm, Komedia, ages 7 plus.
For kids who can’t keep still
The nation’s favourite PE teacher Joe Wicks has created new characters to win children over and he’ll be bringing The Burpee Bears to life at Komedia. The book has illustrated warm-ups and warm-downs to get even the most energetic little bears engaged. 2 October, 1pm, Komedia, ages 4 to 11.
For young people who care about injustice
Stuart Lawrence is the brother of Stephen Lawrence, a teenager whose life was cruelly cut short by a racist attack. Stuart’s experiences have taught him how to move forward and now his role as an inspirational speaker to young people is about how to effect change. His book title says it all: Silence is Not An Option, You Can Impact The World for Change. 25 September, 4pm, The Guildhall, age 13 and over.
For kids who love to draw
There are lots of interactive events at this year’s festival. Illustrator Liz Pichon brings her popular character Tom Gates back to Bath, ten years after his creation. Liz will be drawing us in to her cleverly illustrated world with Tremendous Tales of Tom Gates. 25 September, 5pm, The Forum, ages 7–12.
Another drawing opportunity comes with British-Chinese illustrator Sue Cheung. Sue grew up in a house with no books, but she loved comics and bought as many as she could. Now the successful author and illustrator, creator of Maddy Yip’s Guide To Life, invites you to come along and create your own comic character cartoons, or have a go at drawing your own ‘How to…’ comic strip. 25 September, 2pm, Forum Ballroom, ages 7 to 12.
For little ones who aren’t sure
Join local author Emma Perry for a wonderful interactive story time about a little girl called Mabel who didn’t like books. I Don’t Like Books. Never. Ever is a great introduction to books being fun. 29 September, 10.30am, Bath main library, ages 2 to 5.
For kids who love gruesome stuff
Join former doctor and now best-selling writer Adam Kay for A Gruesome History of the Human Body. He’ll take you on a disgustingly delicious tour of the insides of our bodies. Have pencils and paper ready for a draw-along with illustrator Henry Paker. It’s fun, and you’ll learn a lot too. 3 October, 2pm, Komedia, for ages 7 to 12.
For kids (and parents) who love quizzes
Join your hilarious host, quizmaster Andrew Pettie and play the new family quiz based on Andrew’s book Listified, a fact-filled book of lists. Test your trivia power against your family. Spin the Wheel of Facts. You can even win spot prizes! 2 October, 3pm, Komedia, for ages 8 to 80.
For kids who like a good laugh
Pamela Butchart is a teacher and author who knows exactly what makes children laugh. Her shows explore dinner ladies, teachers’ staff rooms and school trips – all the stuff we know all about – and she makes us laugh at the adventures she creates. Her latest book A Monster Ate My Packed Lunch! will have young readers desperate to know what happens next. 3 October, 3pm, Komedia, ages 8–80. n
