Children's Events at Edinburgh International Book Festival 2007

Children's events at the 2007 Edinburgh International Book Festival.

• Ages 5 to 7

Dive into a deep sea story with Harmony the Rock Star anemone! Julie Hegarty’s Michelle stories focus on friendships beneath the waves, so come along on a voyage under the sea where everyone can learn to get along!

• Families and aged 6+

An engaging storyteller for children of all ages, Alexander McCall Smith wrote stories for youngsters long before he found fame around the globe with his adult fiction. You’ll enjoy hearing about all your favourite characters from kooky Harriet Bean to Akimbo and his African adventures in this delightful event for the whole family.

• Ages 10 to 14

Cathy Cassidy is back with an all-new loveable heroine whose family are a complete embarrassment – her mum is a drama queen while her dad thinks he’s Elvis! When will her life ever be normal? Everyone will adore the quirky characters and silly misadventures of Sundae Girl. Come along for a laugh and a touch of everyday magic in an event which is not just for girls!

• Adults and 10+

The Carnegie Medal is the Academy Award of children's literature. Come and
discover from winner Theresa Breslin and judges Ian Dodds, Jonathan Douglas
and Jane Sandell, which books make the cut and why. A fascinating look into the
world of books for anyone who is passionate about reading or writing.

• Families and 8+

Edinburgh as you’ve never seen it before! For locals and visitors alike, this city is full of stories. Authors Anne Forbes, Vivian French and J A Henderson explain how their favourite city inspires their stories – from friendly neighbourhoods to dragons and underground caves. Hear the tales, then go and see the sights for yourself!

• Families and 8+

Enjoy hearing poems collected from over seventy different Commonwealth countries. Festival favourites Diana Hendry and Hamish Whyte recite poems of every sort and in every style (some include drums!) so come along to hear a world of words and join in with one of your own masterpieces.

• Teens and adults

Gussie is one of those characters who is so easy to love. Spunky and endlessly optimistic, the poignant story of her move from London to the coastal wilds whilst battling a heart condition was a stunning debut; her continuing story is guaranteed to find new fans.

• Babies and toddlers

A second chance to join Craigmillar Books for Babies for an event of Scots songs and rhymes for your wee bairns, including old favourites such as Wee Willie Winkie and Katie Bairdie.

• Teens and adults

Two of the greatest artists working in graphic novels today. They’ve covered everything from Batman to Star Wars to Judge Dredd and beyond. So what made them change gears and adapt the Scottish epic of RL Stevenson’s Kidnapped? Come and hear a unique discussion about their collaborations old and new, accompanied by a display of their work from Scotland and further afield.

• Teens and adults

Authors Ian Rankin and Denise Mina write for the comic Hellblazer, following the infamous John Constantine. World famous graphic novelist Alan Grant has recently adapted RL Stevenson’s Kidnapped and Jekyll and Hyde into comic form. Graphic novels are a huge industry with millions of readers, so why aren’t they taken as seriously as novels without illustration? Are they as valuable as books? Join these world-class authors in a lively discussion.

• Teens and adults

This special event with one of the most recognised and prolific artists in graphic novels is an Edinburgh exclusive. Meet Cam Kennedy, who has drawn everyone from Darth Vader to Batman to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, as he sketches and talks about his work. A fascinating glimpse into the artist’s world.

• Ages 4 to 7

Hamish is a real mess sometimes. Pretend Hamish the Highland Cow is coming to stay at your house, as in Home Sweet Hamish. Can you imagine the mess he would make? Using collage, help author Natalie Russell create images of the kind of chaos Hamish might make and let your imagination run wild!

• Teens

When John MacNeil is the only witness to an atrocious slaughter in the Highlands he has nowhere to run. Scotland’s nationalisation and land redistribution has caused a violent uprising, and he’s on his own, hiding from a government that wants him quiet – wants him dead. This stunning teen debut is a breathless journey through the rugged terrain of Scotland in a terrifying and not too distant future.

• Ages 7 to 10

Picture book, comic book, puzzle and game, this event is for those with an adventurous spirit. Come on a hunt for treasure and weave your way through this zany maze of activities with the space pirate crew.

• Ages 4 to 7

Ross Collins is one of the great delights of Scotland – his sketching and storytelling are always a treat. In his Greenaway Medal shortlisted book The Elephantom, a little girl is plagued by a phantom elephant and no one will believe her! This is destined to be one of the silliest, most fun events of the weekend – don’t miss it!

• Teens and adults

Teenager. What does the word imply? How and why are teenagers seen to be different from everyone else? And what does that mean for them as readers? Three fantastic authors come together to discuss writing for teens. How does it differ from writing for adults or young children? How can you reach your audience effectively? A stimulating discussion for aspiring writers and teens.

• Ages 5 to 7

The Katie Morag books have delighted generations with their Hebridean charms and beautiful watercolour images of island life. Come and hear about Katie’s newest adventure on the idyllic Island of Struay. The two grandmas have decided that Katie needs ballet lessons but she would much rather muck about in her big black wellies! Will they ever come to a compromise?

• Ages 7 to 12

Sure authors write books, but they read them sometimes too! Vivian French loves Debi’s Goodnight, Baby Bat and Debi Gliori adores Vivian’s exciting new The Robe of Skulls. Is it a coincidence that they both feature talking bats? Come and hear two of Scotland’s most entertaining children’s authors talk about their great love of books.

• Ages 3 to 6

Come and meet Princess Poppy and all her friends from Honeypot Hill for stories, activities and a princess party, because every girl can be a princess! Author Janey Louise Jones will guide you through the event, just be sure to dress up as your favourite princess.

• Families and 7+

All it takes is two men and a trunk full of props and we’re off on a rollicking adventure! This hilarious, captivating theatrical adaptation of RL Stevenson’s Kidnapped (originally commissioned for the One Book – One Edinburgh campaign) is a joy for the whole family. Daring escapes, Highland battles, and the story of true friendship, this Book Festival exclusive is a real treat!

• Ages 3 to 5

One of our festival favourites, Debi Gliori is back with her fantastic new tale for wee ones. Be the first to hear all about the bedtime adventures of Baby Bat. What should Mummy Bat do? Baby Bat is full of beans and will not go to bed. An interactive event of rhyming fun for your little ones.

• Familes and 8+

Carol Ann Duffy’s readings are as infectious as they are enchanting. This spellbinding event will take you to far-off worlds and right back to your own back garden, with fairy tales, poems and accompanying music from John Sampson, this is a sheer delight for young and old alike.

• Teens and adults

Carnegie winner Theresa Breslin has been steeped in intrigue and betrayal for The Medici Seal. This fascinating event about the life and times of Leonardo da Vinci, which stems from her extensive research, will captivate you. An enthralling journey with plenty of visual aids.

• Teens and adults

Join some of teen fiction’s strongest voices on a journey to a new Scotland. Each has written distinctly different dystopian futures for the nation. In an age of uncertainty, political upheaval and environmental catastrophe, they look to the future to explore who we are and who we may yet become. A truly outstanding collaboration not to be missed.