The Cheltenham Literature Festival is a much-loved annual event that sees a host of talented writers and illustrators share their much-loved stories with us. Here at Firefly Press we’re huge fans of the Family tent which usually boasts talks from some of the biggest talents in Children’s Literature.
Sadly, this year not quite as many of us will be able to attend the fun of the festival in person as only a limited number of tickets will be available, due to social distancing regulations. However, no need to cry just yet, as many of the events will be live streamed online for free!
With that in mind, here is a list of the Cheltenham Children’s Literature Events that we’ll be tuning into this year.
Rob Biddulph: Dog Gone
We’re kicking off our list with a bit of colouring in fun with Rob Biddulph’s Dog Gone event. Following off the success of his #drawwithrob lockdown series, Rob will be sharing his brand new book Dog Gone with us, alongside a master drawing and illustration class.
Dogs and drawing, what’s not to love? Rob’s Event is on Sunday 4th October at 12pm and Thursday 8th October at 8am, suitable for ages 5+.
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara: Little People Big Dreams
Next up is Marua Isabel Sánchez Vegara’s inspirational event, Little People Big Dreams. Guaranteed to help kids chase their own dreams, Maria will be sharing the true stories of real-life child heroes such as Greta Thunberg.
Maria’s event is on Monday 5th October at 8am, suitable for ages 5+. And if that’s too early for you, why not check out Firefly’s real life children’s books?
Humza Arshad: Little Badman: Stories Aloud
We’re expecting a few laughs from comedian Humza Arshad and his new children’s adventure book Little Badman and the Time Travelling Doctor of Doom, co-written by Henry White.
Humza Arshad’s event will feature a special author’s reading and a draw along session with Little Badman’s illustrator, Aleksei Bitskoff. Guaranteed mischief, adventure, evil teachers and killer robots – we can’t wait to hear more!
Humza’s event is on Wednesday 7th October at 8am, suitable for ages 8+. Be sure to check out Firefly’s own collection of action packed children’s comedy books afterwards.
CLiPPA Poetry Award Show
We can’t pass up on the children’s poetry event of the year. We’ll be watching the CLiPPA awards show live with Chris Riddell, children’s author and illustrator, to find out who this year’s winner is.
We’re looking forward to hearing Chris’ thoughts on this year’s shortlist. I’m sure we will also hear all about it from his daughter, Katy Riddell, who is illustrating an up-coming Firefly Press book: Daydream and Jellybeans by Alex Wharton.
In the meantime, the CLiPPA Awards show is on Friday 9th October at 2pm, suitable for ages 6+.
Greg James and Chris Smith: Kid Normal
We’re looking forward to tuning into Greg and Chris’ party with an author’s reading and musical accompaniment to their Kid Normal and the Final Five superhero book series with a twist. Join in on the event to find out what happens to the Super Zeroes on their final adventure!
Greg and Chris’ event is on Saturday 3rd October at 1pm and Thursday 8th October at 8am, suitable for ages 8+.
Guess How Much I Love You Storyteller Show
Last but not least, we’re looking forward to celebrating the much-anticipated sequel to Guess How Much I Love You by Same McBratney and Anita Jeram.
Liz Frost will lead the very special event with a reading from the original family favourite, as well as introducing Will You Be My Friend – a new story about love and friendship.
The event is on Saturday 10th October at 12pm and Wednesday 14th October at 8am, suitable for little ones aged 3+.
Will you be attending the Cheltenham Literature Festival 2020? Let us know what Family Events you’re looking forward to!