My Bath Children's Literature Festival Picks

2013 has been a sad year for me. Not only did I finish university, I had to leave my adopted city of the beautiful Bath. That also meant that I don’t get to go to any events of the absolutely amazing Bath Children’s Literature Festival. When the catalogue of events when live I cried a little because of how amazing the line-up is, especially as last year wasn’t as good as it had been the previous two years.

So as I can’t go, I’m going to tell you which events you should go to on my behalf.

Sunday 29^th September

David Levithan

5:30pm, Mission Theatre, C25

David Levithan is over here for a few events to talk about his amazing new book, Every Day. If I was back in Bath, I’d be there like a shot. Luckily he’s doing an event in London a few days after this which I have a ticket for!

Monday 30^th September

Geekathon with Holly Smale and Andy Robb

7:30pm, Guildhall, D8

I’ve only read Geek Girl out of these two, but it was enough for me to be dying to met Holly and hear her speak. I’d probably end up walking away with a copy of Geekhood as well...

Tuesday 1^st October

Meg Rosoff and Anthony McGowan

6pm, Guildhall, E4

I met Meg Rosoff at the festival in 2010 when she was on a panel with Melvin Burgess and David Almond; I can honestly say it was one of the best events I’ve ever been too. Meg is as wonderfully sharp, intelligent and engaging as her novels. I’d be at this event hours early in excitement.

Thursday 3^rd October

The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet with Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter

5pm, Guildhall

I love me some McFly and even though I haven’t read either of their picture books, I’d jump at the chance to meet these lovely, lovely boys and get their books signed. I hink they’d be awkwardly hilarious.

Tanya Byrne: Follow Me Down

7:30pm, Guildhall, G7

I’m a huge fan of Tanya Byrne’s novels and the lovely lady herself. I’m jump at the chance to see her in conversation with Steve Voake, author and my old creative writing teacher, and get to meet her.

Saturday 5^th October

E-writing with Siobhan Curham

2:30pm, Holburne Museum, J17

I think this would be a fantastic and really useful workshop to go to. And I’d love to meet Siobhan as well!

David Almond on Skellig

1pm, Mission Theatre, K10

To celebrate the 15^th anniversary of the wonderful Skellig, David Almond is discussing the novel. I’ve been to one of his events in the past and had a seminar taught by him in my final year and he’s a fantastic speaker. I’d be there in a heartbeat.

Crown of Midnight

4pm, Mission Theatre, K21

Sarah J Maas’s series has fast become a favourite of mine so I’d love to meet the woman herself and hear her talk about the series on her first visit to the UK. I do believe Sarah’s doing a few other events while she’s over here so I’m definitely going to do my best to get to one!

More Than This with Patrick Ness

6pm, Guildhall, K23

Though I’m yet to read one of Patrick Ness’ novels (I know, I’m shameful) I’d love to hear him talk and get my books signed – I do have a few! He’s a fascinating man and you guys must love him for a reason!

A few more highlights: Cressida Cowell, Charlie Higson, John Boyne, Cathy Cassidy, Malorie Blackman and Eoin Colfer.

Here’s the full programme.

What events would/are you going to?

Sophie