There are a few things to thank lockdown for, one of them being the resurgence of book reading. Our kids found great joy in the escapism of a good book. Lockdown did however, take away the CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL in Cardiff, but now, after two years away, this fantastic event is set to return.
One of my greatest joys was sitting with my lad, on a horrible rainy day, picking out a book and reading it together. Okay, so these were the days before a billion TV channels, smartphones and a whole range of electronic devices. All of which by the way are terrific. Somehow however, sitting together with a proper book, that you can thumb through, turn the page back and forward, and point at words you need to focus on, seems so much better with a real book. When have you ever heard anyone say ‘don’t put your fingerprints on that book.’
The award-winning family festival will once again bring together an exciting and inspiring programme of events in both English and Welsh, presented by popular children’s authors and illustrators. It’s taking place on one jam-packed weekend (22nd & 23rd April) in City Hall and National Museum, Cardiff. This is your chance to take your kids and spend the day with them at the festival.
There is so much on offer for primary-aged children. From picture book authors and story-time sessions for younger children to mystery, crime and comedy for more experienced readers. Science, nature and the environment are also strong themes, in fact, if you can read it you can enjoy it at the festival.
Here’s the first group of authors and illustrators who will be appearing at this year’s Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival!
Celebrate 30 years of Horrible Histories with illustrator, MARTIN BROWN.
Expect savage stories, gruesome games, foul facts and deadly drawing. Find out the best worst bits of history from brand new book Horrible Histories: The Worst in the World and pick up some wicked drawing tips. Fun for all the family from 8+.
Imagine a world where your parents WANT you to be bad… well, that’s the case for terror twins Hack and Whack, the WORST Vikings in the village. Join FRANCESCA SIMON and STEVE MAY as they introduce the third instalment in their mischievous new series, Two Terrible Vikings: Feast with the King. Prepare yourself for anarchy, mischief and total chaos!
Climb aboard a pirate ship and set sail on a riveting adventure with ISZI LAWRENCE. Set in the eighteenth century during the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean, perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Jacqueline Wilson.
It’s 1718: pirate ships sail the oceans and brutal slave masters control the plantations.
Eleven-year-old Abigail Buckler lives with her father in the Caribbean. Her clothes are made of finest muslin so she can’t play in them, not that there’s anyone to play with anyway. She isn’t even allowed to go out alone. But when pirates attack Abigail’s life will change forever. Suddenly her old certainties about right and wrong, good and bad start to unravel.
Maybe Abigail doesn’t have to be so ladylike after all…
Join author JACK MEGGITT-PHILLIPS for a beastly introduction to the adventures of 511-year-old Ebenezer Tweezer and orphan Bethany. Hear lively readings from the book (with puppetry!), help Jack decided what to feed the beast next and write your very own short stories with creative writing tips and prompts from Jack. The Beast and the Bethany was named by David Walliams as one of his top Christmas reads.
Jack is an incredibly exciting new talent. Born in Cardiff, Jack is an author, scriptwriter and playwright whose work has been performed at The Roundhouse and featured on Radio 4. He is scriptwriter and presenter of The History of Advertising podcast. In his mind, Jack is an enormously talented ballroom dancer, however his enthusiasm far surpasses his actual talent. Jack lives in north London where he spends most of his time drinking peculiar teas and reading PG Wodehouse novels.
Go Book-wandering with author ANNA JAMES as she talks about her love of books, building new worlds and meeting characters from her favourite stories in a Pages & Co event all about inspiration and ideas. Find out about the latest Pages & Co adventure The Treehouse Library and hear about the places around the world that have shaped Anna’s books as she shares photos, ideas, and writing tips.
Anna is a writer and journalist. She was a school librarian before joining The Bookseller as their Book News Editor. She now writes for a variety of newspapers and magazines, and chairs events at bookshops and literary festivals across the UK. She lives in North London, in a flat full of books. Pages & Co., Anna’s first children’s book series has sold over 500,000 copies in English and has been published in many languages.
Join GAVIN PUCKETT and Blanksy the street cat on their artistic adventures…
‘Seascapes and landscapes, snowy-capped hills.
Colourful tulips and gold daffodils.
His art was incredible, vibrant and loud.
Enough to make Pablo Picasso feel proud!
When Blanksy the cat discovers a talent for painting murals he uses it to draw bigger and bigger crowds to help his friend Pete the busker become rich. But will money really make Pete happy?’ Find out with Gavin and Blanksy the Street Cat.
The detective dogs are back for a swashbuckling pirate adventure! Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Pirates Ahoy! With TRACEY CORDEROY and STEVE LENTON.
Shifty and Sam have swapped their life of crime for a career in cupcakes. But when they’re asked to bake for a pirate party, they find themselves caught up in the middle of a robbery. Uh-oh! Captain Sharpwhiskers and his criminal crew have stolen Captain Chucklebeard’s treasure! Can Shifty and Sam catch those BAD pirates and bring back the loot? Find out in this hilarious, rhyming picture book adventure!
Join award winning author and illustrator SOPHY HENN for a journey through her Lifesize series. See how you measure up against some of the world’s most amazing creatures and dinosaurs, and discover mind-blowing animal facts. A fun packed, informative, interactive event, including a draw-along and Q&A.
The Welsh sessions include…….
Join author LUNED AARON in a session based on her fun-filled picturebook Pam? about an imaginative boy who WILL NOT stop asking “Why?”
Boc the dragon is lost in a Magical Fairy Forest, a Lost Kingdom Under the Sea, an Epic Quest to Fight a Terrifying Giant Boar, and other amazing worlds of Welsh legend in HUW AARON’S most ambitious book to date. He shares tips and tricks on creating your own magical worlds, weird monsters and legendary adventures.
Join author IOAN MORRIS and illustrator JOSH HICKS to learn about the amazing life of Welsh Wrestling legend Orig Williams – and how to create your own fun wrestling characters.
The CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL will be held at Cardiff City Hall and in the Undercroft at Cardiff Castle on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April. Tickets are on sale now and you can see a full list of events, and get yours HERE.
