“Sadly, this is the first year in many that neither I, nor Firefly will be involved directly. So, in spirit it will have to be, which is completely fine as the interweb has come to the rescue once more.
It’s bittersweet, as I think this year’s line up is as good as any”
Robin Bennet, Creative Director & Author
The Edinburgh International Book Festival 2020 is in full swing with a twist. Running from the 15th till the 31st August, the world’s largest book festival has gone online this year. The events are available to stream in over 30 countries and available to watch at any time following their premier date.
Here at Firefly Press we’re huge fans of the festival and whilst we’re sad that we won’t be making our annual trip up to sunny Scotland, we’re looking forward to getting into the festival spirit at home.
So, without further ado, here is our pick of the best Edinburgh Book Festival Children’s Events!
Illustrate your Feelings with Dunja Jogan
It’s been a tough year for everyone, kids included, so we think this mindful event is the perfect way to kick off.
Dunja Jogan’s Felix After the Rain is a lesson on the importance of being kind to ourselves and others. This is something that we can all resonate with, especially now. Her event includes a special author’s reading, followed by a mindfulness drawing session that kids and adults alike can get involved with. Sounds perfect.
Jogan’s event will be available from Sunday August 30 at 10am, suitable for ages 4+.
Why Plastic Isn’t Fantastic with Dapo Adelo & Nathan Byron
We think that publishing children’s books about the environment and global warming is incredibly important at the moment. That’s why this event for the sequel to the award-winning children’s book, LOOK UP! is right up our street.
The event with Dapo Adeola and Nathan Bryon includes an exclusive author’s reading of CLEAN UP! and a chat about what young people can do to help fight plastic pollution.
The event is available from Saturday August 22 at 10am, for ages 5+.
Time Travelling with Patience Agbabi & Ben Miller
We love a good sci-fi book here at Firefly Press so we’re very excited for Agbabi and Miller’s space-themed event.
Explore space and time as the authors sit down with Faridah Àbíké-Íyímíde to discuss their new books: The Leap Cycle and The Boy Who Made the World Disappear. Space, time travel and more – it sounds like the possibilities are endless.
The event will be streamed from Wednesday August 26 at 10am for ages 8+. And if you find yourself hungry for more space-themed adventures afterwards, be sure to check out our collection of sci-fi books for kids.
Voices from the Past with Patrice Lawrence & Bali Rai
The next event promises to be a true inspiration as Lawrence and Rai sit down to discuss the diverse and untold stories of historical figures who made Britain their home.
The award-winning author Patrice Lawrence will share the story of Eve, an East African girl living in the slums of London, who becomes involved in a mission to rescue a shipwreck. Bestselling children’s author Bali Rai will tell Fazal Khan’s journey from his Indian home to the WW2 battlefield.
The live event streams on Wednesday August 19, for ages 8+ and will involve a Q&A session, which is great way to get the kids involved. The event will be available to re-watch for the remainder of the month. Be sure to check out our teen and children’s history books too.
Formidable Femmes with Lari Don & Eilidh Muldoon
Last but not least, Don and Muldoon’s event celebrates rebellious heroines from tales, myths and legends throughout the world.
We love books with a strong female lead so we’re keen to see what stories the duo will share with us. Listen to Don’s engaging reading of the stories whilst Muldoon brings the inspiring characters to life with her illustrations.
The event is available to watch from Tuesday August 18, at 10am for ages 8+.
We hope you enjoy our selection of the best Edinburgh Book Festival Children’s Events of 2020. While the delivery may be different from previous years, the quality of the family events looks to be as good as ever.
What children’s book events are you looking forward to? Let us know if there’s any you think we missed!
Photo Credit: Julia Solonina