The List

20 events for young bookworms

Like books themselves, literature festivals aren’t just for grown-ups. Lucy Ribchester rounds up 20 highlights for junior readers to enjoy this August

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20 events for young bookworms

Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Kick off your morning with this free daily series of storytelling sessions, featuring authors and famous faces such as Evelyn Glennie and Morag Hood. 10–20, 23–26 August, 10am.

Hip Hop Story Stop!
Storyteller Claire McNicol and dance instructor Fergus McNicol have joined forces to create a free, drop-in mash-up of dancing, singing and interactive storytelling, backed by hip-hop beats. 10 August, 10am & 1pm.

Welcome Wall Workshop With Steven Chatterton
Steven Chatterton, author of Adnan, a picture book about a courageous child refugee, is presenting an interactive workshop where kids can create their own ‘welcome wall’.  10 August, 11.45am.

The Super Sunny Murder Club With Maisie Chan, Elle McNicoll, Serena Patel & Harry Woodgate
This anthology of mystery stories is aimed at 9 –12 year olds with a thirst for suspense. Join three of the book’s authors, plus illustrator Harry Woodgate to find out how to craft your own mystery. 10 August, 2.15pm.

Sensational Sci-Fi With Alistair Chisholm
Edinburgh author Alistair Chisholm is known for his wry, gender-subverting picture books. Now he’s penned a middle grade sci-fi tale, Reek, set in a future where oxygen costs money. 11 August, 2.45pm.

Make A Supersonic Beano Comic
Does anything scream ‘Scottish childhood’ more than The Beano? No. So pass on the baton and get your weans along to this event with Beano’s ‘Directors of Mischief and Mayhem’ as they live-draw a comic with audience help. 11 August, 2pm.

Plant To Plate Power With Darryl Gadzekpo And Ella Phillips
Green-fingered or culinary-curious kids won’t want to miss this session with Darryl Gadzekpo and Ella Phillips, whose cooking adventures with their own children led to their book, From Plant To Plate. 11 August, 1.15pm

Silly Smells With Breanna J McDaniel
An ‘interactive workshop experience’ about farting sounds ominous. But Breanna J McDaniel’s Cute Toot picture book, about a gassy game of hide and seek, looks irresistible for young children. 12 August, 11.15am.

Burds Are Meant Tae Fly With Emma Grae
Scots author Emma Grae introduces her book The Hoolet Thit Couldnae Fly. Through a story about a missing bird, Grae is hoping to empower kids to use the Scots tongue. 12 August, 2.45pm.

The Front List: Alice Oseman
Part of the festival’s Front List programme, Alice Oseman, author of the web comic-turned-Netflix series Heartstopper, joins Lauren James to chat first loves, friendships and mental health. 13 August, 1.30pm.

Gaelic Bookbug With Scottish Book Trust
Scottish Book Trust’s much-loved Bookbug programme is presenting a special Gaelic series. Introduce babies to Gaelic songs and poetry, with no prior knowledge of the language needed.  14 August, 10am & 11am.

Journey Through UK History With Lisa Williams
Edinburgh’s Lisa Williams is known for her outstanding Black History Walking Tours. Now she’s authored The Big Book Of UK History for ages 6–9, covering everything from Hadrian’s Wall to bagpipes. 18 August, 10am.

Aint No Party Like A Grimwood Party! With Nadia Shireen
Nadia Shireen’s hugely acclaimed Grimwood series invites you into its weird and wonderful world. Discover the latest instalment, plus have a go at creating your own crazed cartoons. 18 August, 10.45am.

Out Of This World With Michael Rosen
Children’s fiction legend Michael Rosen has penned over 150 books. He’s presenting poems from his new collection, Out Of This World, but has also promised a few old favourites too. 18 August, 1.30pm.

A Colourful Celebration With Dean Atta
Award-winning poet Dean Atta debuts his picture book for ages 3– 6. When little Ari discovers a piece of pink confetti behind her sofa, her world bursts into colour. 24 August, 11.15am.

Poets For Peace
A line-up of acclaimed poets, including former Makar Jackie Kay and Instagram star Nikita Gill, use the power of words to emphasise the importance of peace. 24 August, 1.30pm.

Forgotten Jellybeans And Beautiful Daydreams With Alex Wharton
Children’s Laureate for Wales, Alex Wharton, performs poetry, songs and rap from his various collections, along with offering top tips on how to start writing your own poems. 25 August, 10am.

Rainbow Parade With Elmer The Elephant
Panto superstar Mama G invites the whole family to dress in rainbow colours and enter the world of iconic patchwork elephant Elmer, for this storytime that celebrates being yourself. 25 August, 11.30am.

Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent

Delving Into Discworld With Rhianna Pratchett & Gabrielle Kent
Video game writer Rhianna Pratchett (daughter of Terry) is joined by Gabrielle Kent, author of Tiffany Aching's Guide To Being A Witch, to explore the witches of Discworld25 August, 12.15pm.

Drawing With Jarvis
Jarvis, the author behind the beloved Bear And Bird series, talks about the inspiration for his latest instalment, as well as sharing tips for budding illustrators. 25 August, 2.45pm. 

All events at Edinburgh Futures Institute (except The Front List: Alice Oseman at McEwan Hall).

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