PRESS RELEASE

Scottish Book Trust launches new Children’s Festival

                        Scottish Book Trust, Scotland’s leading agency for the promotion of literature, reading and writing, is launching a new Children’s Festival to take place from March 1st to 7th, featuring Scottish children’s authors and illustrators taking part in 19 school events and 4 public family events, a series of author residencies in five Edinburgh primary schools and a special exhibition of illustrations.

The four public events will take place in Edinburgh on Saturday 1st and Tuesday 4th March and will include sessions with Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, young Glasgow illustrator Ross Collins, and a free Bookstart Rhymetime session for babies and toddlers:

Tiddler and Co with Julia Donaldson (Age: 4-10 years)

Saturday 1st March at 2.30 pm - Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre

An hour of singing and fun with the author of The Gruffalo and many other popular children’s books. After the event, Julia will be signing copies of her books!

Ross Collins (Age: 7-10 years)

Saturday 1st March at 1.00 pm - Sandeman House, Scottish Book Trust

Ross Collins will tell all about Germs and will draw any monsters his audience can come up with and give brilliant tips of how to create their own.

Judy Paterson and Sally J Collins (Age: 7-10 years)

Saturday 1st March at 1.00 pm - Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre

An interactive workshop with author Judy Paterson and Illustrator Sally J Collins, where children can learn how to turn a story into a picture book

An exhibition of Sally Collins and Judy Paterson’s work will be on display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre from 23rd February to 5th April 2008.

Bookstart Rhymetime(Age: 0-3 years)

Tuesday 4th March at 10.30 am - Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre

A lively session of rhymes and songs for babies and parents.

Box Office: 0131 556 9579 – Tickets: £5 (Family Ticket: 4 tickets for £15)

Bookstart Rhymetime is free but ticketed

Scottish Book Trust: Sandeman House Trunks Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

Scottish Storytelling Centre: 43-45 High Street