Delivering Postman Pat’s story link to book festival
Boswell director Caroline is postie publisher
Young bookworms are being encouraged to get along to the Boswell Book Festival.
new The marquee next generation and oodles of readers of children’s get a authors to meet.
The Childrens Festival – on at Dumfries House on Saturday and Sunday May 5 and 6 – is being spurred on by main festival director Caroline Knox.
For Caroline is a major children’s publisher herself – and brought out the Postman Pat book in 1981.
She said: “It’s very exciting to see the Festival grow into a full action- packed weekend of talks.
“Having invited celebrated children’s author Vivian French to contribute to the Festival’s development since it was launched seven years ago, we, together with a burgeoning team of authors and artists, have managed to create a vibrant programme that simply goes from strength to strength.
“With the new Bozzy marquee, there are more talks and something for all the family over the May holiday weekend.”
The children’s festival line- up includes zoologist and writer Nicola Davies, former presenter of BBC’s The Really Wild Show, Anthony Horowitz, creator of the best- selling Alex Rider novels, and the “hilarious” Gary Northfield, creator of the Teenytinysaurs and the four- footed “gladiator” Julius Zebra. t recipient of the 2018 Scottish Book Trust Outstanding Achievement Award, cheerfully describes her role as “polyfilla.”
She said: “I help suggest exciting things we can do and people to invite. There are events for all ages, and a lot of fun things which are interactive.”
The Festival offers children the opportunity to talk with real- life “naval heroes”, David Craig and John Patterson, who survived Nazi bombardment and an unexploded bomb in their ship’s coalbunker.”
French’s own events include ‘ Do you like swimming?’ ‘ Spooky Fun’, and ‘ A Great Adventure’, for younger children.
The work begins long before the festival when French and illustrator Eilidh Muldoon spend time in three local primary schools, working with the children to create colourful literary maps of the area which will be displayed at the festival.
“Vivian’s involvement has contributed hugely to its growing success.” Says Caroline Knox, “It’s all about stimulating creativity and trying to make books and reading and stories very accessible and fun.
“As in the days of ‘ Postman Pat’ I remain committed to get children reading.” www. boswellbookfestival.co.uk Tickets £ 2 plus many free events.