Be sure to bring the kids and the dog along to the launch of Libby Hathorn’s newest book, A Solider, a Dog and a Boy. The event is part of the Newcastle Writers Festival Kids Program and will be held in front of City Library from 4:30pm on Friday April 1.
Australia’s most loved narrator of children’s books, Stig Wemyss, the launch of award-winning author Libby Hathorn’s newest book and a family fun day are all part of an exciting line up for this year’s Newcastle Writers Festival Kids Program, hosted by Newcastle Region Library.
Wemyss, the voice of more than 150 audio books, presents an hilarious show that includes interactive games, stories, comedy and dynamic reading from Andy Griffiths’ books.
Hathorn is an internationally renowned, award-winning author and poet of more than 50 books for children, teens and adults.
Together with illustrator Phil Leslie, she will launch her new book, A Solider, a Dog and a Boy, about friendship and the human spirit during war to coincide with the 2016 centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
The book was inspired by the author’s uncle, who fought in that World War One catatastrophe, and a photograph of a returned Australian soldier holding open a big sack, from which a French boy steps.
The event will include a book reading by the author, appearances and book signings by both the author and the illustrator, a dog parade and competitions with prizes, stalls with dog products and services, plus free art making activities.
“The 2016 kids program is a celebration of literature and creativity,” Newcastle Region Library Manager Suzie Gately said.
“Children will have a rare chance to meet and interact with national authors, illustrators and poets and enjoy a range of fun activities. The events on Friday and Saturday are interactive for the whole family; on Friday even the family pooch can join in.”
A family fun day on Saturday 2 April will give families the chance to read, listen, dance and make things together in craft classes. Roving illustrators will be sketching all the fun of the festival, which will also include a farm animal petting zoo.
Schools are invited to take part in a series of author talks, illustration and writing workshops by authors and illustrators Steven Herrick, Judith Rossell, Tony Flowers, Serena Geddes, Michael Gerrard Bauer and Lisa Shanahan.
For more information about the event, visit this website.
