The recently appointed Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson is this year's Guest Selector at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August.
The role of Children's Laureate is awarded once every two years to an eminent writer or illustrator of children's books. The Gruffalo author has already been outspoken about library closures to save money, and the importance of the printed word over e-books and the internet.
Janet Smyth, Director of the RBS Children’s Programme, said of Donaldson's choices for the EIBF: “her events reflect the scope of the programme as a whole and involve illustration, drama, song, debate and plenty of interaction."
The RBS Children’s Programme of The Edinburgh International Book Festival has this year been "re-imagined" to reflect changing attitudes. Familiar books are explored from a new angle: Tarzan as eco warrior, a Sherlock Holmes inspired graphic novel, and a modern take on Geoffrey Chaucer.
Returning Edinburgh authors include Jacqueline Wilson, Andy Stanton and Robert Muchamore as well as illustration workshops with Axel Scheffler and David Roberts.
Leading Finnish writers and illustrators such as Riitta Jalonen prove there’s more to Finland than the Moomins; the Italian author Fabio Geda tells an astonishing story of human endurance; and New Zealanders Kate De Goldi and Peter Millett will share stories from down under.
Choreographer and star judge of So You Think You Can Dance Arlene Phillips will be leaping her way into Charlotte Square Gardens this summer with Alana Dancing Star, while Francesca Simon will bring Horrid Henry along for some mischief. Dr Susan Stewart will reveal the beauty secrets of Ancient Rome, and Patrick Ness will share his moving novel A Monster Calls.
Janet Smyth said: "Nick Sharratt will undoubtedly draw a big crowd as our Illustrator in Residence and our ‘re-imagination and reflection’ theme involves authors revisiting favourite tales from Twelfth Night to Tarzan. We welcome authors from Scotland and from abroad, including Australian Oscar winner Shaun Tan, to talk, draw, sing and inspire young readers of all ages.”
The Edinburgh International Book Festival opens on Saturday 13 August and the public programme runs until Monday 29 August, with the RBS Schools Gala day closing the Festival on Tuesday 30 August.
Read the Edinburgh Book Festival preview