Best-selling children’s authors lined up to speak at book festival

Three of the country’s best-loved children’s authors are coming to Derby Theatre to speak during the forthcoming Derby Book Festival.

During schools’ half-term, Lauren Child, David Baddiel and will be coming to talk about their latest books.

Lauren will reveal her latest book, Clarice Bean: Scram! on Monday 30 May at 2pm.

This will be followed by David Baddiel, who will discuss his latest book, The Boy Who Got Accidentally Famous on Tuesday 31 May at 2pm.

Finally, Jacqueline will talk about her latest book, The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure on Wednesday 1 June at 2pm.

Tickets for all three events are now on sale.

Derby Book Festival is funded by Arts Council England and the University of Derby, with additional sponsorship from local businesses.

It will include around 70 events taking place from 20 to 28 May in venues across the city, with these three special events offered the following week during the schools’ half term to enable children and parents to attend the matinée performances.

The festival is now a well-established part of the city’s cultural calendar and celebrates the joy of books and reading.

It has a successful schools’ programme involving around 90% of the city’s primary schools with its popular ‘Meet the Author’ events held at Derby Theatre and live streamed to schools.

Festival chair Liz Fothergill, who is also Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, said: “The festival is back in full force in 2022 and we are delighted to welcome three much=loved children’s authors to appeal across a range of ages.

“We believe that children should be inspired from a very young age to develop their creativity through a love of reading and by experiencing the joy that books can bring to their lives, taking them to new worlds and helping them to understand our own.

“Our festival is putting Derby firmly on the literary map and attracting world class authors each year.

“We believe it is the largest and most successful literary festival in the East Midlands and something Derby can be proud of.”

For more information about all festival events and to book tickets www.derbybookfestival.co.uk.