The Edinburgh Book Festival opens in Charlotte Square Gardens on August 12 with a full programme of talks and activities for children of all ages. Many prize-winning authors and illustrators will be there, among them Theresa Breslin, Gillian Cross, Trish Cooke and Lesley Howarth.
On August 17, two authors who are well-known for their books for adults and children will speak at a TES Scotland-sponsored event at 5 pm. Joan Lingard will be talking about her latest book for young teenagers, Lizzie’s Leaving (Hamish Hamilton) and her new novel for adults, Dreams of Love and Modest Glory, (Sinclair- Stevenson), which is set in Riga, Aberdeen and St Petersburg. Both books will be published during the festival as well as paperback editions of After Colette (for adults) and Night Fires (for children).
Jill Paton Walsh, following the success of Knowledge of Angels, wrote that being an established children’s writer didn’t help a novelist trying to publish for adults, in fact it could count against her. Knowledge of Angels, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, was originally published privately.
Other highlights of the festival include Terry Pratchett, Ralph Steadman (on illustrating a new edition of Animal Farm), an exhibition of Ian Beck’s work, and a debate on recommended reading for young people organised by the Youth Libraries Group.
Full programme details on 0131 228 5444. Tickets from Box O, Edinburgh Book Festival, Scottish Book Centre, 137 Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH11 1BG.
