WOKINGHAM Children’s Book Festival this October is fully in person once again, with some of the sessions also being streamed.
The two day festival will enable young readers to meet and listen to authors of children’s books, while having fun and learning about the process of writing.
There are 17 authors and illustrators heading the event this year:
Manjeet Mann, actress, playwright, Screenwriter and director. Her organisation Run The World, works with women and girls from marginalised backgrounds, empowering them through sport and storytelling.
Amanda Quartey, illustrator, was born in London but moved to Ghana, before returning to the UK to study graphic design.
Christopher Edge spent his childhood dreaming up stories in a Manchester library. He now dreams up stories in the library where he lives in Gloucestershire.
Dapo Adeola is a multi award winning author and illustrator, known for the Look Up picture book series, and winning book, Hey You.
Holly Webb is one of the UK’s best loved children’s writers, having written over 100 books, which have been translate into more than 30 languages.
Jane Elson, actress and comedy improviser, fell into writing stories and plays. Her debut novel was A Room Full Of Chocolate, with her books winning many awards.
Louie Stowell started her career writing carefully researched books about space, ancient Egypt, politics and science but eventually lapsed into ‘just making stuff up’.
Michael Catchpool, a former primary school headteacher, has authored several picture books, sketches and scripts for schools.
Nizrana Farook, was born and raised in Sri Lanka, so the landscapes of her home country find their way into the stories she writes. She now lives with her family in Hertfordshire.
Ross Welford was a journalist and TV producer before becoming a full-time writer. He lives in London with his wife, children, a border collie and tropical fish.
Sean Taylor has written more than 60 books. He’s best known for his picture books: Hoot Owl Master of Disguise; A Brave Bear; and How To Be Cooler Than Cool!
Sophy Henn is an award winning author and illustrator with an MA in illustration. She created the much loved Bad Nana fiction series and the Pom Pom series.
Steve Antony is the author and illustrator of many books, including best seller The Queen’s Hat, and Please Mr Panda. He recently illustrated an adaptation of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Peter Bently.
Sufiya Ahmed worked in advertising, and in the House of Commons before becoming a full-time author. Her organisation BIBI arranges visits for children from underprivileged backgrounds to the Houses of Parliament.
Tim Tilley studied illustration and now teaches children’s book illustrating in London. He loves collecting and drawing beautiful snapshots of nature.
Rikin Parekh studied art before designing monsters for the film industry. He writes and sells books for a national chain. His latest picture book, Yes You Can Cow, was published this year.
Yijing LI, originally from China, is a London-based graphic designer and illustrator. Through The Forest is her debut picture book.
Young visitors to the festival can expect to see the authors at the following times:
Saturday, October 15, in the Town Hall.
9.45am Holly Webb
11.15am Dapo Adeola
1.30pm Jane Elson
3pm Steve Antony
Sunday, October 16, in the Town Hall.
9.45am Manjeet Mann and Amanda Quartey
11.15am Ross Welford
1.30pm Sophy Henn
3pm Michael Catchpool
Sunday, October 16, at Wokingham Library.
10am Sufiya Ahmed
10.15 Rikin Parekh
11.30am Yijing Li
11.45am Louie Stowell
1.15pm Christopher Edge
1.45pm Tim Tilley
2.45pm Sean Taylor
3.15pm Nizrana Farook
In person events take place in Wokingham’s Town Hall, RG40 2AX, and at Wokingham Library, RG40 2AF.
In person tickets cost £3 per seat, and access to the streamed sessions costs £3 per household.
Books can be purchased at the event, or online, where links can be found on the authors page of the Festival website.
The event is run by Wokingham Town Council, in conjunction with Wokingham Borough Council’s Library Service, Love Wokingham, and Wokingham MoreArts.
For more information call: 0118 974 0889 (8.30am to 5pm), email artsandculture@wokingham-tc-gov.uk
To book a session and for information, log on to: www://wokingham-tc.gov.uk/bookfest/
