9 October 2012

Reading is child's play at Literary Festival

Writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson and a host of other much-loved children's authors will head up a series of events for young booklovers at the Dundee Literary Festival later this month.

The author of Horace and the Haggis Hunter and her husband Norman Stone, who illustrated the book, will be appearing at the University of Dundee-led festival on Saturday, 27th October. They will present an interactive show based on the exploits of Horace and friends that will have the young crowd laughing one minute and on the edge of their seat the next.

The duo head up one of five children's events taking place at the five-day festival. On Thursday, 25th October, picture book author Lari Don will give a storytelling session for pre-school age children, while those aged 10+ are invited to hear Matt Cartney talk about his Danny Lansing series of adventure novels on the same day.

Joan Lennon will read from her Slightly Jones series for children 8+ on Saturday, 27th October, when the same age group can also enjoy Gillian Philip share the secrets of her award-winning Rebel Angels fantasy books.

All children's events at the festival are free, but ticketed, and take place at Bonar Hall, with the exception of Joan Lennon, who will be appearing at The McManus: Dundee's Art Museum and Gallery,

Director Anna Day said encouraging youngsters to read was vital to the ethos of the Dundee Literary Festival.

"We passionately believe that literary festivals are not just for grown-ups, that they should exist to introduce people to the joy of reading at an early age," she said. "With that in mind, we've put together a fantastic line-up of authors that kids absolutely love.

"We're looking forward to welcoming our young visitors, and are delighted to have been able to make these events free to help hard-pressed families. They are ticketed though, so I'd encourage parents to get them as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."

The 2012 Dundee Literary Festival is the biggest to date, with a total of 42 events scheduled to take place from October 24th-28th. Leading figures from the world of fiction, poetry, journalism, comics and the publishing industry will take part in a series of workshops, talks, book signings, and readings.

For more information about all Literary Festival events, or to buy tickets, please visit www.literarydundee.co.uk. Tickets are also available from Literary Dundee, 6th floor, Tower Building, University of Dundee, tel 01382 384413.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277