THE BATH FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
21st-30th September, 2007
One of the biggest new literary festivals announced in recent years will take place in Bath this Autumn.
The Bath Festival of Children’s Literature will be a 10-day celebration of children’s books and reading. Its director, John McLay has already put together a programme that features some of the biggest and most creative names from the world of children’s publishing.
Headlining guests include :
§ Jacqueline Wilson, the current Children’s Laureate, who was born in Bath.
§ Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl (his only UK festival appearance of 2007).
§ Anthony Horowitz, author of the Alex Rider novels. Stormbreaker, the first title in the series, was made into a film in 2006.
§ Louise Rennison, popular teenage author and creator of the Georgia Nicholson books.
§ Darren Shan, whose Cirque Du Freak and Demonata series for young horror fans have earned him a worldwide audience.
§ Lauren Child, creator of BBC TV’s Charlie & Lola.
§ Julia Donaldson, author of popular picture book The Gruffalo.
§ Francesca Simon, author of the Horrid Henry series.
§ Tony Ross, illustrator of Horrid Henry and author of the Little Princess books, now a cartoon series on TV.
§ Garth Nix, Australian Fantasy author, his only UK festival appearance of 2007).
§ Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall series – which celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2007.
§ Geraldine McCaughrean, author of the official Peter Pan sequel, Peter Pan in Scarlet.
§ Joanne Harris, author of the book Chocolat, which became a film starring Johnny Depp. Her first book for children is published in Autumn 2007.
§ Lucy Hawking, daughter of Stephen Hawking, who has collaborated with her father on a new children's book, also published in the Autumn.
"The festival is all about getting as many authors and illustrators - local, national and international - in front of as many children as possible,” says Bath-based International Literary Scout, John McLay. “We want to inspire, to entertain and to educate, but most of all to have fun."
